The storm has passed. Now what?
First, make sure everyone's safe. Then we'll tackle the rest. From checking your home and documenting damage to finding trustworthy repairs and understanding insurance claims, here's your guide to what comes next.
Deep breath.
Here's where to start.
The skies may have cleared, but the work isn't necessarily over. Storm damage, power outages and unexpected repairs can leave a lot to figure out.
Start with safety. Then document what happened, contact the right people and make a plan for recovery. You don't have to solve everything today.
Before you go inside, look around.
Returning home after severe weather? Don't rush through the front door. Check for hazards and follow instructions from local authorities.
Follow evacuation and reentry instructions. Roads, bridges and neighborhoods may still be unsafe after a storm.
Assume every downed line is live. Keep your distance and report it to your utility or 911. Never drive through floodwater.
Look for sagging roofs, shifting walls, broken windows and other signs of instability. If the building appears unsafe, stay outside.
Never enter standing water where electrical equipment may be energized. Have qualified professionals inspect damaged systems.
Smell gas?
Leave the area immediately. Don't operate switches, appliances or anything that could create a spark. Call your gas utility or 911 from a safe location.
Camera first. Cleanup second.
Once it's safe, take photographs and videos before making major changes. A clear record can help with insurance claims, repairs and disaster assistance.
Start with the exterior.
Photograph visible roof, siding, window, fence and landscaping damage. Never climb onto an unsafe roof.
Document every affected room.
Capture damaged ceilings, walls, floors, furniture, electronics and belongings. Take wide shots and close-ups where possible.
Make a damage inventory.
List damaged items, approximate purchase dates, estimated values and available receipts.
Save everything.
Keep repair estimates, emergency expenses, contractor communications and your insurance claim number together.
Can you start cleaning up?
Yes, when it's safe. Take photos first, make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage and save your receipts. Ask your insurer before making major permanent repairs or discarding damaged items. Don't delay urgent safety work.
Damage documented.
Now make the call.
Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as practical. Your policy, deductible and the cause of the damage will affect what happens next.
Find your policy and claim number.
Have your policy information, contact details and a summary of the damage ready. Ask how to submit photos and what documents your insurer needs.
Understand your deductible.
Texas homeowners policies may have separate deductibles for wind, hail or hurricanes. Some are calculated as a percentage of the insured dwelling amount rather than a flat dollar figure.
Prepare for the adjuster's inspection.
Share your damage inventory, photographs and emergency repair receipts. Ask questions about the estimate and keep copies of all written communications.
Check your temporary housing coverage.
If covered damage makes your home uninhabitable, additional living expense coverage may help with certain necessary costs. Ask about eligibility, limits and documentation.
What if you disagree with the estimate?
Request an explanation and provide supporting documentation. If a claim issue remains unresolved, the Texas Department of Insurance offers consumer assistance.
TEXAS INSURANCE HELP ↗Small steps now. Fewer headaches later.
Once immediate hazards have been addressed, reasonable temporary repairs can help keep the damage from getting worse.
Keep the rain out.
Arrange safe temporary protection through a qualified contractor. Don't climb onto a damaged roof.
Act quickly and safely.
Stop the source if possible, remove standing water when safe and begin drying affected areas. Floodwater may contain contaminants.
Secure exposed openings.
Arrange temporary protection to reduce additional weather damage and improve security.
Leave dangerous work to professionals.
Keep clear of unstable trees and branches, especially near power lines or damaged structures.
Flooded home?
Wear appropriate protective equipment and follow public health guidance during cleanup. Children and people with certain health conditions should avoid contaminated areas. If the home has significant damage, seek professional help.
FLOOD CLEANUP SAFETY ↗Good repairs. No unpleasant surprises.
After a major storm, repair crews may arrive from across the region. Take time to verify who you're hiring, even when repairs feel urgent.
Compare the scope of work, materials, price, schedule and payment terms.
Check references and applicable local registration or licensing requirements. Texas licensing rules vary by trade.
Confirm what work will be completed, who obtains permits and how changes will be approved.
Avoid pressure tactics, blank contracts and requests to sign over insurance payments without understanding the arrangement.
Someone offering to waive your deductible?
Be careful. Texas law generally prohibits contractors from offering to waive, absorb or rebate a property insurance deductible. Ask questions before signing any agreement.
Need a hand?
Here's where to look.
Recovery can take time. Depending on the disaster, your location and your circumstances, additional assistance may be available.
FEMA disaster assistance
If a federal disaster declaration makes your area eligible, FEMA may offer assistance for qualifying uninsured or underinsured needs. Programs and application deadlines vary by disaster.
CHECK DISASTER ASSISTANCE ↗2-1-1 Texas
Find local information about emergency shelter, food, healthcare, financial assistance and community support.
FIND LOCAL RESOURCES ↗Texas Division of Emergency Management
Find information about state disaster response, recovery and preparedness.
TEXAS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ↗Texas Department of Insurance
Find consumer guidance on claims, policy questions and insurance company complaints.
GET INSURANCE HELP ↗Small business recovery
Business owners may be eligible for disaster assistance or loans following certain declared disasters. Check current program availability and terms.
SBA DISASTER ASSISTANCE ↗Recover now. Prepare for what's next.
Once things settle down, use what you've learned to make your home and emergency plan a little stronger.
Update evacuation routes, meeting places, emergency contacts and essential supplies.
Ask qualified professionals about roof maintenance, drainage, tree trimming and other property improvements.
Keep photos, receipts and records of major purchases somewhere accessible after a disaster.
Check your coverage limits, deductibles and any gaps revealed by the storm.
Start with your next-weather checklist.
Different storms call for different preparations. Build a plan for the weather risks in your part of Texas.
TEXAS EMERGENCY PLAN →Oh yeah.
Insurance.
Storm damage isn't always straightforward. Different types of damage may fall under different policies, coverage limits and deductibles.
Wind and hail damage
Review your homeowners policy for wind and hail coverage, exclusions and separate deductibles. Some Texas properties require separate windstorm coverage.
Flood damage
Standard homeowners policies generally don't cover flooding. A separate flood insurance policy may provide coverage for qualifying flood losses.
Temporary living expenses
If covered damage makes your home uninhabitable, your policy may help with certain additional living expenses, subject to its terms.
Vehicle damage
Comprehensive auto insurance may cover certain storm-related losses, including qualifying hail, flood and falling-object damage, subject to your policy.
Coverage for the next storm
A post-storm review can help identify coverage gaps. Keep in mind that new coverage generally won't pay for damage that has already occurred.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help you review available coverage options and prepare for future storms. If you have existing damage, contact your current insurer promptly about your claim.
We'll help you
look ahead.
Recovering from a Texas storm? Ready to review your coverage before the next one? Let Charley take a look.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →