Hour 0–1: make the home safe
Before anything else, protect people. South Florida storm damage often comes with water near electrical fixtures and weakened ceilings.
- Stay off the roof — wet tile and shingle are dangerously slick, and storm-damaged decking can give way.
- Avoid any room with a bulging, sagging or heavily stained ceiling; trapped water can bring it down.
- If water is near light fixtures or outlets, shut off power to that area at the breaker.
- Move people and pets away from active leaks.
Hour 1–4: document before you touch anything
Your insurance payout depends heavily on proof. Capture the damage in its raw state before any cleanup or temporary repair.
- Take wide and close-up photos and video of every damaged area — roof (from the ground), ceilings, walls, and soaked belongings.
- Capture timestamps; keep the originals on your phone, don't crop or edit.
- Save any debris, broken tiles or shingles that landed in the yard as evidence.
- Note the date and time of the storm and when you first saw the damage.
Hour 4–12: stop the water, then call your insurer
Florida policies require you to make reasonable temporary repairs to prevent further damage — but temporary, not permanent. An emergency tarp is the standard move.
- Get a professional emergency tarp/dry-in installed (we respond 24/7 across Broward) — keep the receipt; it's reimbursable.
- Place buckets and towels and clear standing water inside to limit mold, which sets in fast in Florida humidity.
- Open a claim with your insurer and write down your claim number and adjuster contact.
- Don't throw away damaged materials until the adjuster has seen them or you've documented them thoroughly.
Hour 12–24: get an independent, documented inspection
Before you commit to anyone, get an honest assessment of what the storm actually did. A free, written inspection gives you an independent record alongside the insurer's adjuster.
Be cautious of door-knockers after a storm. Never sign an 'Assignment of Benefits' (AOB) or a contract for a full replacement under pressure in the first day — get the damage documented first, then decide.
Related roofing services
Frequently asked questions
No. Storm-damaged roofs are unstable and wet surfaces are extremely slippery. Photograph the roof from the ground or an upstairs window, and let a professional do the on-roof inspection safely.
Generally yes. Florida policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and the cost of an emergency tarp or dry-in is typically reimbursable — so keep the receipt and photos of the work.
No. After major Broward storms, out-of-area crews and AOB door-knockers are common. Get the damage independently documented first and never sign an Assignment of Benefits under pressure. Choose a local, licensed roofer who works directly with your adjuster.