Home › Blog › What To Do When a Storm Hits: A Homeowner’s Safety & Recovery Guide What To Do When a Storm Hits: A Homeowner’s Safety & Recovery Guide July 10, 2026 Advantage Home Pros can help when severe weather strikes. If your home has been affected by hail, high winds, heavy rain, or falling debris, our team can inspect your roof, gutters, siding, windows, and garage door for storm-related damage. Storms can cause significant damage with little warning, so taking the right steps afterward is essential to protect your home and prevent further issues. At Advantage Home Pros, we believe preparation is one of the best ways to protect your home investment. Here are the key steps every homeowner should take when a storm hits. 1. Put Safety First Your first priority should always be the safety of your family and anyone nearby. During the storm (Most Important) Move to a safe area away from windows and exterior doors. Keep a flashlight, charged phone, and emergency supplies nearby. Account for everyone in your household and make sure pets are safe. Wear sturdy shoes if you need to move through debris after the storm. 2. Secure the Area After the Storm Once the immediate danger has passed, carefully check the surrounding area for hazards. Watch for: Downed power lines Broken glass Exposed nails or sharp debris Damaged trees or limbs that could fall Gas leaks or unusual odors If you notice any public safety hazards, contact the appropriate utility company or emergency authorities immediately. 3. Document the Damage Before moving debris or starting repairs, take photos and videos of: Your roof Gutters and downspouts Garage Door Siding Windows and doors Water intrusion areas Vehicles or other damaged property Good documentation can be extremely helpful if you need to file an insurance claim. 4. Prevent Further Damage Temporary protection is often necessary after a storm. Common emergency measures include: Placing a tarp over roof openings Boarding up broken windows Removing standing water Moving valuable items to a dry, secure location Pro Tip: Save all receipts Keep receipts for tarps, plywood, water extraction, or other emergency expenses for insurance reimbursement consideration. 5. Separate Damaged & Undamaged Property Create a list of damaged items and keep them separate from undamaged belongings if possible. Important: Do not discard damaged materials until your insurance representative has approved it. 6. Report the Loss Promptly Insurance providers generally recommend reporting storm damage as soon as possible. Delays can sometimes make the claims process more difficult and may allow additional damage to occur. Have the following information ready: Date and time of the storm Description of the damage Photos and videos Contact information for any witnesses or contractors involved 7. Avoid Permanent Repairs Until Approved Emergency repairs to protect your home are usually appropriate, but avoid authorizing major permanent repairs until your insurance adjuster or claims representative has reviewed the damage. 8. Schedule a Professional Inspection Some storm damage is easy to miss from the ground. A professional inspection can identify: Lifted or missing shingles Compromised flashing Hidden water intrusion issues Hail impact damage Gutter separation A Quick Storm Recovery Checklist Save this list for future storms✔ Ensure everyone is safe ✔ Check for hazards ✔ Contact authorities if needed ✔ Take photos and videos ✔ Make temporary protective repairs ✔ Save receipts ✔ Separate damaged property ✔ Report the damage to your insurer ✔ Schedule a professional inspection ✔ Wait for claim approval before major repairs Need Help After a Storm? Storm damage can be stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. The team at Advantage Home Pros can inspect your roof, gutters, siding, windows, and garage door for storm-related damage and help you understand the next steps. If your home was affected by recent severe weather, contact Advantage Home Pros today to schedule a professional storm damage inspection. Call (833) 682-4788 to speak with our team and get the help you need.