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What Should I Do After a Severe Storm Damages My Home?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

Safety First After a Storm

Your first move is to keep people safe. Move everyone away from broken glass, sagging ceilings, or standing water. If you smell gas or see downed power lines, leave the home and call the utility company from a safe spot. Do not touch wet electrical items, and turn off the main power only if you can do it without stepping in water.

Check for structural issues, like cracked walls or a shifted roof, before you go back inside. If you feel unwell from mold, fumes, or stress, see a doctor. Storms can bring sudden flooding, so keep a flashlight and a first aid kit handy. Your safety matters more than saving belongings.

Stop More Water from Getting In

Once it is safe, try to stop additional water from entering your home. Move furniture and valuables to a dry area, and use towels or buckets to catch drips from leaks. If a window or door is broken, cover the opening with plywood or a tarp to block rain and wind. This helps limit the damage while you wait for help.

Do not attempt major roof repairs yourself if the storm is still ongoing. Focus on simple, temporary fixes that reduce further harm. For example, shut off the water supply if a pipe burst, and unplug appliances that might be affected. Every hour you keep water out gives your home a better chance of drying out.

  • Turn off the main water valve if you know where it is
  • Move rugs and furniture to higher ground
  • Use plastic sheeting to cover broken windows
  • Clear gutters and downspouts if it is safe to do so
  • Lift wet carpet edges to help air circulate
  • Take photos of each damaged area for your records

Document the Damage for Insurance

Before you clean up, take clear photos and videos of every damaged item and area. Include the water line on walls, soaked carpets, and any broken structures. Write down what was damaged and when it happened. This evidence helps your insurance claim process, though policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Keep receipts for any supplies you buy, like tarps or fans. Do not throw away damaged items until you have documented them, unless they pose a health risk. Contact your insurance company as soon as you can to report the loss. Ask what steps you need to take and what they expect from you.

Dry Out Your Home Quickly

Drying your home fast reduces the chance of mold and further rot. Open windows if the outdoor air is drier than indoors, and use fans to move air over wet surfaces. Dehumidifiers help pull moisture from the air, especially in closed rooms. Remove standing water with a wet vacuum or mop, but be careful not to spread contamination.

In humid climates, warm summer storms can leave dampness lingering. Focus on drying porous materials like drywall, wood, and carpet. If you have a sump pump or a shop vac, use it to remove larger pools of water. The sooner you dry things out, the less likely you will face structural damage or mold growth.

When to Call the Pros

Some storm damage is too big for a homeowner to handle alone. If water has soaked into drywall, flooring, or insulation, local water damage pros have the equipment to extract water and dry the structure properly. They can also inspect for hidden moisture in walls and under floors. For severe flooding, professional help is often necessary to avoid long-term issues.

Before you hire anyone, ask what the process involves and how long it might take. Costs vary, but a full cleanup often ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage and the materials affected. Your insurance company may have requirements for documentation, so check your policy first. If you have questions, the pros can explain their approach.

  • Water has soaked into walls or floors
  • You see signs of mold or smell musty odors
  • The storm caused structural damage to your roof or foundation
  • You have limited time or physical ability to do the work yourself
  • You need help moving heavy soaked items like furniture or carpet

Talk to someone now

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Frequently asked questions

How soon should I start drying out my home after a storm?

Start as soon as it is safe to do so, ideally within the first day. Mold can begin growing on wet surfaces within 24 to 48 hours, so quick action matters. Open windows, run fans, and use dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.

Can I clean up storm water damage myself?

For small spills or minor leaks, you can handle it with towels and fans. But if water has soaked into drywall, carpet, or insulation, professional help is often needed. The pros have industrial equipment to extract water and dry materials thoroughly, which prevents mold and structural issues.

What should I do if I see mold after a storm?

If you see mold or smell a musty odor, avoid touching it and keep others away. Mold can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies or asthma. See a doctor if you feel unwell, and contact a mold professional to assess and remove the growth safely.

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