What to Do Immediately After Severe Weather: Essential Post-Storm Tips

Severe weather can transform a peaceful day into a sudden emergency, leaving behind damage that can be both stressful and overwhelming. When the storm clears, knowing exactly how to proceed is crucial—not only for your safety but also for protecting your property and beginning the recovery process. At Robertson Roofing, we’re committed to guiding homeowners in the Rochester, NY area through the critical steps that follow a severe weather event. Whether you’re in Fairport, Pittford, Brighton, Henrietta, Perinton, Ironequoit, Greece, Penfield, Webster, or Victor, this comprehensive post-storm checklist will help you act quickly, safely, and effectively.

1. Prioritize Safety First

Assess Your Personal and Family Safety

The immediate aftermath of a storm demands that your well-being comes first. Before stepping outside, make sure:

• Stay Informed: Tune into local news broadcasts or check official social media channels and emergency alerts for updates on hazards such as downed power lines, gas leaks, or unstable structures.
• Avoid Immediate Hazards: Refrain from approaching areas with visible structural damage or large piles of debris. Stay clear of overhanging tree branches or areas where power lines are down.
• Wear Protective Gear: When you do venture outside, wear sturdy footwear, long sleeves, and gloves to protect yourself from broken glass, sharp objects, and other debris.
• Family Check-In: Ensure that everyone in your household is accounted for and safe before beginning any inspection of your property.

Taking these precautions can prevent further injury and allows you to assess your surroundings in a controlled and cautious manner.

2. Perform a Thorough and Cautious Visual Inspection

Examine Your Home from a Safe Distance

After ensuring personal safety, perform a preliminary assessment of your property:

• Roof and Siding: Look for missing, displaced, or damaged shingles. Notice any visible dents or gouges caused by hail or debris. Check for signs of water intrusion around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Inspect these components for clogs, damage, or misalignment. Gutters that have become detached or clogged can lead to water pooling and further damage.
• Exterior Damage: Walk around your home, checking for broken windows, damaged porches, or signs of structural shifts. Look for fallen tree branches and debris that might be blocking walkways or damaging your home’s exterior.
• Interior Checks: If safe, inspect the interior of your home for water stains on ceilings or walls, which could indicate leaks from the roof.

Tip: Use a pair of binoculars if your roof is difficult to inspect from the ground, reducing the need to climb ladders until a professional assessment is available.

3. Document the Damage in Detail

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Record Everything for a Smooth Insurance Process

Accurate documentation of the storm damage is essential for insurance claims and future repairs:

• Photographic Evidence: Take clear, high-resolution photos and videos of all affected areas. Capture multiple angles of roof damage, gutter issues, and any exterior or interior damage.
• Detailed Notes: Write down observations such as the extent of the damage, specific areas that look compromised, and any unusual occurrences during the storm (e.g., unexpected structural shifts or debris impacts).
• Organize Your Records: Create a folder—physical or digital—to keep copies of all photographs, videos, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance representatives. This organized record can expedite the claims process and help contractors understand the scope of repairs needed.

Taking time now to document everything thoroughly will be invaluable later, both for insurance purposes and for the professional contractors who will help restore your home.

4. Contact Emergency Services When Necessary

Address Immediate Hazards Without Delay

If your inspection reveals urgent dangers, take immediate action:

• Structural Risks: If you see large sections of your roof, walls, or other structural elements that appear unstable or are at risk of collapsing, leave the area and contact local emergency services.
• Utility Emergencies: Report any downed power lines, gas leaks, or exposed wiring to the appropriate utility companies or emergency responders immediately.
• Community Safety: In case you notice hazards that might affect your neighbors or the wider community (such as blocked roads or fallen trees in public areas), notify local authorities so that they can address the situation.

Prompt communication with emergency services can prevent additional injuries and ensure that dangerous conditions are addressed as quickly as possible.

5. Arrange for a Professional Inspection and Repairs

Engage a Trusted Roofing Contractor

Even if the damage appears minimal, hidden issues can lead to more significant problems if left untreated:

• Schedule an Inspection: Contact Robertson Roofing to arrange for a comprehensive inspection of your roof and the surrounding structure. Our experienced technicians will evaluate every aspect of your roof—from the shingles to the flashing—and identify any hidden issues that might not be immediately visible.
• Expert Analysis: A professional inspection can uncover potential risks such as compromised underlayment or damaged insulation that could lead to leaks and further damage if not promptly repaired.
• Immediate vs. Long-Term Repairs: Based on the inspection, our team can advise on which repairs need immediate attention and which can be scheduled for a later date. This prioritization ensures that your home is safe while minimizing further damage.

