A step-by-step plan for the first 72 hours after hurricane roof damage — safety, documentation, temporary protection, and starting your claim the right way.
1. Make sure it's safe
Stay off the roof. Watch for downed power lines, sagging ceilings, and standing water near outlets. If a ceiling is bulging, keep everyone out of that room.
2. Document before you touch anything
Photos and video from the ground, plus interior shots of every stain and every damaged item. Timestamped media is the single most useful thing you can hand your adjuster.
3. Stop the water
Emergency tarping is almost always covered as a reasonable mitigation expense, and most policies require you to prevent further damage. Save every receipt. We run emergency tarping across the Gulf Coast and can usually get a home buttoned up fast.
4. File the claim
Call your carrier, get a claim number, and write down every name and date. Don't guess at damage amounts on the phone — describe what you can see and let the inspection establish the scope.
5. Get an independent roof inspection
Having a contractor on the roof with the adjuster keeps the scope honest. We meet adjusters on site, walk the damage together, and make sure nothing gets left off the estimate.
- ▮Never sign a contract you don't understand
- ▮Be cautious with out-of-town crews that appear after a storm
- ▮Keep a written log of all claim communication