What to do after a Storm Damages Your Home or Business
Severe weather can strike with little warning. When the storm passes, it can leave behind a lot of uncertainty. Whether you’re a homeowner assessing damage to your property or a business owner dealing with a disrupted operation, knowing what to do in the first hours and days after a storm can make a big difference in how smoothly your recovery goes.
Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to help you navigate what comes next.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Before anything else, confirm that everyone, including family members, employees, and customers are safe and accounted for. Call 911 for serious injuries and make sure that anyone who needs first aid or medical treatment is taken care of.
Don’t re-enter a damaged building until you’re confident it’s structurally sound. Watch for hazards like downed power lines, gas leaks, flooding, and exposed sharp materials. When in doubt, wait for a professional to assess the structure first.
Step 2: Document Everything Before You Clean Up
This is one of the most important steps in the entire process. It’s also the easiest to forget during the stressful moments after a storm. Before you move a single piece of debris or begin any cleanup, photograph and video every area of damage. Walk through the entire property (only if it’s safe) and capture everything: exterior damage, interior damage, damaged contents, and vehicles.
Thorough documentation is the foundation of a strong insurance claim. Once items are moved or discarded, that evidence is gone.
Step 3: Prevent Further Damage Where You Safely Can
Most insurance policies require that you take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage after a storm. Cover broken windows and roof openings with tarps or boards. If there is flooding, remove standing water if it’s safe to do so. Secure the property against further exposure to the elements.
Keep receipts for any emergency materials or services you pay for out of pocket. These costs may be reimbursable under your policy.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Agent
Reach out to your insurance agent as soon as possible. The sooner you report the damage, the sooner the claims process can begin. Your agent will walk you through what’s covered, help you understand your deductible, and connect you with the resources you need to start your recovery.
Don’t wait until you have everything figured out. As your insurance agent, that’s what we’re here for!
Step 5: Track All Expenses Related to the Storm Damage
Keep a record of every expense tied to the damage. This includes emergency repairs, temporary accommodations, equipment rentals, meals, and more. Depending on your policy, some or all of these costs may be covered.
For homeowners, additional living expense coverage may help pay for a hotel or rental while your home is being repaired. For businesses, you may have business interruption coverage that could offset lost income and ongoing expenses during your recovery period.
A Note for Business Owners
Storm recovery looks a little different when a business is involved. In addition to the steps above, business owners should notify employees about the situation and any operational changes as quickly as possible. Secure any sensitive data, equipment, or inventory that can be moved. Contact vendors or service providers who may be affected by your disruption. And review your commercial policy carefully. Coverage for buildings, equipment, vehicles, and business income can vary significantly.
If you’re not sure what your commercial policy covers, now is a great time to have that conversation with us, ideally before the next storm, not after.
Storm damage is stressful, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Samantha Lewis Insurance Agency, we’re here to help you understand your coverage, start your claim, and get back on your feet as quickly as possible. Reach out to us anytime; we’re always happy to give you the Confidence + Clarity that you need.
