The Post-Storm Checklist: 5 Things Every DFW Homeowner Should Do After a Severe Weather Alert
Protect Your Home and Secure Your Insurance Claim with These Essential Steps
Living in the Dallas-Fort Worth area means knowing that severe weather can strike unexpectedly. Hailstorms, strong winds, and torrential rains are part of life in North Texas, with the region experiencing frequent weather events that threaten roofs and exterior structures. At Epic Roofing & Construction, we’ve helped hundreds of DFW homeowners navigate the challenging period following storm damage. The first hours and days after severe weather are critical, not just for your home’s safety but for protecting your insurance claim as well. Many homeowners don’t realize that the steps they take immediately after a storm directly impact their ability to recover full compensation and prevent secondary damage like water intrusion and mold. This post-storm checklist guides you through five essential actions that every homeowner in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, and surrounding areas should take. By following these steps, you’ll document damage properly, prevent further deterioration, and position yourself for a smooth repair process with your insurance company.
1. Prioritize Safety and Wait for Clear Conditions
The moment a severe weather alert passes, your instinct may be to rush outside and assess damage. Resist this urge. Before you step outside, wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or thunderclap. Check local news and weather apps for any lingering alerts, and watch for hazards like downed power lines, standing water, broken glass, and slippery surfaces. Post-storm conditions can be just as dangerous as the storm itself. Your safety and your family’s well-being always come first, so take your time before beginning any inspection.
2. Document All Visible Damage with Clear Photos and Video
Once conditions are safe, begin documenting damage immediately. Take clear, detailed photos and videos of every area you can safely observe. Capture wide shots showing overall damage and close-ups of specific problem areas like shingles, gutters, windows, and siding. Don’t forget to photograph fallen debris, damaged landscaping, and cracks in outdoor structures. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim and gives you a clear record of what happened. Store these photos and videos in multiple places, such as cloud storage or email, so they’re secure.
3. Inspect Visible Roof, Gutters, and Exterior Elements from Ground Level
Using binoculars or a safe vantage point, examine your roof for missing or damaged shingles, debris, and visible dents. Look carefully at gutters and downspouts for dents, sagging sections, and areas that may be pulling away from the roofline. Check windows and doors for cracks, broken glass, or damage to frames and weather-stripping. Walk around the perimeter of your home and note any dents on siding, damage to outdoor structures, or fallen tree limbs. Do not climb on your roof, as storm-damaged surfaces can be slippery and dangerous. Falling or causing additional damage can complicate your insurance claim.
4. Check Your Attic and Interior for Water Damage and Leaks
After documenting exterior damage, move inside and carefully inspect your attic, ceilings, and walls for water stains, dark marks, dampness, or signs of leaking. Water infiltration may not be immediately obvious but can lead to mold, structural damage, and health concerns if left unaddressed. Look for water spots on drywall, staining on insulation, or wet framing. Don’t assume that if your roof looks fine from outside, there’s no hidden damage. Many roof leaks develop slowly and become visible only after water has penetrated deeper into your home’s structure.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company and Call a Professional Roofing Contractor
Once you’ve documented damage and assessed the situation, contact your homeowners insurance company to file a claim. Have your policy information ready and be prepared for potential wait times, as insurance companies often experience high call volumes immediately after major storms throughout DFW. Provide clear descriptions of what you observed and share your photos and video documentation. At the same time, schedule a professional inspection with an experienced roofing contractor like Epic Roofing & Construction. Professional inspectors can identify hidden damage, structural issues, and damage to components like flashing and vents that untrained eyes might miss. Many contractors offer free storm inspections and can work directly with your insurance adjuster to ensure all damage is documented and covered.
Act Fast to Protect Your Home
Storm damage doesn’t wait, and neither should you. The faster you act, the faster you can prevent further damage, file your insurance claim, and begin repairs. At Epic Roofing & Construction, we understand the stress homeowners face after severe weather. We’re here to help with professional inspections, detailed damage assessments, and quality repairs that restore your home to its pre-storm condition.
Ready to protect your home after a storm? Contact Epic Roofing & Construction today for your free professional storm damage inspection. Call us now or visit our website to schedule your assessment. Your home deserves expert care from contractors you can trust.