Do’s and Don’ts Before a Storm

Protect your peace of mind

What you do in these moments can make all the difference in keeping your home safe and making a successful insurance claim.

Do take precautions to mitigate any damage to your home

  • Secure or store light items that may get blown around by strong winds.

  • Clean your gutters, down pipes and drains to prevent water overflowing into your home.

  • If you have time, trim back trees and branches that could fall on your home.

Do take “before” pictures

  • Capture your home in photos from the street and all sides

  • Walk around inside your home and document your valuable property

Do check your insurance

  • Make sure your insurance policy is current

  • Verify your coverage is appropriate for your location (examples: flooding, storm water runoff, landslide, treefall)

Do keep a log of the storm and the damage

  • Save news reports, take plenty of photo documentation (pictures of damaged items)

  • Take screenshots of warnings and articles

  • Take matching “after” photos where possible

Do make a plan

  • Know your exits and where you will go if your home becomes uninhabitable

  • Have an emergency kit ready in case you lose power or need to leave your home

Do stay informed

  • Listen to your local radio or TV station for current information specific to you

Don’t clean or fix damages

  • DO NOT CLEAN ANY AREA THAT HAS DEBRIS OR DAMAGE UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, BIG MESSES SHOULD BE HANDLED AFTER THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER HAS ASSESSED THE SITE.

  • If you must clean an area, document it thoroughly with photos and video before cleaning.

Don’t just cross your fingers

  • Ignoring the storm and doing nothing to prepare puts you and your home at risk

The most important steps are to secure loose items, inspect for existing damage, and document your roof's and home’s current condition. DO remove or secure any loose objects or decorations that could become projectiles. Clear your gutters and downspouts of debris to ensure proper water drainage during heavy rains. Take photos of your roof from multiple angles to document its pre-storm condition for insurance purposes. DON'T attempt to climb on your roof during windy conditions or try to make temporary repairs with tarps that aren't properly secured. If you notice missing or loose shingles, contact Guideline Roofing immediately for professional assessment and emergency repairs before the storm arrives.

Only attempt temporary tarping if you have proper safety equipment and experience, otherwise wait for professional help. DO contact Guideline Roofing's emergency response team first - we provide 24/7 storm preparation services and can quickly assess whether temporary protection is needed. If you must tarp temporarily, use heavy-duty tarps with proper anchoring and never work alone or in windy conditions. DON'T use lightweight tarps, duct tape, or inadequate fastening methods that could fail during the storm and cause additional damage. Improperly installed tarps can become dangerous projectiles and may actually cause more harm than leaving minor damage uncovered. Our emergency crew can provide professional temporary protection that will actually withstand storm conditions.

Schedule a professional roof inspection within 24-48 hours after the storm passes, but prioritize safety over speed. DO contact Guideline Roofing to schedule a comprehensive post-storm inspection as soon as conditions are safe. Document any visible damage with photos from the ground level and check your attic for signs of water intrusion like wet insulation or water stains. Take photographs of anything you find, before the water dries. DON'T climb on your roof immediately after a storm when surfaces may be wet, debris-covered, or structurally compromised. Avoid hiring door-to-door contractors who appear immediately after storms - these are often uninsured scammers who prey on storm victims. Wait for professional assessment before filing insurance claims, as our certified inspectors can identify hidden damage that untrained eyes might miss, ensuring you receive full compensation for all storm-related roof damage.

Secure your peace of mind

Before the next storm

Hours

Monday - Friday
8 AM - 6 PM
Saturday
CLOSED
Sunday
CLOSED

Location

39 Market Street SW
Concord NC 28025

Based in Concord, North Carolina and proudly serving Kannapolis, Salisbury, Rockwell, Albemarle, Locust, Harrisburg, Matthews, Huntersville, Cornelius, Mooresville, Lexington, and the surrounding areas