What to Do After a Storm - PA Homeowner's Checklist

Every year in Pennsylvania - particularly during spring and summer thunderstorm season - severe weather tears through Central PA and leaves damaged roofs in its wake. If a storm just hit your home, here's exactly what to do, in the right order.

Step 1: Ensure Your Safety First

Before you do anything - storm damage creates dangerous conditions.

• Do NOT go up on the roof while there is active lightning, high winds, or wet conditions
• If you hear cracking or creaking, stay out of the house
• Turn off electricity at the breaker if you suspect water has entered electrical systems
• If water is pooling inside your home, call 911 if it is an emergency

Step 2: Document Everything - Before You Fix Anything

This is the most important step for your insurance claim. Take extensive photos and video of all damage - before you cover anything or make repairs.

• Wide shots of all four sides of your home
• Close-up photos of individual damage points
• Photos of any fallen tree limbs, dented gutters, or damaged siding
• Interior ceiling stains, bulging drywall, or active drips

Pro tip:Turn on your phone's timestamp feature. Insurance adjusters and attorneys both care about being able to verify when photos were taken.

Step 3: Prevent Further Damage

If your roof has active leaks, preventing further interior damage is critical - and insurance companies expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to mitigate additional losses. Keep all receipts for any materials you purchase for temporary repairs.

• Tarp coverage: A heavy-duty tarp secured over damaged areas stops rain from entering until permanent repairs are made
• Interior buckets: Place buckets under active drips to protect floors and furnishings
• Move valuables: Get furniture, electronics, and keepsakes away from water intrusion zones

Step 4: Call Your Insurance Company

Report the damage as soon as reasonably possible. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a claim is typically 2 years from the date of loss, but do not wait that long.

Step 5: Get a Professional Inspection

After you have called your insurance company, but before the adjuster comes - get your own roofer's assessment. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company. Your roofer works for you.

Step 6: Meet the Adjuster On-Site

When your insurance company schedules an adjuster inspection, be present. Better yet - have your roofing contractor there too. We frequently attend adjuster inspections with homeowners, and we have seen it make a significant difference in the final settlement.

Step 7: Review Your Settlement Before Signing

Do not sign anything or authorize repairs until you have reviewed the insurance company's estimate. We review insurance estimates for free.