When a storm strikes your home, the hours right after can be crucial for preventing further damage and protecting your property.
Taking quick, smart action after storm damage can save you thousands in repairs and help with your insurance claims.
From checking for safety hazards to documenting damage, the steps you take during this time can make a big difference in your recovery.
Storms can leave behind serious threats to your home’s structure and your family’s safety.
Begin by making sure everyone is safe, then inspect your property only when it is secure to do so.
Look for damage like broken windows, roof issues, or water intrusion, but avoid dangerous areas.
Use a flashlight instead of candles when inspecting in the dark to reduce fire risks.
Key Takeaways
- Assess your property safely after a storm passes and address urgent issues like water intrusion or structural damage to prevent more problems.
- Document all damage with photos and detailed notes before starting any cleanup to support your insurance claim.
- Contact your insurance provider promptly and consider a free professional inspection to find hidden damage.
Initial Safety Assessment
Before starting any cleanup or repairs, carefully check for safety hazards around your property.
Proper assessment helps prevent injuries and further damage during recovery.
Inspecting for Structural Damage
Start by looking at your home’s exterior from a safe distance.
Check for leaning walls, shifted foundations, or sagging roofs that could mean serious structural problems.
Do not enter your home if you see major damage to load-bearing walls or if the foundation looks unsafe.
Check windows and doors for proper sealing to stop more water from getting in.
Inspect your roof for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or pooling water.
Take photos and videos of all visible damage for insurance purposes.
This should be done as soon as possible after the storm passes.
NextGen Restoration offers free property inspections after storms, with experts who can spot damage you might miss.
Identifying Electrical and Gas Hazards
Electrical Hazards:
- Never touch downed power lines or objects touching them.
- Look for exposed wiring or sparking components.
- If you smell burning insulation, leave immediately.
- Turn off electricity at the main breaker if water has entered your home.
Gas Hazards:
- Check for the smell of natural gas (rotten egg odor).
- Listen for hissing sounds near gas appliances or lines.
- If you suspect a gas leak, do not use electrical switches, phones, or open flames.
- Leave right away and call your gas company from a safe place.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk after storms, especially when using generators.
Never use generators indoors or near windows, and install battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Personal Safety Equipment and Measures
Wear proper safety gear when inspecting or cleaning after a storm:
| Equipment | Purpose |
| Hard hats | Protect against falling debris |
| N95 masks | Filter airborne particles and mold |
| Heavy gloves | Guard against sharp objects |
| Waterproof boots | Prevent electrical shock in wet areas |
| Safety glasses | Shield eyes from debris |
Keep a flashlight with you to inspect dark areas if power is out.
Watch for hazards like exposed nails and broken glass when moving through damaged areas.
Do not enter flooded areas without proper protection, as water may be contaminated or hide dangerous debris.
If you find any hazardous conditions, leave immediately and call emergency services.
NextGen Restoration’s storm damage experts arrive with professional safety gear to assess your home’s condition safely.
Emergency Measures and Damage Prevention
Acting quickly after a storm can greatly reduce damage to your home.
Knowing what steps to take during power outages and how to prevent water from entering is essential for homeowners.
Dealing with Power Outages
Power outages are common after severe storms.
Check if the outage is only in your home or affects the neighborhood.
If it’s just your house, check your circuit breaker.
For longer outages, unplug electronics and appliances to prevent power-surge damage when electricity returns.
This protects items like TVs and computers.
Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead of candles for lighting.
If you use a generator, place it outdoors at least 20 feet from windows and doors.
Never run a generator inside your home or garage due to carbon monoxide risks.
NextGen Restoration offers free post-storm inspections and can quickly assess electrical system damage.
Preventing Water Intrusion
Water damage can quickly become a major problem.
Inspect your property for broken windows and roof damage that could let water in.
Use tarps to cover damaged roof sections or broken windows temporarily.
Secure tarps properly to keep them in place if winds continue.
Remove standing water with buckets, mops, or a wet-dry vacuum.
Even a small amount of water can cause mold within 24-48 hours.
Check gutters and downspouts to make sure they direct water away from your foundation.
Clear debris to keep drainage working properly.
Quick water prevention checklist:
- Cover roof damage with tarps
- Seal broken windows with plastic sheeting
- Move valuable items to higher ground
- Check sump pump operation
- Document all damage with photos
NextGen Restoration’s expert team responds fast to water intrusion problems to help minimize damage.
Initial Cleanup and Mitigation
Once the storm passes, quick cleanup can prevent more damage to your home.
Use proper safety measures and address water issues right away to protect your property and health.
Removing Debris Safely
Wear protective gear when handling storm debris.
Use sturdy gloves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, goggles, and masks to prevent injuries and exposure to harmful materials.
Check your property for immediate hazards like downed power lines or structural damage.
Never touch fallen power lines—call your utility company right away.
Start with small debris first and create separate piles for:
- Branches and vegetation
- Building materials
- Household items
- Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals)
Work methodically from the house outward.
For large debris, consider professional help to avoid injury.
Addressing Water and Mold Issues
Water damage needs immediate attention to stop mold growth.
Remove standing water using pumps or wet/dry vacuums.
Every hour counts when preventing mold.
Bring soft items like sofas, clothes, and rugs outside to dry in sunlight and fresh air if possible.
