Next Steps
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Check that everyone in your household is safe before beginning cleanup or inspecting damage.
Check that everyone in your household is safe before beginning cleanup or inspecting damage.
2. Watch for Immediate Hazards
Stay away from downed power lines, damaged trees, flooded areas, and other potentially dangerous conditions.
Stay away from downed power lines, damaged trees, flooded areas, and other potentially dangerous conditions.
3. Check for Structural Damage
Inspect your home from the outside before entering if you suspect serious structural damage.
Inspect your home from the outside before entering if you suspect serious structural damage.
4. Document the Damage
Take photographs and videos of damage before cleanup begins whenever it is safe to do so.
Take photographs and videos of damage before cleanup begins whenever it is safe to do so.
5. Protect Valuables
Move valuables away from active leaks, standing water, or other areas where additional damage may occur.
Move valuables away from active leaks, standing water, or other areas where additional damage may occur.
6. Prevent Additional Damage
Take reasonable temporary steps to prevent further damage when it is safe to do so.
Take reasonable temporary steps to prevent further damage when it is safe to do so.
7. Contact Your Insurance Company
If appropriate, report the damage and ask your insurance company about its claims process and next steps.
If appropriate, report the damage and ask your insurance company about its claims process and next steps.
8. Keep Your Receipts
Save receipts for emergency supplies and temporary protective measures related to the storm damage.
Save receipts for emergency supplies and temporary protective measures related to the storm damage.
9. Be Careful With Permanent Repairs
Avoid making permanent repairs until you understand your insurance company’s recommendations, unless immediate action is necessary to protect people or prevent additional damage.
Avoid making permanent repairs until you understand your insurance company’s recommendations, unless immediate action is necessary to protect people or prevent additional damage.
10. Have the Damage Inspected
Contact a qualified local contractor to inspect the damage and discuss appropriate repair options.
Contact a qualified local contractor to inspect the damage and discuss appropriate repair options.
Helpful Reminder
Storm damage isn’t always easy to recognize. If you’re unsure whether your home has been damaged, consider having it inspected by a qualified professional before small problems become larger repairs.
Storm damage isn’t always easy to recognize. If you’re unsure whether your home has been damaged, consider having it inspected by a qualified professional before small problems become larger repairs.
Need help after a storm?
Browse JCTC contractor categories to find the type of local professional you need.
Browse JCTC contractor categories to find the type of local professional you need.
This checklist is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal, insurance, or professional advice. Storm damage varies from property to property. Always use your best judgment and contact emergency services if there is an immediate threat to life or safety.