Storms can hit fast and hard in the Pacific Northwest, leaving your home vulnerable to roof leaks, flooding, broken windows, and fallen trees. When disaster strikes, your next steps matter. Acting quickly can protect your health, prevent further damage, and improve your chances of a successful insurance claim. Here’s what to do if your home is damaged during a storm.
Step 1: Make Safety Your Top Priority
Before anything else, make sure you and your family are safe. Storm damage can create serious hazards inside and outside the home. If you notice any of the following, leave the area and call emergency services if needed:
- Downed power lines – Always assume they’re live and stay at least 30 feet away.
- Gas leaks – If you smell gas, leave immediately and call your utility provider.
- Unstable structures – Roof collapses, water-logged ceilings, or sagging floors can collapse without warning.
If it’s safe to remain in your home, turn off the main power if water is present and avoid walking through flooded areas where electrical hazards may be hidden.
Step 2: Document the Damage Thoroughly
Once you’re in a safe location, begin documenting everything you see. This will be critical for your insurance claim. Use your phone to take:
- Wide shots of each room showing the overall damage
- Close-up photos of specific areas like broken shingles, wet drywall, or damaged flooring
- Exterior photos of the roof, siding, gutters, fences, and landscaping
- Time-stamped videos showing water levels or active leaks
Do not begin cleanup until after you’ve documented the damage—your insurance provider may need to verify the condition before approving repairs.
Step 3: Call a Licensed Storm Damage Restoration Company
Time is critical when it comes to storm recovery. Mold can start growing within 24–48 hours, and hidden moisture can rot your framing and drywall. That’s why our team at Eco Water Restoration responds to storm emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We provide:
- Emergency water extraction and drying
- Roof tarping and board-up services
- Tree removal and debris cleanup
- Mold prevention and structural drying
We typically arrive on-site within 60–90 minutes to begin mitigation. Early intervention reduces damage, speeds up your claim, and can save you thousands in repairs.
Call us anytime at (253) 204-3646 for emergency storm damage help throughout King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.
Step 4: Contact Your Insurance Company
After mitigation is underway, notify your insurance provider about the damage. Eco Water Restoration helps you navigate the claims process by working directly with your adjuster. We provide:
- Detailed moisture readings and photo documentation
- Itemized estimates using Xactimate pricing
- Communication records for accountability
This helps ensure your claim is processed quickly and fairly. Whether you’re dealing with a standard homeowners policy or FEMA claim for flood damage, we guide you through every step.
Step 5: Prevent Further Damage
Insurers often require that you take reasonable steps to prevent secondary damage. That’s why bringing in a licensed restoration company early is so important. We help you meet your policy requirements by:
- Setting up structural drying equipment
- Removing wet materials and damaged insulation
- Containing the affected area to stop mold spread
- Installing temporary barriers to block rain or wind
Doing this early can help preserve your eligibility for full reimbursement of your loss.
Storm Damage Is Stressful—Let Us Help
Dealing with the aftermath of a storm is overwhelming. Between insurance calls, cleanup, and making your home livable again, it’s easy to feel stuck. Eco Water Restoration is here to simplify the process. With over 1,000 restoration jobs completed and a 5-star rating across the Greater Seattle area, you can count on our team to restore your home—and your peace of mind.
For immediate help, call (253) 204-3646 anytime—day or night.
Or reach out via email at info@eco-wr.com or use our contact form to request assistance.
Need More Storm Tips?
Want to learn what types of storm damage we handle? Visit our guide on the most common types of storm damage in the Seattle area for expert tips and fast recovery advice.
Eco Water Restoration is your trusted partner when storms strike. Let us help you recover quickly and safely—24/7.
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