Storm damaged your roof: first steps

Quick answer

Stay clear of downed power lines and do not climb onto a damaged roof. Photograph the damage inside and out, contact your insurance company, and have a roofer install a temporary tarp once the storm has passed.

Safety first: Treat every downed power line as live and stay away from it; call 911 or your utility to report it. Do not go onto a storm-damaged roof, and never try to tarp a roof while it is windy or raining.

What to do now

  1. Stay away from downed lines. Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines, and treat every power line as live. Source: Roof Tarping (Blue Roof) Safety Fact Sheet - OSHA
  2. Stay off the damaged roof. OSHA's guidance for tarping crews says no one should work on a damaged roof until its strength and structural integrity have been checked, and to avoid getting on the roof whenever the task can be done from a ladder or other stable platform. Source: Roof Tarping (Blue Roof) Safety Fact Sheet - OSHA
  3. Wait for calm weather to tarp. Never install a tarp during a storm while it is windy or raining. A tarped roof is very slippery, especially when wet. Source: Roof Tarping (Blue Roof) Safety Fact Sheet - OSHA
  4. Keep clear of wet electrical equipment. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Source: Hurricanes - Ready.gov
  5. Photograph the damage. Document property damage with photographs, inside and outside, and contact your insurance company for assistance. Source: Hurricanes - Ready.gov
  6. Dry out any interior water within 24 to 48 hours. If rain came through the ceiling or walls, dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to help prevent mold. Source: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home - US EPA
  7. Dress for cleanup. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants and work gloves during cleanup, and use a mask if you are cleaning mold or debris. Source: Tornadoes - Ready.gov

When to call a professional

Call a roofing company for an inspection and a temporary tarp, and a water damage restoration company if water got inside. Ask for a written description and photos of the damage for your insurer, and confirm the crew uses fall protection.

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Pick your state and city on the directory page, or use the location search at the top of this page, then call a local company directly.

Insurance

Take photos and videos of the damage inside and outside before discarding anything, keep receipts for temporary repairs, and consult your insurance company before you sign any repair or remediation agreement. Source: official guidance

Frequently asked questions

Should I climb up and look at the damage myself?

It is safer not to. OSHA's roof tarping guidance says not to work on a damaged roof until its structural integrity has been checked, and to use ladders or stable platforms instead of the roof when possible.

When can a tarp go on?

Only after the storm has passed. OSHA says never to install a tarp during a storm while it is windy or raining.

What should I do before talking to my insurer?

Photograph the damage inside and out, keep receipts for any emergency repairs, and check with your insurance company before signing any repair agreement.

General safety information, not professional advice. In an emergency, call 911. More guides: home emergencies: what to do first.