After the Storm: A Middle Tennessee Homeowner's 72-Hour Checklist

Severe weather is a fact of life in Middle Tennessee — spring storms, hail, straight-line winds. When one hits your home, the first 72 hours matter more than any other stretch. Here’s a clear checklist to protect your family, your home, and your insurance claim.

Hours 0–2: Safety first

Before anything else:

Stay clear of downed power lines and anything they’re touching. Assume they’re live.
Check for hazards before re-entering — gas smell, structural sagging, standing water near electrical.
Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof. More people are hurt cleaning up after storms than during them. Leave the roof to a pro.

Hours 2–24: Document before you touch

Your claim depends on evidence, so build the record before you start cleaning up:

Photograph everything — the roof (from the ground or by drone), siding, windows, gutters, fences, downed limbs, and any water inside.
Note the storm details — date, time, and any local reports of hail or high wind.
Save receipts for anything you buy for emergency mitigation.

Only start clearing debris and cleaning up after it’s documented.

Hours 12–48: Prevent further damage

Insurers generally expect you to stop the bleeding, and these costs are often reimbursable:

Tarp a damaged roof or cover it to keep rain out.
Board or cover broken windows and doors.
Move valuables away from active leaks and get air moving to limit mold.

Keep these temporary — don’t make permanent repairs until the claim is assessed, or you may not be reimbursed.

Hours 24–72: Get a professional inspection and start the claim

Call a local, licensed contractor for a proper inspection. Early documentation (within ~72 hours) captures the damage cleanly before it worsens.
File your insurance claim and try to have your contractor present when the adjuster inspects — they’ll make sure legitimate damage isn’t missed.
Beware the door-knockers. Out-of-town storm-chasers descend after big Tennessee storms with hard-sell pitches and deposits. Stick with someone local who’ll still be here next year.

For the full claims walkthrough, see our guide on filing a roof storm-damage insurance claim.

Why local matters most right now

In the chaos after a storm, the contractors who help you fastest and most honestly are the ones who live here. We can get to your property quickly, document what your insurer needs, tarp what’s leaking, and handle the real repair once your claim is settled — roof, siding, windows, and the rest.

Storm damage in Middle Tennessee? We respond fast and do it right. See what we do or request a free inspection — and get your home dried in before the next front rolls through.

Common questions

What should I do first after a storm damages my house?

Safety first: stay away from downed power lines, check for structural and gas hazards before going inside, and don't get on a wet or damaged roof yourself. Once it's safe, document everything with photos before you touch anything, then prevent further damage with temporary measures like tarping.

Should I make temporary repairs before the insurance adjuster comes?

Yes — you're generally expected to prevent further damage (tarping a roof, covering broken windows), and those emergency costs are often reimbursable. Photograph the damage first, keep receipts, and don't make permanent repairs until the claim is assessed.

Who should I call for storm repair in Middle Tennessee?

A local, licensed contractor who can inspect quickly and document damage for your claim — not an out-of-town crew going door to door. Local means they'll be here to stand behind the repair, and they know how to work with your adjuster.