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What Should I Do Right After a Severe Storm Hits?

Last updated October 19, 2026

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The short answer

Assess Immediate Safety Hazards

Before entering any part of your property, look for obvious dangers from the outside. Stay clear of downed power lines, which can be live and deadly. Check for the smell of gas, which indicates a potential leak requiring immediate evacuation and a call to the utility company. Also, be cautious of unstable trees, branches, or damaged structural elements that could collapse.

Once you confirm the exterior is stable, proceed indoors with caution. Wear sturdy shoes and protective gloves to guard against broken glass or sharp debris. Do not enter flooded areas if the water could be electrically charged from submerged outlets or appliances. If you suspect any structural compromise, such as a sagging ceiling, it is safest to wait for a professional assessment before entering that room.

Stop Water Intrusion and Document Damage

Your priority is to prevent more water from entering. If it is safe to do so, cover broken windows, roof holes, or damaged siding with plywood or heavy-duty tarps. This temporary measure helps protect your home from further rain. For interior leaks, place buckets under active drips and move furniture and valuables away from wet areas to a dry, elevated space.

Document everything thoroughly for your insurance claim. Take clear photographs and videos of all damage, including structural issues, water levels, and damaged personal belongings. Make a written list of affected items, noting their approximate age and value. Contact your insurance provider promptly to start the claims process and ask about your next steps. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Call for Professional Water Damage Help

Contact local water damage pros as soon as possible after addressing immediate safety. They have the equipment and training to properly extract standing water, assess hidden moisture, and begin the drying process. This professional response is critical to prevent mold growth and structural rot, which can start within 24 to 48 hours in a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and spring hailstorms.

The pros will perform a detailed inspection using tools like moisture meters. They identify the full extent of water migration behind walls and under floors. Based on their findings, they create a drying plan, which may involve industrial air movers and dehumidifiers. This systematic approach is more effective than household fans, which often just circulate damp air without properly drying building materials.

  • Water extraction to remove all standing and absorbed water.
  • Comprehensive moisture mapping to locate hidden damp areas.
  • Structural drying and dehumidification to protect wood and drywall.
  • Assessment of electrical and plumbing systems for safety.
  • Guidance on what personal items can be salvaged or cleaned.
  • Coordination with other necessary trades, like roofers or plumbers.

Handle Utilities and Begin Cleanup

If flooding is extensive or you suspect electrical damage, turn off the main power at your circuit breaker. Only do this if you can access the panel safely without standing in water. Similarly, shutting off the main water valve can prevent additional flooding from broken pipes. If you live in DeSoto, keep your shutoff valve location written down for quick access during emergencies.

Begin removing soaked, unsalvageable items like carpets and cardboard boxes to help reduce indoor humidity. Wear an N95 mask and gloves when handling storm debris or wet materials to protect yourself from contaminants. Dispose of perishable food if your refrigerator lost power. Keep a detailed inventory of discarded items, as your insurance may require it for your claim.

Prevent Health Risks and Plan Repairs

Be vigilant for mold, which appears as fuzzy patches or a musty smell. Do not attempt to clean large areas of mold yourself, as disturbing it can spread spores. A qualified mold remediation professional should handle significant growth. If you feel unwell after the storm, especially with respiratory issues, see a doctor and mention your potential exposure to floodwater or mold.

After the initial emergency response, work with your local water damage pros on a restoration plan. This may involve repairs like replacing drywall, subflooring, or insulation. Your insurance adjuster will need to review the professional's assessment. Keep all receipts for temporary repairs, like tarping, as they may be reimbursable. Long-term, consider storm-proofing improvements based on the damage your home sustained.

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Phones are answered 24/7 for DeSoto and nearby communities.

Call Now (469) 209-4452

Frequently asked questions

How quickly should I call a water damage pro after a storm?

Call as soon as you have addressed immediate safety hazards. Mold and structural decay can begin within a day or two. The sooner the pros start extraction and drying, the better your chances of saving building materials and preventing costly secondary damage.

What if the storm damage is mostly outside, like downed trees?

Focus on safety first and document the damage. For large debris removal, you may need a specialized service. However, also inspect your roof, siding, and foundation for hidden damage that could let water in during the next rain, which would require a water damage inspection.

Will my home insurance cover all the storm damage repairs?

Coverage depends entirely on your specific policy and the cause of the damage. Wind and hail are often covered, but flood damage typically requires separate flood insurance. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Report the damage promptly and provide all documentation.

Call Now (469) 209-4452