Storm Damage Checklist: What to Do After Severe Weather

Severe weather moves through the Metro East fast. The damage it leaves should be handled just as methodically. Here is the checklist we give every homeowner after a storm.

Step 1: Safety First

Never climb on a damaged roof. Check the ground level first: shingle pieces, broken branches, and debris are all evidence of what happened above.

Step 2: Document Everything

Photograph your home inside and out — roof (from the ground), siding, gutters, windows, ceilings, and any interior water stains. Date-stamped photos are the backbone of an insurance claim.

Step 3: Prevent Further Damage

Put a tarp over exposed areas if it is safe from the ground. Keep receipts — temporary repairs are typically reimbursable.

Step 4: Get a Professional Inspection

A licensed contractor documents damage properly, gives you an honest repair-versus-replace assessment, and provides the written report your insurer will want.

Step 5: Call Your Insurer — With Your Report in Hand

File the claim with professional documentation attached. It keeps the process honest and fast.

Top Dog Contracting handles storm damage repairs across Collinsville and the surrounding area, backed by Illinois Roofing License #104.019893. We are the crew that shows up after the storm.