Sunlight helps stop mold growth.
Use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying inside.
Keep moisture levels below 50% to discourage mold.
Clean all surfaces that touched water with detergent and water.
For moldy areas, use a solution of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water.
NextGen Restoration offers fast response and free inspections to help homeowners recover after storms.
Health and Hygiene Maintenance
Taking care of your health is crucial during post-storm cleanup.
Good hygiene and protective measures help prevent illness and injury as you restore your home.
Ensuring Cleanliness Amid Cleanup
After a storm, keeping up with personal hygiene can be hard but is essential.
Set up a handwashing station with bottled water if needed.
Use hand sanitizer often, especially before eating or touching your face.
Store clean clothes in sealed plastic bags to keep them dry.
If possible, shower daily, even if you use temporary facilities.
Wash dishes with hot, soapy water and sanitize with a bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per gallon of water) if water is contaminated.
Brush teeth with bottled water only, never with possibly contaminated water.
Protection from Contaminants
Floodwaters often carry sewage, chemicals, and debris that are health risks.
Wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves, and N95 masks when cleaning up contaminated areas.
Change protective gear often to avoid spreading contamination.
Throw away gloves with any tears or holes right away.
Clean any cuts or scrapes with antiseptic and cover with waterproof bandages.
Even small wounds can get seriously infected from storm debris.
Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours after flooding.
Wear face protection and gloves when handling moldy materials.
Open windows and use fans to improve ventilation during cleanup.
Contact NextGen Restoration for a free inspection if you are concerned about contamination in your home.
Our team can help restore safe living conditions.
Documenting Damage and Contacting Insurance
After a storm, quick documentation and proper insurance communication can help your claim succeed.
These steps protect your finances and help ensure you get fair compensation for repairs.
Recording Damage for Claims
Document the date and time of the storm once it’s safe to check your property.
Take clear photos and videos of all visible damage, including roof issues, broken windows, fallen trees, and water intrusion.
Use your phone to make a detailed list of damaged items.
Be sure to get:
- Wide shots of the full damage
- Close-up images of specific spots
- Videos with narration explaining what you see
- Before photos if you have them
Save all receipts for emergency repairs and temporary accommodations.
Do not throw away damaged items until an insurance adjuster has checked them or given permission.
NextGen Restoration can provide free inspections to help find wind damage and structural issues you might not see right away.
Navigating Insurance Processes
Contact your insurance company as soon as you document damage.
Ask about your coverage, deductible, and the claims process while taking notes on all conversations.
Follow these steps to make your claim easier:
- File your claim promptly
- Request a claim number
- Ask when to expect an adjuster’s visit
- Find out what temporary repairs you can make
Prevent further damage by covering broken windows or roof leaks with tarps.
Insurance usually requires you to take steps to stop more problems.
Consider having a professional from NextGen Restoration present during your adjuster’s inspection.
Their expertise can help ensure nothing is missed and you have support during the insurance process.
Frequently Asked Questions
After a storm, homeowners often have urgent questions about protecting their property and filing claims.
Here are answers to some common questions to help you with recovery.
How should I assess my home for damage once the storm has passed?
Start by looking at your home’s exterior from a safe distance.
Look for missing shingles, downed power lines, or broken windows.
Once it’s safe, check your attic for leaks and look for water stains on ceilings.
Inspect gutters and downspouts for debris that could cause water backup.
Take photos of all damage, even minor issues.
What are the immediate steps to take if I discover flooding in my home?
Turn off your electricity at the main breaker if you can safely reach it.
Remove standing water as quickly as possible using pumps, wet vacuums, or buckets.
Begin drying out your home by opening doors and windows if the weather allows.
Use fans if power is safe, but do not use regular vacuums on wet areas.
Remove wet items, especially carpets and furniture, to prevent mold growth.
Who should I contact first if my property has suffered storm damage?
Contact your insurance company right away to start your claim.
Take detailed notes about who you speak with and what is discussed.
For serious structural damage or safety concerns, consider calling NextGen Restoration for a free inspection.
If you have downed power lines or electrical hazards, report them to your local utility company and stay away from the area.
What safety precautions should I follow during post-storm cleanup?
Wear protective gear like gloves, boots, eye protection, and masks during cleanup.
Never touch downed power lines or objects in contact with them.
Report electrical hazards to the police and utility company immediately.
Do not use generators indoors as they produce deadly carbon monoxide.
Keep generators outside, away from windows and doors.
Be careful of structural damage that could make your home unsafe.
If you are unsure about stability, consult professionals before entering.
What documentation is required for filing an insurance claim after storm damage?
Take detailed photos and videos of all damage before starting cleanup.
Keep all receipts for emergency repairs, temporary housing, and replacement items.
Make a list of damaged items with descriptions, age, and estimated value.
Include model or serial numbers if possible.
Document all communications with your insurance company, including dates, names, and conversation details.
How can I protect my home from further damage while awaiting repairs?
Cover broken windows and roof damage with tarps or plywood to stop more water from getting in.
Secure these coverings properly.
Remove valuable items from damaged areas and store them in dry, safe places.
Monitor for new leaks or problems, especially during more rain.
Early detection helps prevent minor issues from becoming major.
Consider contacting NextGen Restoration for professional temporary repairs.
Our team can quickly secure your property while you wait for permanent repairs.
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