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What Should You Do Immediately After Storm Damage?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

Safety First

Your first priority after a storm is safety for you and your family. Do not walk through standing water, especially if you suspect power lines are down. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave the area and call the gas company from a safe distance. Keep children and pets away from damaged zones until you know the risk is gone.

If your home has structural damage, such as cracked walls or a sagging ceiling, avoid entering until a professional checks it. Turn off the main power and water supply if you can do so without risk. If you live in Bellingham, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can act quickly during an emergency.

Document Everything

Once it is safe, take photos and videos of all damage, including water levels, broken windows, and fallen debris. Write down the date and time of the storm, and list any items that were damaged. This documentation helps your insurance claim and gives the pros a clear picture of what happened. Do not forget to capture the exterior of your home as well as the interior.

Save receipts for any emergency supplies you buy, like tarps or buckets. If you make temporary repairs, such as covering a hole in the roof, keep records of those efforts. Your insurance company will want to see evidence of both the damage and the steps you took to prevent further issues. Organize all paperwork in one folder for easy access later.

  • Take wide shots of each room
  • Capture close-ups of water lines and stains
  • Photograph serial numbers of appliances
  • Note the date and time of the storm
  • List damaged items with approximate value
  • Record any temporary repairs you made

Stop Further Water Entry

If you can do it safely, try to stop more water from entering your home. Move furniture and rugs to a dry area, and place buckets under active leaks. Use towels or old blankets to soak up puddles, but remember that wet materials can get heavy quickly. Empty buckets regularly to prevent overflow and further mess.

If you have a tarp, cover broken windows or roof holes from the outside. This simple step can prevent rain from making the damage worse. Do not attempt to climb on a damaged roof yourself; wait for a professional to handle that task. The goal is to limit the spread of water while you wait for help.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage. Have your policy number and your documentation ready. They will guide you on what to do next, including whether an adjuster needs to visit your home. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Be prepared to describe the damage clearly and honestly.

Ask about deadlines for filing a claim and what types of damage are included. Some policies cover storm damage separately, so check your policy or ask directly. Keep a log of all conversations with your insurer, including dates and the names of the people you speak with. This record can be useful if questions come up later.

Call in the Pros

After you have secured the scene and started your claim, contact local water damage pros to assess the situation. They can identify hidden moisture in walls and under floors, which can lead to mold if not addressed. Their work usually involves extracting standing water, drying affected areas, and cleaning surfaces. The sooner they start, the less chance of long-term issues.

Professional help is especially important after a storm, because water may carry contaminants or cause structural weakening. The pros have equipment like moisture meters and industrial fans to dry your home thoroughly. They can also help with documentation for your insurance claim, though the final word on coverage rests with your insurer. Ask them to explain the steps they plan to take and what you should expect.

  • Ask about their process for drying
  • Inquire about mold prevention steps
  • Check what areas they will inspect
  • Confirm they will document the damage
  • Ask how long the process typically takes
  • Request guidance on what to discard

Water damage does not wait

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Frequently asked questions

How soon should I start cleanup after a storm?

Act quickly to prevent further damage. Standing water can soak into walls and floors within hours, and mold can start growing in about a day. Begin with safety steps and documentation, then call the pros as soon as you can. The longer water sits, the more extensive the cleanup usually becomes.

What should I throw away after storm water damage?

Discard porous items that soaked up water, such as carpet, padding, upholstered furniture, and mattresses. These materials are hard to dry completely and can harbor mold. Keep items that can be cleaned and dried, like glass, metal, and hard plastics. When in doubt, ask the pros for advice.

Can I handle storm water cleanup myself?

Small, contained spills might be manageable, but storm water often carries debris and contaminants. The pros have specialized equipment to dry hidden areas and prevent mold. Attempting a full cleanup without proper tools can leave moisture behind. For safety and thoroughness, professional help is usually the better choice.

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