The Calm Before the Claim Part 3: What to do After the Hurricane

daniel33876
Jul 16
3 min read

Updated: Jul 29

When the winds finally stop and it's safe to go outside, most property owners have one question:

"Where do I start?"

After more than two decades representing homeowners, businesses, churches, farms, ranches, and multifamily property owners, I've learned that what you do during the first 24 hours after a hurricane can have a lasting impact on both your property and your insurance claim.

Your priorities should always be safety first, protecting your property from additional damage, and preserving evidence of the loss.

Here are the steps I recommend after every major storm.

1. Make Safety Your First Priority

Before thinking about your insurance claim, make sure everyone is safe.

Be alert for:

• Downed power lines

• Gas leaks

• Flooded electrical systems

• Structural instability

• Broken glass and exposed nails

If your home has suffered significant structural damage, don't re-enter until it has been determined to be safe. No insurance claim is worth risking an injury.

2. Document Everything Before You Move Anything

One of the biggest mistakes I see after hurricanes is homeowners beginning cleanup before documenting the damage.

Before removing debris or making temporary repairs:

• Photograph every damaged area.

• Take wide-angle photos and close-up images.

• Record video as you walk through the property.

• Capture both interior and exterior damage.

Remember, you're documenting the condition of the property immediately after the storm. You only get one opportunity to capture that evidence.

3. Prevent Additional Damage

Most insurance policies require policyholders to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage after a loss.

That may include:

• Tarping a damaged roof

• Boarding broken windows

• Removing standing water

• Drying wet materials

• Covering exposed personal property

Emergency mitigation protects both your property and your insurance claim. Just remember to document the damage before temporary repairs begin.

4. Don't Throw Anything Away Yet

It may be tempting to start filling dumpsters immediately. Don't.

Damaged roofing materials, flooring, appliances, furniture, and personal property may become important evidence during the claims process. Unless they create a health or safety hazard, keep damaged materials until the insurance company has had an opportunity to inspect them. If disposal becomes necessary, photograph everything thoroughly first.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

Once you've documented the damage and stabilized the property, report the claim to your insurance company.

When reporting the loss:

• Write down your claim number.

• Record the date and time of the call.

• Save emails and text messages.

• Keep a log of everyone you speak with.

Good records often become just as important as good photographs.

6. Keep Every Receipt

Many expenses incurred immediately after a hurricane may be reimbursable under your policy.

Save receipts for:

• Emergency tarping

• Water mitigation

• Temporary lodging

• Meals if covered under your policy

• Building materials

• Emergency supplies used to protect the property

Never assume an expense won't matter later.

7. Slow Down Before Accepting the First Opinion

One of the biggest misconceptions after a hurricane is that the first inspection tells the entire story. It often doesn't.

Some types of damage become more apparent only after debris is removed, materials are opened, or repairs begin. Hidden moisture intrusion, structural movement, and secondary damage may not be immediately visible.

That's why it's important to fully understand the scope of damage before assuming the claim is complete.

Experience Matters

One lesson has remained constant throughout my career as a Public Adjuster: the strongest insurance claims are built on thorough documentation, careful preparation, and informed decisions made from the very beginning.

The first 24 hours after a hurricane are often overwhelming, but they also present the greatest opportunity to protect your interests.

Taking the time to document the damage, preserve evidence, and keep organized records can make a significant difference throughout the claims process.

Coming Next

This is Part 3 of our Hurricane Preparedness Series.

In Part 4, we'll discuss one of the most common mistakes property owners make after a hurricane: assuming the insurance company's first estimate reflects the full extent of the damage.