What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Roof Storm Damage in Broward County

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.