What to Do When a Storm Hits Your Home
Storm season in Alabama is long and ruthless. Most residents in our state have experienced their share of thunderstorms, tornado threats, high winds, and hail. They’re unavoidable, and so is the damage that they can wreak on your home. From trees falling on your roof to having your entire roof blown off, what should you do when a storm hits your home?
First off, don’t panic (easier said than done, we know). Second, keep these tips in mind throughout Alabama’s storm season.
1. Stay Alert
Knowing a storm is approaching might not help you prevent all damage to your home. But it can ensure you’re alert and prepared. This means having supplies on hand (such as a spare tarp) to quickly take care of any damage the storm might leave behind.
This is also the time of year to make sure your gutters are clear of debris and attached to your home. Trim branches and limbs that are close to the home that could fall on your roof during a storm. Small steps like these can help reduce the total damage to your home.
2. Assess the Damage When It’s Safe to Do So
If a tree falls on your home or your roof were to become seriously compromised, it’s only natural to want to address the problem immediately. This is especially the case when your roof cracks or gets a hole and water starts rushing. You want to reduce as much damage to your home as possible!
But keep in mind that if the storm is still raging outside, it might not be safe for you to do anything. Trying to tarp a roof during a storm can be dangerous. Never prioritize anything above your personal safety. Do as much damage control as you can inside (like putting buckets under leaks) until it’s safe for you to do more. Remember Alabama Roofing Professionals offers 24/7 emergency tarping.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
Roof damage (or other serious damage to your home) isn’t something that can wait. Once the storm passes, it’s time to start cleaning up and fixing issues. This means involving your insurance company as early in the process as possible.
Your insurance company will usually send out an adjuster to inspect the damage. They will take photos, ask questions, and file your claim so that you can receive the funds you need to make the repairs.
4. Take Photos of the Damage
Even though your insurance company will take photos of the storm damage to your roof, it’s a good idea to snap your own photos. But do it from a safe distance. We do encourage you to leave any climbing on your roof to the professionals. No damage is too small to document. Some areas to inspect include:
- Missing or damaged exterior siding
- Broken windows or doors
- Missing roof shingles
- Broken or missing gutters
- Holes or leaks in the roof
- Damage to roof fixtures
You can support your insurance claim with your own documentation and make sure the extent of the damage is properly captured.
5. Find a Roofing Company Before You Need One
You don’t have to wait for your insurance company to come through before you contact a roofing company. In fact, homeowners should have a roofer to call in a worst-case scenario so they can avoid delaying repairs to their homes.
As a large, statewide roofing company, Alabama Roofing Professionals specializes in roof repairs, replacements, and inspections for Alabama homeowners. We’re always available when storms hit and stand ready to dispatch our team when you need us the most.
Contact us today to learn more about our roofing services and choose a name you can trust!
