What to Do Immediately After
Storm Damage to Your Home

Before anything else: make sure it's safe

Before you walk outside to assess damage, check for structural hazards. If part of your roof has collapsed, stay out of that area of the home. If you see downed power lines on or near your property, stay well clear — treat every downed line as live until a utility worker tells you otherwise. If there is any doubt about the safety of the structure, leave and call 911.

Once you've confirmed the home is safe to move through, the clock starts on a set of steps that will affect your insurance claim, your repair timeline, and how much of the damage gets covered.

Step 1: Document everything before you touch anything

This is the most critical step, and the most commonly skipped. Homeowners see damage and immediately want to start cleaning up. The instinct is understandable. It's also costly.

Photograph and video every piece of damage you can see — roof, siding, windows, gutters, garage doors, vehicles in the driveway, fencing, landscaping. Get wide shots and close-ups. Walk the perimeter. Check the backyard. Don't skip anything because it seems minor.

Your phone timestamp is your best friend here. The date and time of your documentation establishes that the damage occurred from this specific storm — not from deferred maintenance. Insurance adjusters look for this distinction.

If there is a tree on your structure, document it thoroughly before calling anyone to remove it. The removal will happen quickly — the damage it caused needs to be on record first.

Step 2: Call your insurance company

File your claim as soon as possible — the same day if you can. Early claims get earlier adjuster appointments. In the immediate aftermath of a major storm, adjusters get backed up quickly and wait times extend.

When you call, ask for:

Your claim number and the name of your assigned adjuster. What's covered under your policy for this type of damage. Whether emergency repairs require prior approval — some policies require this before you spend money on temporary fixes. What documentation your adjuster needs from the contractor.

Do not wait until you've found a contractor to call your insurer. Start the claim process immediately and find the contractor in parallel.

Step 3: Make safe, temporary repairs if needed

If there is an active leak, a broken window, or structural exposure to weather, you may need to make temporary repairs before a contractor can get on site. Document everything before you start. Keep every receipt. Take photos of the temporary repair as you make it.

Most homeowner policies cover reasonable emergency mitigation costs — tarps, plywood, water extraction. Your policy language matters here, so confirm with your insurer before spending significantly.

Do not attempt roof repairs yourself. Do not climb on a damaged structure.

Step 4: Find a verified local contractor — not a storm chaser

After every named storm, out-of-state contractors appear in affected neighborhoods. They knock on doors, offer fast estimates, and collect deposits. Some complete the work. Many don't.

This is a well-documented pattern in the home service industry. Ohio's Attorney General receives hundreds of storm-chaser complaints after major weather events. The common thread: out-of-state contractors with no permanent presence, no Ohio license, and no accountability when the work fails or isn't completed.

Step 5: Get a written estimate before any work begins

A legitimate contractor will provide a written estimate that itemizes materials, labor, and timeline. The estimate should be detailed enough that your insurance adjuster can review it line by line. Refuse any contractor who asks you to sign a contract before providing a written estimate, or who asks for a large deposit before work begins.

Standard practice is a small materials deposit — typically 10–20% — with the balance due on completion. Any contractor asking for 50% or more upfront before work begins is a warning sign.

What to expect from your insurance adjuster

Your adjuster will inspect the property, usually within one to two weeks of filing the claim (longer after major storms). They will assess covered damage versus pre-existing conditions and wear. Your contractor's documentation — photos, written assessment, itemized estimate — should align with your adjuster's findings.

If you believe the adjuster's assessment is too low, you have the right to request a re-inspection or hire a public adjuster. A public adjuster works on your behalf — typically for a percentage of the settlement — and can be worth it for large claims.

For Northeast Ohio homeowners

If you have storm damage in Northeast Ohio and need to connect with a verified local contractor, submit your request here. We match you with licensed, insured contractors who are permanently based in your area and use CallLegend to ensure they answer every call.