A lightning strike or fallen tree can turn an ordinary storm into an emergency in seconds. One moment your home is weathering high winds and heavy rain. The next, a tree is on the roof, a window is broken, smoke odor is present, the power is out, or water is entering through a new opening.

At ServiceMaster Kwik Restore, we help homeowners across Northern Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin respond after severe storm events, including lightning damage, fallen-tree damage, roof openings, broken windows, water intrusion, smoke damage, board-up needs, and reconstruction.

These situations feel overwhelming because there may be several hazards at once. A tree on the roof can create structural damage. A lightning strike can affect wiring, electronics, attic materials, and fire risk. A broken roof or wall opening can allow rainwater into the home. The first decisions you make can help protect your family, your property, and your insurance claim.

This guide explains what to do first, what not to touch, and when to call for professional restoration help.

Step 1: Get Everyone Out and Out of the Way

Your first priority is safety. Before you think about cleanup, documentation, or repairs, make sure everyone is away from the damaged area.

Move People and Pets to Safety

If a tree has hit the home, move people and pets away from the impacted rooms. A damaged roof, cracked ceiling, broken rafters, or shifted wall can create serious danger.

If you smell smoke, see sparks, notice burning odors, or suspect electrical damage, leave the home and call emergency services.

Watch for Downed Power Lines

Fallen trees and branches may bring power lines down with them. Stay far away from downed lines and anything touching them, including fences, trees, vehicles, and standing water.

Do not assume a power line is safe because it is not sparking.

Do Not Enter Unstable Areas

Avoid rooms with sagging ceilings, cracked walls, broken roof framing, or water pouring through light fixtures. Do not walk under a tree resting on the roof.

The structure may shift after the storm, especially if more rain or wind continues.

Avoid Standing Water Near Electricity

If water is near outlets, cords, appliances, electrical panels, or light fixtures, stay out of the area. Electrical hazards can be deadly.

Wait for the proper professionals to evaluate the situation.

Step 2: Call Emergency Services if Anyone Is Hurt

After everyone is safely away from the damaged area, decide who needs to be called first.

Call 911 for Injuries, Fire, or Active Danger

Call emergency services immediately if anyone is injured, if there is fire or smoke, if you smell burning, if a tree has caused major structural damage, or if the home may be unsafe to occupy.

The fire department may need to evaluate the home before anyone re-enters.

Call the Utility Company for Power Line Issues

If a tree or branch has damaged power lines, call the utility company. Do not attempt to move branches or debris near electrical equipment.

Call a Tree Professional for Tree Removal

A tree resting on a home should be handled by a qualified tree service or emergency professional. Removing it incorrectly can cause more structural damage or create a safety hazard.

Call a Restoration Company for Property Stabilization

Once immediate life safety issues are addressed, call a restoration company like ServiceMaster Kwik Restore to help secure the property, address water intrusion, begin drying, and document the damage.

Step 3: Document Before You Touch Anything

Insurance documentation matters after lightning damage or fallen-tree damage. If it is safe, document the condition of the property before cleanup or temporary repairs begin.

Take Exterior Photos

Photograph the tree, roof, siding, gutters, windows, doors, garage, fence, and any visible exterior damage. Take wide photos that show the whole area and close-up photos of specific damage.

Stay on the ground. Do not climb onto a damaged roof.

Take Interior Photos

Document ceiling damage, water stains, broken glass, wet flooring, damaged furniture, attic access areas, and any rooms affected by water intrusion or impact damage.

Record a Short Video

A video walkthrough can help show how the damage connects from outside to inside. Start with the exterior damage, then move inside if it is safe.

Document the Time and Date

Write down when the storm occurred, when you discovered the damage, and what you noticed first. This can help when reporting the claim.

Save Receipts

Keep receipts for emergency lodging, temporary protection, tree removal, tarping, board-up, supplies, and any other storm-related expenses.

Do Not Throw Away Damaged Items Too Soon

If contents are damaged, photograph them before disposal. Some items may need to be inspected or listed for the insurance claim.

Step 4: Stabilize the Structure

After safety and documentation, the goal is to prevent more damage. A damaged home can continue taking on water until it is secured.

Emergency Roof Tarping

If the roof has been opened or damaged, temporary tarping may be needed. Tarping can reduce rainwater entry until permanent roof repairs are scheduled.

Homeowners should not climb onto a damaged roof. A roof impacted by a tree or lightning strike may be unstable or slippery.

Emergency Board-Up

Broken windows, damaged doors, garage openings, or holes in exterior walls may need board-up. Board-up helps protect the home from weather, animals, theft, and further damage.

