First 24 Hours After a Dallas Storm
A practical checklist. Bookmark it before you need it.
Make sure everyone is safe
Before anything else — are you and your household safe? If there is structural damage, downed power lines, flooding, or any immediate hazard: leave and call 911.
Do not start cleanup yet
Leave storm damage in place until you have documented it. Cleaning up or making repairs before documenting can hurt your insurance claim. Take photos and video first.
Photograph everything you can safely reach
Walk the perimeter of your home. Photograph your roof from the ground, your gutters, siding, windows, AC condenser unit, fence, and vehicles. Check inside for ceiling stains or dripping.
Record the storm details
Note the date and time. Pull the weather report from weather.gov or a local news station. Screenshot or print the storm record — it becomes part of your documentation package.',
Check your attic
Safely access your attic if possible. Look for new daylight, water staining, wet insulation, or drips. This is often where storm damage becomes visible before ceiling damage appears.',
Emergency mitigation — if needed
If there is an active roof leak, place buckets and cover belongings. If there is a significant opening in the roof, get a professional tarp installed. Do not go on a wet or damaged roof.
Contact us or schedule an inspection
Call us or fill out the form. We help you understand what you have, coordinate an independent inspection, and connect you with a specialist before you file with your insurer.',
Notify your insurer
Once you have documentation — photos, inspection report, storm records — call your insurance company to report the claim. Having documentation ready before you call puts you in a stronger position.',
Keep all receipts for emergency mitigation
Any money you spend on emergency tarping, water extraction, or boarding up is typically reimbursable under your policy as emergency mitigation. Keep every receipt.
⚠️ What NOT to do in the first 24 hours
- ✕Do not make permanent repairs before documenting and before your adjuster visits
- ✕Do not discard damaged materials — the adjuster needs to see them
- ✕Do not sign any contractor agreements on the day of the storm
- ✕Do not let anyone pressure you into a same-day decision
- ✕Do not post damage photos on social media with location data before filing
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency / structural danger:
- 911
- Downed power lines / electrical:
- Oncor: (888) 313-4747
- Gas leak:
- Atmos Energy: (866) 322-8667
- Storm damage help (us):
- (214) 555-0100