First 24 Hours · Printable Checklist

After the Storm: The First 24 Hours

Wind-driven rain finds every weak point. Safety first, documentation second, tarps third, and none of it from a ladder.

1. Stay clear of downed power lines, sagging ceilings, and damaged roof areas.
2. Photograph exterior damage from the ground. Do not climb the roof.
3. If a ceiling bulges with trapped water, keep everyone out of that room.
4. Call (951) 758-8442 for emergency tarping, board-up, and interior mitigation.
5. Move belongings away from active leaks, and catch drips in bins, not towels.
6. If it is safe, check the attic: wet insulation marks the entry points, so photograph them.
7. Tarp or board only what you can reach safely from the ground.
8. Report the claim promptly, and describe the cause precisely: wind, wind-driven rain, or a falling limb.
9. Save receipts for tarps, plastic, fans, and any emergency lodging.
10. Verify licenses before signing with anyone. After storms, out-of-area contractors canvass neighborhoods for cash deposits.

We secure the building envelope, dry the interior to verified targets, and document the storm claim wall by wall.

General guidance for typical residential losses, aligned with EPA mold guidance and IICRC S500/S520 standards. Every loss is different, so this is not a substitute for an on-site professional assessment. If anyone is in danger, call 911 first.