1. Get safe, then document everything
If there's downed power lines, gas smell, structural collapse risk, or rising water, leave and call 911 or your utility first — property can wait. Once you're safe, photograph and video everything before you move or clean anything: the insurer will want proof of the original state. Stop the water source if you can do it safely.
2. Don't hire the truck that shows up at your door
After a big storm, out-of-town "storm chasers" go door to door pressuring homeowners to sign over their insurance claim on the spot. The tells: unsolicited knock, high-pressure "today only" pricing, no local address, a demand to sign an Assignment of Benefits, and a large cash deposit. A real restoration company will give you time, show licensing and insurance, and bill the carrier directly. Verify before you sign anything.
3. File your insurance claim the right way
Call your insurer promptly, give them your documentation, and get the claim number in writing. Understand your coverage (replacement cost vs. actual cash value) and your deductible before you agree to any scope of work. Keep receipts for emergency mitigation — most policies reimburse reasonable steps you take to prevent further damage.
4. Hire a vetted restoration pro
Water, fire, and mold restoration is time-sensitive — mold can start within 24–48 hours — but that urgency is exactly what scammers exploit. Choose an IICRC-certified, licensed, insured restoration company with a verifiable local track record. Compare more than one, and confirm they bill your insurer directly.
5. Prepare before the next one
Ohio's storm season brings derechos, hail, ice, and high wind. A little prep — knowing your shutoffs, keeping your documentation current, and trimming hazard trees — turns the next event from a crisis into an inconvenience.
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Request quotes from verified prosStorm damage FAQ
Should I sign with the contractor who knocks on my door after a storm?
Be very cautious. Unsolicited door-to-door 'storm chasers' often pressure homeowners to sign an Assignment of Benefits or pay a large cash deposit on the spot, then do shoddy work or disappear. A reputable restoration company gives you time to verify their license and insurance, doesn't demand same-day signatures, and bills your insurer directly. Never sign over your claim under pressure.
What should I do in the first hour after storm damage?
Safety first: if there are downed power lines, a gas smell, structural risk, or rising water, leave and call 911 or your utility. Once safe, photograph and video all damage before touching anything, stop the water source if you safely can, and make only the emergency repairs needed to prevent further damage (and keep those receipts). Then call your insurer.
How fast do I need to act on water damage?
Quickly. Mold can begin colonizing wet drywall and carpet within 24–48 hours, so professional drying should start fast. But speed is also what scammers exploit — it's still worth taking the time to confirm a restoration company is IICRC-certified, licensed, and insured before you let them start.
Will my insurance cover storm restoration?
It depends on your policy and the cause of loss, but most homeowner policies cover sudden storm damage (wind, hail, falling trees) and the reasonable emergency steps you take to prevent further damage. Confirm your coverage type and deductible with your insurer before agreeing to a scope of work, and keep all documentation.