What to do in the first 24 hours after storm damage

When a storm damages your home, the first day matters most. Here's exactly what to do, in order.

1. Make sure everyone is safe

Stay clear of downed power lines, sagging ceilings, and standing water near outlets. If the home feels unsafe, get out first and sort the rest later.

2. Stop the damage from spreading

If it's safe, tarp roof openings, move belongings away from leaks, and shut off water to burst pipes. Your insurance policy expects reasonable steps to prevent further damage — and a good contractor can handle emergency tarping for you.

3. Document everything

Take photos and video of every damaged area before anything is moved or repaired. Walk through the house filming with your phone, talking through what you see. Keep every receipt.

4. Call your insurance company

Report the claim promptly. Your insurer will assign an adjuster who creates and approves the repair estimate. Save your claim number and the adjuster's contact information in one folder.

5. Call a trusted local contractor — not a storm chaser

After big storms, out-of-town crews canvass Huntsville neighborhoods for quick-hit jobs. Choose a licensed, established local contractor who will still be here next year. Bobby Schrimsher & Sons has worked from the same Meridian Street location since 1965 (AL License #28542), and we work directly with your adjuster on the estimate.

6. Let one team manage the rest

From the approved estimate through the final walk-through, we handle communication with your insurance and mortgage companies so you can focus on your family. That's the whole point of our three-step process.

See our storm damage services ›