When a hurricane or severe storm damages your home, the first 24 hours are critical. The actions you take — and don't take — can significantly affect your safety, your insurance claim, and the cost of repairs. Here's a step-by-step guide from our team, based on two decades of storm damage experience in Southwest Florida.
Step 1: Ensure Safety First
Before anything else, make sure everyone is safe. Do not enter your home if you suspect structural damage — sagging roofs, cracked walls, or leaning structures are dangerous. Watch for downed power lines and standing water (which may be electrically charged). If you smell gas, leave immediately and call 911. Turn off utilities at the main panel if it's safe to do so.
Step 2: Document Everything
Before touching or moving anything, take photos and videos of all damage — interior and exterior. This documentation is crucial for your insurance claim. Photograph every room, every area of damage, and any personal property that was affected. Take wide shots showing the extent of damage and close-ups showing specific issues. Save all documentation in multiple places (phone, email to yourself, cloud storage).
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. Most policies require prompt notification. Have your policy number ready, describe the damage in general terms, and ask about the next steps in the claims process. Keep a record of every call, including the date, time, and name of the person you spoke with.
Step 4: Prevent Further Damage
Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. This includes tarping a damaged roof, boarding up broken windows, removing standing water where possible, and moving undamaged personal items away from exposed areas. Important: save receipts for any emergency supplies or services — these costs are typically covered by your insurance.
Step 5: Call a Licensed Contractor
This is where Lozano Construction comes in. We provide 24/7 emergency response for storm-damaged homes and businesses. We can deploy crews for emergency tarping and board-up, water extraction, damage assessment and documentation for your insurance company, temporary structural stabilization, and full repair planning. We work directly with your insurance company — providing detailed estimates, meeting with adjusters, and ensuring your claim accurately reflects the full scope of damage.
What NOT to Do After Storm Damage
Don't make permanent repairs before your insurance adjuster inspects the damage. Don't throw away damaged items before documenting them. Don't sign contracts with storm-chasing contractors who show up uninvited. Don't accept the first insurance settlement without reviewing it carefully. And don't wait too long — water damage gets worse every hour it goes unaddressed.
Lozano Construction: Here When You Need Us
Florida storms are inevitable. Having a trusted contractor you can call is essential. Lozano Construction has been rebuilding after Florida storms for over 20 years. We're local, we're licensed (CGC1532629), and we're available 24/7 for emergencies. Save our number: (941) 300-0770.
