After a severe storm passes, many homeowners are left standing in the yard or basement trying to figure out what to do first. There may be shingles on the ground, water in the basement, a broken window, a ceiling stain, a fallen branch, or hail damage that is hard to understand. In that first hour, it is easy to feel rushed, but the steps you take can affect both the damage to your property and the insurance claim that follows.
At ServiceMaster Kwik Restore, we help homeowners across Northern Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin recover after severe weather, including wind damage, hail damage, stormwater intrusion, roof leaks, basement flooding, fallen-tree damage, emergency board-up, water extraction, drying, reconstruction, and insurance documentation.
We do not decide coverage. Your insurance carrier determines what is covered under your policy. What we can do is help document the restoration side of the loss clearly and professionally. Good documentation helps show what happened, where the damage occurred, how far the water traveled, what materials were affected, and what work was needed to stabilize and restore the property.
When severe weather damages your home, documentation should begin before major cleanup whenever it is safe to do so.
The First Photos to Take and Why They Matter
Photos are one of the most important tools you have after storm damage. They help create a record of the property before materials are moved, water is extracted, debris is removed, or temporary repairs are made.
Start With Wide Exterior Photos
Begin outside if it is safe. Take wide photos of the home from several angles. Capture the roofline, siding, gutters, windows, doors, garage, deck, fence, driveway, and any visible debris.
Wide photos help show the overall condition of the property after the storm. They can also help connect exterior damage to interior damage, such as a roof leak above a stained ceiling.
Photograph Specific Damage
After wide photos, take close-up photos of damaged areas. This may include missing shingles, dented gutters, cracked siding, broken windows, fallen branches, damaged doors, torn screens, roof debris, or siding pieces on the ground.
Do not climb onto the roof. A storm-damaged roof can be slippery, unstable, or unsafe. Ground-level photos are enough until a qualified professional can inspect the area.
Capture Interior Water Damage
Inside the home, photograph ceiling stains, wet drywall, standing water, warped flooring, damaged carpet, wet baseboards, soaked contents, and any visible water path.
Take photos from different angles and distances. A close-up can show detail, while a wide photo shows the room and surrounding conditions.
Include Basement and Mechanical Areas
Severe storms often affect basements, sump pump areas, floor drains, utility rooms, crawl spaces, and mechanical rooms. If it is safe, photograph the sump pit, water line marks, standing water, wet storage, water heater area, and affected walls or flooring.
If water is near electrical systems, do not enter. Safety comes first.
Use Video When Helpful
A short video walkthrough can help show how the damage connects from one area to another. For example, a video can begin outside with roof damage and then move inside to the ceiling stain below.
Narrate only basic facts. State what you see, where you are, and when the damage was discovered.
What to Tell Your Insurance Company on the First Call
The first insurance call should be clear and factual. You do not need to diagnose the full loss or guess what happened behind the walls.
Stick to What You Know
Explain what happened as simply as possible. For example, you may say that a storm moved through the area, you discovered water in the basement, shingles are missing, or a tree branch damaged the roof.
Avoid guessing about coverage, causes, or repairs. Let the adjuster, restoration company, and other professionals evaluate the details.
Ask for a Claim Number
Request the claim number before the call ends. Write it down along with the date, time, representative’s name, and any instructions you receive.
You will likely need this claim number when speaking with your restoration company, adjuster, contractor, or insurance representative.
Ask About Emergency Mitigation
Most policies require homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. Ask your carrier whether emergency services such as roof tarping, board-up, water extraction, drying, or temporary protection should begin right away.
Do not delay mitigation while waiting for every claim detail to be finalized if water is actively damaging the property.
Confirm How To Send Documentation
Ask how the insurance company wants photos, videos, receipts, and reports submitted. Some carriers use apps, claim portals, email, or adjuster uploads.
Keeping documents organized from the beginning can make the process easier.
Ask About Temporary Repairs
If your home needs tarping, board-up, plumbing repairs, tree removal, or emergency cleaning, ask what the carrier needs for reimbursement review. Save receipts and take photos before and after temporary work.
What Not To Do After Storm Damage
Homeowners often make mistakes because they are trying to help. Unfortunately, some actions can create safety risks, increase damage, or complicate documentation.
Do Not Enter Unsafe Areas
Stay away from rooms with sagging ceilings, exposed wiring, broken glass, structural damage, or standing water near electricity. If a tree has hit the home, avoid rooms below the impact.
Do Not Climb on the Roof
Even if you want better photos, do not climb onto a storm-damaged roof. Wet shingles, hail damage, loose materials, and structural damage can make the roof unsafe.
Do Not Throw Damaged Items Away Too Soon
Damaged contents may need to be documented before disposal. If something must be removed for safety or sanitation reasons, photograph it first.
For contaminated water losses, your restoration team can help document what is removed and why.
