What to do in the first 24 hours after a storm

What to do in the first 24 hours

A storm just came through. Here is how to take care of your home and your claim without panic.

• Check on family members and neighbors, especially those who are elderly or live alone.
• Walk the outside of your home and look for obvious damage: missing shingles, broken windows, dented gutters, or downed branches. Keep a safe distance from any downed power lines and report them to the utility company.
• Look inside for signs of a new leak, such as a damp ceiling, a musty smell, or water pooling near windows and doors.
• Take photos of any damage before you clean up or make temporary repairs. This makes the insurance process smoother later.
• Move valuables and electronics away from any area that is actively leaking.
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts so water can drain away from the foundation.
• If you smell gas, hear hissing, or see a downed line near your home, leave the area and call the utility company or 911 before doing anything else.
• Keep receipts for any temporary repairs or supplies. Most policies cover reasonable steps taken to prevent further damage.