In the first 24 hours after a storm, prioritize safety first, then document everything before any cleanup begins, apply temporary protection only if it's safe to do so, and contact your insurance company and a roofing contractor — roughly in that order.

It's a stressful window, and it's easy to either do too little (assume it's fine and wait) or too much (start climbing around on a compromised roof). Here's a clear order of operations.

Step 1: Make sure it's safe

Before anything else:​

  • Stay off the roof. Storm-damaged roofing can be structurally weakened, and wet or debris-covered surfaces are far more slippery than they look.
  • Watch for downed power lines. Treat any downed line as live, and keep people and pets well away from it and anything it's touching.
  • Check for the smell of gas, especially if a tree limb or debris hit near a gas meter or line, and leave the house immediately and call your gas utility if you notice one.
  • Keep kids and pets away from debris in the yard — broken glass, splintered wood, and scattered nails are common after wind and hail events.

Step 2: Document everything before cleanup starts

Once it's safe, take photos and video of everything you can see, before any cleanup or tarping changes the scene:​

  • Roof damage visible from the ground (missing shingles, obvious dents or holes)
  • Gutters, downspouts, and any soft metal (vents, AC units, mailboxes) for dents
  • Siding, windows, and screens
  • Fallen branches, hail on the ground, or other yard debris
  • Any interior water stains, active leaks, or ceiling damage

Date-stamped photos taken before cleanup are some of the most useful documentation you can have if you end up filing an insurance claim.

Step 3: Prevent further damage, carefully

If it's safe to do so — meaning no roof climbing, no working near downed lines, and no risk to yourself — you can take reasonable steps to limit further damage:​

  • Move furniture, electronics, or valuables away from active leaks
  • Place buckets or tarps inside to catch dripping water
  • Cover broken windows from the inside if you can do so safely

Leave anything that requires getting on the roof, or working at height, to a professional. Emergency tarping is a service most reputable storm-damage contractors offer specifically because it requires the right safety equipment and experience.

Step 4: Contact your insurance company

Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as you reasonably can. Most homeowners policies include a requirement to report damage promptly, though the exact window depends on your specific carrier and policy — a quick call to your agent will confirm the details for your coverage. Reporting early doesn't commit you to filing a full claim immediately; it starts the process and gets a claim number on record while the damage is fresh and well-documented.

Step 5: Get an independent roof inspection

Before or alongside your insurance adjuster's visit, it's worth having your own contractor inspect the roof. An experienced contractor can help make sure nothing gets missed — insurance adjusters typically inspect many properties in the days after a major storm, and it's not unusual for damage to be undercounted on a fast initial pass.

A word on "storm chasers"

After any major storm, out-of-town crews frequently show up going door-to-door offering fast repairs. Some are legitimate; many are not equipped to be around months later if a warranty issue comes up. Before signing anything, verify that a contractor is properly licensed, locally established, and carries adequate insurance — a local, certified contractor with a permanent business address is generally the safer bet for work this significant.

Frequently asked questions

Should I call my insurance company or a roofer first?
Either order works, but don't wait too long on either one. Many homeowners contact a roofing contractor for an initial inspection and documentation, then use that information when they report the claim.

Is it OK to wait a few days if the damage looks minor?
It's better not to. Some damage — particularly hail bruising — isn't obvious right away, and both insurance reporting windows and weather exposure work against waiting.

What if I can't tell whether there's real damage?
That's exactly what a free inspection is for. A trained eye (or an AI-assisted drone inspection) can spot damage that isn't visible from the ground.

Last updated: August 2026. If your roof was damaged in a recent storm, schedule a free AI drone inspection with RS Five to get a clear, documented picture of the damage before you file a claim.