Do Not Start Major Tear-Out Without Documentation
Pulling out drywall, flooring, cabinets, or insulation before photos and moisture readings can make it harder to explain the loss.
Emergency material removal may be necessary in some cases, but documentation should happen first whenever possible.
Do Not Use Household Fans for Major Water Damage
Fans can move air, but they may not remove enough moisture from wet materials or indoor air. They can also spread contaminants if the water source is unsafe.
Professional drying uses controlled equipment placement, dehumidification, and moisture monitoring.
Do Not Sign With Door-Knockers Under Pressure
After major storms, some contractors go door to door offering immediate roof, siding, or repair work. Take time to verify licenses, insurance, reputation, and scope details before signing anything.
A rushed agreement can create problems later.
The Documents Your Adjuster Will Need
Every claim is different, but several types of documentation are commonly helpful.
Photos and Videos
Keep all storm damage photos and videos in one folder. Include exterior, interior, contents, temporary repairs, and water damage documentation.
Written Timeline
Create a short timeline. Include when the storm occurred, when you discovered the damage, when you contacted insurance, when emergency services began, and any important conversations.
Receipts
Save receipts for emergency supplies, temporary lodging, tarping, board-up, plumbing work, tree removal, roof protection, cleanup materials, or other storm-related expenses.
Contractor and Restoration Estimates
Your adjuster may need estimates or scopes from restoration and repair professionals. These documents help outline what work is needed and why.
Contents Inventory
If personal belongings were damaged, list the affected items by room. Include item description, approximate age, replacement information, and photos when possible.
Moisture Documentation
For water damage, moisture readings and drying records help show what areas were wet and how drying progressed.
Equipment Records
Drying equipment records can show what equipment was used, where it was placed, and how long it was needed.
How ServiceMaster Kwik Restore Helps Build Stronger Documentation
Our restoration work includes physical cleanup and clear documentation. This can help homeowners and adjusters understand the scope of the damage.
Moisture Mapping
Stormwater often travels behind walls, beneath flooring, through ceilings, into insulation, and across basement materials. We use moisture detection tools to identify affected areas that may not be visible.
Moisture mapping helps guide the drying plan and creates a record of where water traveled.
Photo Documentation
We take photos before, during, and after restoration work. This may include standing water, damaged materials, affected contents, equipment placement, removal work, and completed mitigation.
Drying Logs
Drying logs help track moisture conditions over time. These records are important because a room can look dry while hidden materials remain wet.
Affected Material Notes
We document materials that are affected by water, storm damage, contamination, or removal. This may include drywall, insulation, flooring, baseboards, cabinets, carpet padding, ceiling materials, and contents.
Emergency Service Records
If emergency board-up, roof tarping, extraction, or temporary protection is needed, we document the work performed.
Reconstruction Scope
When repairs are needed after mitigation, we can help document the reconstruction scope. This may include drywall, flooring, trim, paint, insulation, cabinets, and other damaged finishes.
Storm Damage Documentation by Damage Type
Different types of severe weather damage require different documentation.
Hail Damage
Photograph dents on gutters, downspouts, vents, siding, window trim, and exterior fixtures. Also document shingle granules near downspouts or in gutters.
Wind Damage
Photograph missing shingles, lifted siding, loose gutters, damaged fencing, fallen branches, broken windows, and debris patterns around the home.
Basement Flooding
Document standing water, water line marks, wet carpet, damaged storage, sump pump areas, floor drains, and affected lower walls.
Roof Leaks
Take photos of ceiling stains, attic moisture if safely visible, wet insulation, peeling paint, and any exterior roof damage seen from the ground.
Fallen Trees
Photograph the tree from multiple angles, the impact point, roof or wall damage, interior water damage, and debris. Do not move large branches until safe professionals are involved.
Broken Windows and Openings
Document broken glass, damaged frames, wet flooring, rainwater entry, and any emergency board-up work.
Keeping Your Claim Organized
A storm claim can involve many calls, documents, and decisions. Staying organized helps reduce confusion.
Create one folder for photos, videos, receipts, claim notes, restoration reports, insurance emails, and estimates. Write your claim number on any paper records. Keep a simple call log with dates, names, and what was discussed.
If your insurance carrier gives verbal instructions, ask for written confirmation when possible.
Do not rely on memory during a stressful situation. A few notes can help later.
Call ServiceMaster Kwik Restore After Severe Weather
Severe weather can damage your home in several ways at once. Wind, hail, heavy rain, fallen branches, roof leaks, basement flooding, and broken windows all require careful documentation and fast response.
ServiceMaster Kwik Restore provides storm damage restoration across Northern Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin, including emergency board-up, roof tarping, water extraction, structural drying, moisture mapping, contents support, reconstruction, and insurance documentation.
If your home has been damaged by severe weather, call ServiceMaster Kwik Restore 24/7 at (847) 908-5914 for immediate help.