Water Extraction

If rainwater has entered the home, standing water should be removed quickly. Water can soak flooring, walls, insulation, and furniture in a short time.

Moisture Detection

Water may travel farther than the visible wet area. Moisture detection helps identify hidden water in walls, ceilings, flooring, cabinets, and insulation.

Structural Drying

Drying equipment may be needed after water intrusion. Household fans are often not enough to dry hidden materials after storm damage.

Smoke or Odor Concerns

Lightning strikes can create smoke odor or fire damage in attics, walls, electrical systems, and appliances. If you smell smoke or burning, leave the home and have it evaluated.

Step 5: Call Your Insurance Company, Then Call ServiceMaster Kwik Restore

After the immediate danger is under control, report the damage to your insurance carrier.

What to Tell Your Insurance Company

Stick to facts. Explain that lightning struck the home or a tree fell on the property. Share the date and time of the storm, the areas affected, whether water is entering, and whether emergency services were involved.

Ask for a claim number and instructions for emergency mitigation.

Ask About Temporary Repairs

Most carriers expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage. Ask what documentation they need for tarping, board-up, water extraction, drying, tree removal, or temporary lodging.

Share Photos and Videos

Send documentation through the method your carrier requests. Keep copies for your records.

Call ServiceMaster Kwik Restore

Our team can help stabilize the property, remove water, dry affected materials, document the restoration scope, and manage repairs when needed.

We work with insurance professionals regularly and can provide photos, moisture readings, drying logs, equipment records, and reconstruction documentation.

Why Lightning Strike Damage Needs Special Attention

Lightning damage can be difficult to understand because some problems are visible and others are hidden.

Electrical System Concerns

Lightning can affect wiring, outlets, panels, fixtures, appliances, and electronics. If you notice flickering lights, burning smells, tripped breakers, or damaged outlets, have the system inspected by a qualified electrician.

Attic and Roof Damage

Lightning may damage roofing, attic framing, insulation, vents, or other materials. In some cases, fire or smoke damage may be present even if the damage appears minor.

Fire and Smoke Damage

A lightning strike can create smoke odor, soot, or hidden fire damage. Smoke can travel into wall cavities, attic spaces, and HVAC systems.

Water Damage From Openings

If lightning damages the roof, siding, or windows, rainwater may enter. Water damage may require extraction, drying, and reconstruction.

Contents Damage

Electronics, appliances, computers, smart devices, and mechanical systems may be damaged by a lightning-related surge.

Why Fallen-Tree Damage Can Get Worse Quickly

A tree impact can create several layers of damage.

Roof Penetration

If a branch or trunk punctures the roof, rainwater can enter immediately. Even a small opening can soak insulation, ceilings, and walls.

Structural Damage

Rafters, trusses, decking, walls, and framing may be affected. Do not assume the home is safe because the damage looks contained to one area.

Broken Windows and Exterior Openings

Tree limbs can break glass, damage siding, and create openings that need emergency board-up.

Interior Water Damage

Once rain enters, water can travel into finished rooms, flooring, furniture, and personal belongings.

Delayed Leaks

Even after the tree is removed, roof damage may continue leaking if temporary protection or permanent repairs are not completed.

The ServiceMaster Kwik Restore Emergency Response Process

When lightning or a fallen tree damages your home, our response focuses on stabilization, water control, documentation, and repair planning.

Safety Review

We identify visible hazards and determine which areas should be avoided until the proper professionals evaluate them.

Temporary Protection

When needed, we provide emergency board-up or roof tarping to help protect the home from additional weather exposure.

Water Removal and Drying

If water has entered the home, we remove standing water and place drying equipment to address affected materials.

Contents Support

We help move, clean, dry, or document belongings affected by water, smoke, debris, or impact damage.

Insurance Documentation

We document the restoration portion of the loss with photos, moisture readings, affected material notes, drying records, and repair details.

Reconstruction

Once the property is stabilized and mitigation is complete, ServiceMaster Kwik Restore can help repair drywall, flooring, ceilings, trim, paint, insulation, cabinets, and other damaged finishes.

Call ServiceMaster Kwik Restore After Lightning or Fallen-Tree Damage

If lightning strikes your home or a tree falls on your property, do not try to handle the damage alone. Safety, stabilization, water control, documentation, and repairs all matter.

ServiceMaster Kwik Restore provides emergency storm damage restoration across Northern Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin, including board-up, roof tarping, water extraction, structural drying, smoke and odor cleanup, contents support, reconstruction, and insurance documentation.

Call ServiceMaster Kwik Restore 24/7 at (847) 908-5914 for immediate help after lightning damage or fallen-tree damage.