What should I do first after a storm?
Safety comes before the roof. Stay away from fallen power lines and anything touching them, and do not walk on a wet or damaged roof.
A short checklist
- Check that everyone is safe and that no tree is leaning on the house.
- Take photos from the ground of shingle pieces, dented items, fallen limbs and any water inside.
- Move belongings away from leaks and put out buckets.
- Cover openings with a properly secured tarp only if it can be done safely, or ask a crew to do it.
- Read your insurance policy for the reporting deadline and your wind and hail deductible, which is often a percentage rather than a flat amount.
- Call for an inspection before any permanent repair.
Keep receipts for temporary protection. Insurers often ask for them.

