Severe weather leaves a mess of big and small problems that can snowball if you miss them. Start with fast visual scans for life-safety issues, then move into detailed checks that protect your home and wallet.
Use a simple plan: stabilize hazards, document what you see, and work from the exterior inward. Keep notes by area and time so you can track changes and support any insurance claims.
Check Roof And Drainage First
Your roof takes the first hit, so start from the ground with binoculars. Look for missing shingles, curled edges, torn flashing, bent drip edges, and debris mounds near roof penetrations. Gutters should be attached and sloped, not sagging or overflowing with leaves.
Do not climb a wet or wind-damaged roof. Instead, contact a licensed roofing contractor such as Florida Roof Bros to assess damage, secure temporary protections, and document conditions for insurance. They have the training, fall protection, and equipment to work safely after storms.
Ask the crew to capture clear photos from multiple angles so you can track changes over time. Avoid DIY patches that can void warranties or create new leak paths. Schedule a follow-up check after the next heavy rain to confirm the repairs are holding.
Look For Electrical And Mechanical Risks
After a storm, treat every tripped breaker and scorched outlet faceplate as a warning sign. Keep your hands dry and stand on a dry surface before touching any panels or switches. If water reaches outlets or the service panel, power should be cut at the main and inspected by a licensed electrician.
Industry guidance recently highlighted that the 2024 update to a leading electrical safety standard refined several key terms and practices, which reinforces the need for professional evaluation when equipment has been exposed to moisture or debris. Ask your electrician about current requirements for arc-fault, ground-fault protection, and labeling so repairs meet today’s safety expectations.
Appliances and HVAC equipment can hide damage. Look for bent fan blades, clogged condensate lines, and standing water in drain pans. If the outdoor condenser is tilted, shut it off until it is leveled to prevent internal damage.
Generators deserve a careful check. Verify cords are rated for outdoor use, never backfeed a home through a dryer outlet, and confirm carbon monoxide alarms are working on every level.
Watch For Water Intrusion And Mold
Water finds the easiest path inside. Trace stains from ceilings down to walls and baseboards, then to floors. Use a moisture meter if you have one, and mark readings with painter’s tape so you can recheck over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Drying speed matters. Open interior doors and run fans and dehumidifiers until surfaces reach normal moisture levels. Lift corner sections of carpet and pads to feel for dampness. If you smell a musty odor, you likely have trapped moisture behind trim or under flooring.
Cut away and discard waterlogged drywall at least 12 inches above the highest visible water line. Bag porous materials like insulation and soggy cardboard. Hard, cleanable surfaces can be washed and disinfected, then dried thoroughly.
Watch for new stains after the next rain. That often means a missed flashing detail, a clogged downspout, or negative grading that sends water back toward the foundation.
Inspect Windows, Doors, And Exterior Walls
Check window glazing, gaskets, and weep holes. Cracked caulk or missing sealant lets water track behind trim and into framing. Test each window and door for smooth operation; swelling or binding suggests hidden moisture.
Siding should lie flat with tight overlaps. Look for chipped coatings, dented metal, or spalled brick and mortar that can invite leaks. On stucco, hairline cracks are common, but wide or stair-step cracks deserve a closer look.
Thresholds and sills collect water first. Probe soft spots with a screwdriver, and replace rotted wood before reinstalling weatherstripping. Add drip caps over exterior doors that lack them.
If you find wind-driven rain lines below vents or light fixtures, remove the covers and check for deteriorated foam gaskets. Recaulk penetrations after surfaces are dry.
Evaluate Interior Systems And Contents
Start with ceilings and upper walls where leaks show up first. Brown rings, peeling paint, or bulging drywall point to active moisture. Use a level to confirm floors have not heaved or sagged around wet areas.
Cabinets and built-ins hide damp cavities. Open toe-kick spaces, check under sinks, and look behind appliances. If cabinet backs are swollen or delaminating, plan for replacement rather than repair.
Soft goods trap odors and spores. Wash small textiles in hot water and dry on high heat. For soaked mattresses or upholstered furniture, weigh the cost and health risks before attempting salvage.
Basements and crawl spaces need airflow. Clear vents, remove wet insulation, and elevate stored boxes on shelves. Add a temporary fan at an exterior opening to exhaust humid air until materials test dry.
Plan Repairs, Permits, And Assistance Steps
Line up repair tasks by urgency: life safety, weatherproofing, and then restoration. Secure permits where required, and ask contractors to specify materials, warranties, and ventilation upgrades in writing. Keep all receipts and time-stamped photos with your job notes.
Many homeowners overlook available help. Federal and state portals maintain lists of programs for rebuilding, mitigation tips, and mental health resources after disasters. A government resource hub recently emphasized how these tools can guide both immediate cleanup and longer-term resilience planning.
Paperwork you will want on hand:
- IDs, policy numbers, and mortgage details
- Photos, videos, and moisture readings
- Contractor estimates and permits
- Receipts for materials and temporary housing
Schedule follow-up inspections after the first significant rain to verify that repairs hold. Revisit your emergency kit and update your home inventory so the next storm is easier to navigate.
Severe weather is stressful, but a steady checklist turns chaos into a plan. Start outside, move inward, and log every step.
When in doubt, pause and get expert help. Your future self will thank you for the careful notes, safe choices, and repairs that were done the right way.
