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When water or storm damage threatens the house, start with people and immediate hazards. Document what can be seen safely, keep clear of damaged ceilings and leave exterior temporary protection to properly equipped professionals. A website inquiry is not an emergency-dispatch booking.
1. Check immediate danger from a safe position
Keep people away from falling material, bulging ceilings, unstable areas and wet electrical equipment. Leave an unsafe area and contact appropriate emergency help when there is an immediate danger. Do not investigate from the roof.
2. Contact appropriate qualified help
Describe the visible symptoms and hazards. Confirm actual availability, safe access and the proposed temporary or permanent scope. A general inquiry form or voicemail number is not a confirmed emergency-dispatch arrangement.
3. Record conditions safely
Photograph visible damage and the affected rooms only where safe. Record when the problem began, weather observations and earlier repairs without presenting a guess as the confirmed cause. Keep receipts and communications.
4. Arrange professional temporary protection
Exterior tarping and roof access should be left to equipped professionals. Inside, protect belongings or contain drips only where doing so does not place someone under a damaged ceiling or near an electrical hazard. Most roof work should not be DIY.[1]
5. Speak to the insurer and plan the permanent work
Ask the insurer about policy duties, documentation and authorization requirements. A temporary measure is not a diagnosis or a permanent repair. Obtain findings and a written scope that explains the cause, included work and remaining limitations.[1]
After the immediate problem
Keep the assessment, photographs, scope and changes together. Review the leak information and repair guide when comparing the next steps. Confirm actual availability directly when arranging urgent help.
Related information
References
General homeowner information, not a property-specific assessment. Requirements and product instructions vary. Leave roof access, diagnosis and hazardous work to qualified professionals.