Safety first, then photos, then stopping more water. The order matters more than the speed.
The hours right after a storm feel chaotic, but the job list is short and the order matters. Do these five things in order and you'll protect your family, your house and your insurance claim at the same time.
Walk the property and take wide shots of every side of the house, then close-ups of every dent, tear and leak. Photograph the roof from the ground with your phone's zoom. Take a video walkthrough narrating what you see. Do this before any cleanup or tarping - once it's moved or covered, the evidence is gone. Our documentation checklist has the full shot list.
Insurers expect you to prevent further damage, and water is what turns a roof repair into a mold job. Buckets under drips, and a tarp over roof damage if rain is coming. Emergency tarping is usually a professional job (wet roofs are dangerous) and typically costs $150-$3,300 depending on the area - often reimbursable. See the tarping guide for what a fair job looks like.
Report the claim early, even if you're still counting damage. Get a claim number, ask what emergency repairs they'll reimburse, and ask about your deductible. Keep every receipt from this point - tarps, hotel nights, even takeout if your kitchen is out. Many policies cover those.
Good local contractors are usually booked solid after a storm; they rarely go door to door. The ones who do are a mixed bag, and some are running the classic storm-chaser play. Before you sign anything, read the 9 red flags - it takes five minutes and can save you thousands.