Hurricane damage checklist: what to do after a hurricane
After a hurricane, the biggest dangers come during cleanup: falling trees, carbon monoxide from generators, downed lines and floodwater. Return only when officials allow it, make the property safe, stop further damage, document everything, and sort wind damage from flood damage for insurance. Call 833-877-1717 to request an independent provider.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 14, 2026 · Review standards
Returning home
- Return only when local officials say it is safe. Roads may be blocked or washed out.
- Do not drive or walk through floodwater.
- Look at the building from outside before entering: shifted foundations, sagging roofs, leaning walls or trees on the structure mean stay out.
- If you smell gas, leave and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
Power and generators
- Run generators only outdoors, far from doors, windows and vents, never in a garage. Generator exhaust kills people after storms every year.
- Never plug a generator into a wall outlet; use a transfer switch or approved interlock.
- Keep away from downed lines and report them.
- Do not turn on power in areas that flooded until an electrician checks them.
Stop further damage
- Tarp roof openings and board up broken windows and doors.
- Remove standing water and start drying within a day or two.
- Pull wet carpet and furniture out of flooded rooms.
- Protect undamaged belongings from rain coming through openings.
See emergency roof tarping, board-up and flooded house guide.
Wind damage or flood damage?
This distinction drives insurance:
- Wind damage (roofs, siding, windows, trees, rain driven in through openings) is usually covered by homeowners policies, often with a separate hurricane deductible.
- Flood damage (storm surge and rising water) usually needs separate flood insurance.
Photograph water lines on walls and wind damage separately, and note which happened where.
Document and get assistance
- Photograph every side of the building and every damaged room before cleanup.
- Keep receipts for emergency repairs, generators, fuel, hotels and replaced food.
- Call your insurer and, if you have it, your flood insurer.
- After declared disasters, check DisasterAssistance.gov for federal assistance in your county.
Hire carefully
- Check licensing and insurance; storm events attract out-of-area contractors.
- Get written estimates and read contracts and assignment-of-benefits forms before signing.
- Avoid paying in full before work starts.
When you call 833-877-1717, describe the damage and the ZIP code. RepairNowUSA looks for participating independent providers in your area. Demand after hurricanes is very high, so availability varies.
How RepairNowUSA can help
Call 833-877-1717 and describe what is happening and the property ZIP code. RepairNowUSA looks for a participating independent provider for that kind of work in your area and connects you if one is available. The provider confirms timing, scope and price with you and does the work. Availability and response times vary and are not guaranteed.
Call 833-877-1717Common questions
What should I do first after a hurricane?
Return only when officials allow it, check for hazards like downed lines, gas odors and structural damage, then stop further damage with tarps, board-up and water removal, and document everything.
Is hurricane damage covered by insurance?
Wind damage is usually covered by homeowners policies, often with a hurricane deductible. Flooding from storm surge or rising water usually needs separate flood insurance.
How do I apply for FEMA help after a hurricane?
If your county is included in a major disaster declaration for individual assistance, apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or through FEMA. Keep photos and receipts.
Why are generators so dangerous after storms?
They produce carbon monoxide, which is invisible and odorless. Running one in a garage, basement or near windows can kill. Run them outdoors only, far from openings.
Can I call any time?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.