Colorado Springs is no stranger to natural disasters. From late-summer flash floods to hailstorms and high wind events, the region gets its fair share of severe weather. These types of disasters often hit with little warning and can cause all sorts of damage to homes, businesses, and properties across the area. When that kind of storm rolls through, the minutes and hours after can feel overwhelming.

Responding quickly and correctly can make a big difference in how fast things get back to normal. Taking the right steps early on can protect your property, keep everyone safe, and help you avoid bigger headaches with your insurance claim. Here’s a breakdown of what to do first after a natural disaster hits, especially if you’re dealing with fire, wind, or water damage in Colorado Springs.

Step 1: Ensure Safety First

Before anything else, make sure you and your loved ones are okay. Property damage can be fixed, but personal safety should always be the top concern. Even if it looks quiet outside after a storm or fire, there could be hidden dangers like downed power lines, broken gas connections, or unstable parts of a building.

Here’s what to do right away:

– Look and listen for hazards like exposed wires, gas smells, or falling debris

– Exit the property if it seems unsafe or if you’re unsure about structural damage

– Pay attention to any alerts sent out by the city or county, especially for evacuation notices

When you’re outside, check in with nearby neighbors. They may need help or can provide useful updates like blocked roads or utility outages. It’s good to have a meeting spot arranged ahead of time in case anyone gets separated.

Never enter a damaged home or business until officials give you the all-clear. Hazards like gas leaks or cracked walls aren’t always obvious, and taking unnecessary risks early on can lead to serious injuries.

Step 2: Assess Immediate Damage

Once it’s safe to go back in, start documenting damage right away. You aren’t doing a full inspection yet, but you want to have as much clear evidence as possible to support your insurance claim.

Follow these steps:

– Take wide shots and close-ups of each room

– Photograph damaged areas, burned items, soaked furniture, or anything visibly broken or missing

– Don’t forget the exterior—get shots of the roof, siding, windows, and HVAC units

If anything needs to be moved for safety, photograph it in place before doing so. Make a list of damaged belongings like appliances, furniture, tools, or business inventory. If you have original receipts or product information, keep that together in a single folder or box.

Everything you document helps your insurance claim process move forward. The adjuster they send will do their own review, but a solid record from the beginning adds support if disputes come up later.

Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Provider

Now that you have photos and notes, contact your insurance company to report the incident. Don’t wait too long. The sooner the claim is filed, the faster they get the process going.

When reaching out:

– Be ready with a brief explanation of what happened and where the damage occurred

– Share the photos and documentation you’ve gathered

– Ask about what you’re allowed to do temporarily—some policies need advance notice for cleanup or repairs

This is also a good time to ask specific questions about your coverage. Will they pay for temporary housing? Are certain kinds of water damage excluded? What happens next, and when can you expect an adjuster?

If there’s a delay or you feel unsure about the response, it may be time to contact an emergency adjuster. They represent your best interests and can act fast, especially when timing affects your protection.

Step 4: Secure the Property

Once your claim is in progress, take steps to keep your property from getting any worse. This shows your insurance company that you’re doing your part to reduce further losses.

Here’s what to check:

– Cover broken windows or roof areas with tarps or plywood

– Note signs of forced entry or open access points that could lead to theft or pest entry

– Make sure electric and gas systems aren’t active if there’s damage

If you’re comfortable and it’s safe to do so, turn off main utility switches. Reinforce door locks or block off exposed entries. Even putting up caution tape or a simple sign can make a difference in keeping people out and avoiding liability.

As you cover or clean any areas, take pictures. Saving receipts for anything you purchase—tarps, nails, locks, etc.—can help show what you’ve spent to protect the property.

Get Professional Help When It Counts

Trying to manage all this alone can be overwhelming. That’s why it helps to bring in professionals who deal with disaster recovery every day. Emergency adjusters and repair experts handle the details that homeowners or business owners might overlook.

Public adjusters, in particular, work on your behalf—not the insurance company’s. They know how to spot hidden damage like smoke in walls or moisture under flooring. They also know what to document so your settlement reflects the full loss.

In one case in Colorado Springs, a homeowner assumed they’d lost a portion of siding and nothing else. A public adjuster discovered that wind had caused flashing around the roofline to peel back, letting water drip into the subfloor. That repair would have been missed entirely without a deeper inspection.

The right expert can talk directly to the insurer, write solid estimates, and make sure your claim doesn’t get shortchanged. This saves time during the repair phase—and gives you more clarity overall.

Staying Ready for What Comes Next

Quick action after a natural disaster helps keep recovery on track. But staying ready for the next event is just as important. Once you’ve handled repairs and documentation, it’s a good idea to check your home or workplace emergency plan.

Make sure emergency contacts are still accurate, and review your supply kits. If anyone’s address or schedule has changed, update your evacuation or shelter-in-place plans. These small updates help protect people and reduce confusion during the next incident.

Living in Colorado Springs means staying alert to changing weather patterns. Storm seasons can sneak up fast, and fire risk can rise without warning. Routine planning may not stop the event, but it helps you control what happens next.

And when it all feels like too much, remember that experienced help is available. Bringing in an expert early on can take strain off your plate, make insurance steps easier, and move repairs along faster. When disaster strikes, knowing what to do next makes recovery that much smoother.

If you’re navigating the aftermath of a natural disaster and need help with your insurance claim, working with an experienced emergency adjuster can make the process smoother. Reach out to Disaster Adjusting and let us guide you through the steps to help you get the settlement you deserve. Questions? Call us today for a consultation! 📞 (888) 675-0911