Our local expertise in Rochester, NY, and its surrounding areas means we understand the specific weather challenges you face and can provide tailored solutions to protect your home.

6. Make Temporary Repairs to Prevent Further Damage

Secure Your Property Until Permanent Repairs Are Completed

While waiting for professional repairs, there are several temporary measures you can take to reduce further damage:

• Cover Exposed Areas: Use tarps or plastic sheeting to cover areas where the roof is damaged. Secure these covers with heavy-duty tape or weights to keep them in place.
• Seal Openings: Apply temporary sealants to gaps or cracks where water might seep in. This is particularly important around areas like vents, skylights, and chimneys.
• Remove Debris: Safely clear any loose debris around your home that could be blown further by winds or rain. This not only prevents additional damage but also reduces hazards for you and your neighbors.
• Monitor Weather Updates: Stay informed about any further weather advisories. Additional storms may require you to adjust your temporary repairs to keep your home as secure as possible.

Note: Temporary repairs are a stopgap measure. They should not be considered a substitute for a full professional repair, which should be scheduled as soon as possible.

7. Notify Your Insurance Provider

Initiate the Claims Process Promptly

After documenting the damage and taking temporary measures, contact your insurance provider to begin the claims process:

• File a Claim: Provide your insurer with all the documentation you’ve gathered, including photos, videos, and detailed notes of the damage.
• Follow Guidelines: Adhere to your insurance company’s procedures for filing a claim, which may include filling out specific forms or providing additional documentation.
• Stay Organized: Keep a record of all communications with your insurance provider, including dates, names of representatives, and summaries of discussions. This information can be crucial if there are any disputes or delays in processing your claim.
• Consult with Experts: If you have any questions about what is covered under your policy or need assistance interpreting the damage assessment, consider seeking advice from a trusted professional.

By promptly notifying your insurance company, you set the stage for a smoother claims process and ensure that you receive the support needed to cover repairs.

8. Plan for Long-Term Prevention and Recovery

Evaluate and Upgrade to Fortify Your Home Against Future Storms

The post-storm recovery process is not only about repairing damage—it’s also an opportunity to bolster your home’s resilience:

• Schedule Regular Maintenance: Once repairs are complete, plan for routine inspections and maintenance. Regular professional assessments by Robertson Roofing can identify potential issues before they become severe.
• Consider Upgrades: Depending on the extent of the damage and your home’s age, you might consider upgrading to more durable roofing materials that offer better protection against severe weather. Modern roofing technologies can provide enhanced resistance to high winds, hail, and heavy rains.
• Review Your Insurance Coverage: After experiencing severe weather, it may be a good idea to re-evaluate your insurance policy. Ensure that your coverage is adequate for storm-related damages, and update your policy if necessary to include any new improvements or upgrades to your home.
• Community Awareness: Engage with your local community and stay informed about regional weather patterns and emergency preparedness initiatives. Community programs and local workshops can provide additional insights into protecting your property against future storms.

Taking a proactive approach to long-term maintenance and upgrades not only helps prevent future damage but also enhances the overall value and safety of your home.

9. Stay Informed and Connected with Local Resources

Leverage Local Expertise and Community Support

Being informed and connected with local resources can significantly ease the recovery process:

• Local News and Alerts: Continue to monitor local news channels and official social media pages for updates on weather conditions, road closures, and recovery assistance programs.
• Community Forums: Join local community groups or forums where neighbors share tips and support each other during the recovery process. These groups can be an excellent source of practical advice and can help you learn from others’ experiences.
• Professional Networks: Establish a relationship with trusted local professionals, including roofing contractors, electricians, and insurance agents. These contacts can provide valuable recommendations and assistance when you need it most.

At Robertson Roofing, we’re not just your roofing contractor—we’re a resource for our local community, offering expert advice and support long after the storm has passed.

Recover, Rebuild, and Strengthen Your Home

The period immediately following severe weather is critical for ensuring the safety of your home and family. By prioritizing safety, performing thorough inspections, documenting damage, and engaging both emergency services and professional contractors, you lay the foundation for a successful recovery. Taking temporary measures and notifying your insurance provider are essential steps, but planning for long-term prevention is equally important.

At Robertson Roofing, we are dedicated to helping homeowners in Rochester, NY, and its surrounding areas—Fairport, Pittford, Brighton, Henrietta, Perinton, Ironequoit, Greece, Penfield, Webster, and Victor—navigate the post-storm recovery process with confidence. Our expert team is here to support you through inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance, ensuring your home is fortified against future storms.

For more information on our post-storm services or to schedule a comprehensive inspection, visit our website or give us a call. Let Robertson Roofing help you recover, rebuild, and strengthen your home so you can face future weather challenges with peace of mind.