Storms bring more than just noise and heavy rainfall—they leave behind real messes that can upend your life in a matter of minutes. After a major storm passes through Fort Wayne, you might find fallen trees, missing shingles, broken windows, or water seeping indoors. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed standing in the middle of that damage, unsure where to start. But taking the right steps early can make a huge difference. The sooner you act, the faster you can protect your home and make progress toward recovery.

Delays can lead to more costly problems later. That’s why it’s helpful to have a simple, clear plan. Things move fast after a storm, from emergency responders clearing roads to insurance companies expecting prompt claims. Whether your roof was torn by the wind or your basement flooded, knowing what to do next can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s how to get started on the right foot once the skies clear.

Assess Immediate Safety

Once the storm passes, your first step should be making sure everyone is safe. Damage to a house can lead to more than just broken things—it can also pose risks to your health and safety. Before doing anything else, walk through this quick safety checklist:

– Look out for downed power lines nearby. Avoid them completely. Don’t assume they’re inactive.

– Check for the smell of gas. If you detect any odor, leave the property immediately and contact emergency services.

– Watch for signs of structural damage. Cracks in walls, sagging roofs, or leaning chimneys could all mean your home is unsafe to stay in.

– If water entered your home, don’t walk through flooded sections until you’re sure the power is shut off.

– If it’s clear something might be unstable or dangerous, stay somewhere else until a professional confirms it’s okay to return.

If there’s any doubt about safety, it’s better to play it safe and have someone with experience take a look. Storm damage can sometimes be hidden behind walls or under flooring, and ignoring small signs now might lead to bigger problems in the next few days.

Document the Damage

Once you know it’s safe, it’s time to grab your phone or camera. Documentation is what helps make the rest of the recovery process more manageable. Your insurance team and anyone else helping later needs to understand what happened and how much was affected.

Start outside by taking slow, steady photos from multiple angles. Get the roof, siding, windows, doors, and any fallen trees or debris on the property. Then move inside and photograph the floors, ceilings, walls, furniture, and appliances. Take close-ups of damage and wide shots for context. It may help to record a short video walkthrough of the house too.

Alongside photos, make a list of items that were damaged. Write down the name of the item, the approximate value, and a short note about the damage. For anything you need to throw away quickly, hang on to labels or take extra pictures before disposal.

Also, save receipts from any immediate expenses. That includes:

– Temporary hotel stays

– Emergency repair services

– Materials like tarps, plywood, or garbage bags

This paperwork matters and could help during your insurance claim. Keeping everything well organized from the start will save time later.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve gathered your photos, notes, and receipts, the next step is to notify your insurance provider. The sooner you open your claim, the more smoothly things tend to go. Insurance companies usually want to hear from you quickly after the event, especially when the area has experienced widespread damage like Fort Wayne often sees in early fall storms.

When you call or log in to your insurance account, be ready with your policy number and the information you collected. That includes:

– A description of what happened and when

– A list of damaged items or areas

– Photos and video documentation

– Any emergency repair receipts

Be honest and clear. This helps create an accurate starting point for both you and your adjuster. Once a claim is opened, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to inspect your property. Make sure to be present during this visit if possible. It’s your opportunity to walk them through the damage and point out any concerns you may have.

Keep a log of every conversation, email, or letter exchanged with your insurer. Write down the dates, contact names, and what was discussed. This will help you stay organized in case of delays or confusion later in the process.

Hire a Public Adjuster to Guide You

Handling an insurance claim by yourself can feel like learning a new language overnight. Between complicated terms and the stress of getting your home back in order, you might quickly find yourself overwhelmed. That’s where bringing in a public adjuster becomes helpful.

Unlike insurance adjusters who work for the insurance company, public adjusters work for you. Their job is to make sure your claim is fairly represented. They look into every detail of your policy, document all related losses, and handle tricky communications with the insurance company. This comes in especially handy when policies are difficult to read or the damage is worse than it looked on day one.

If you’re thinking about hiring one, here are a few things to consider:

– Ask about their license and experience in Indiana

– Look for someone familiar with Fort Wayne’s specific weather patterns and construction issues

– Choose someone who communicates clearly and explains the process without pressure

Not every claim feels straightforward. Sometimes what’s under the surface, like roof decking or interior walls, doesn’t show its damage right away. Having an expert on your side means you don’t have to carry the weight alone.

Temporary Repairs and Long-Term Planning

While you wait for your claim to be processed, it’s important to make some repairs right away so the damage doesn’t get worse. Patch up what you can to protect your home from further rain, wind, or animals. This doesn’t mean full restoration. Just limit any extra damage if another storm rolls in.

Here are a few steps you can take:

– Cover any roof openings with tarps

– Board up broken windows

– Remove wet materials like rugs or mattresses to prevent mold

– Clear out tree branches or debris that pose a hazard

Keep all receipts for supplies and any professional help you used for temporary fixes. These may be reimbursed later and show you took action to reduce further damage.

Once the immediate situation is under control, start thinking long-term. You might need roof replacement, drywall repair, or a contractor for heavier work. Don’t rush into anything. Take time to look for reliable companies, check reviews, and vet your choices. Just because your house is patched up doesn’t mean the deeper work is finished.

After the Storm Clears: Fort Wayne Homeowners Take Note

The hours and days that follow a big storm can make the difference between a small repair and a drawn-out rebuild. Acting quickly, staying organized, and calling in the right help can keep a rough situation from getting worse. Whether it’s putting up a tarp or dealing with your insurance company, every small step matters.

Fort Wayne families know how unpredictable weather can get, especially in the fall. If your home takes a hit from a major storm, don’t try to handle the whole thing alone. Filing claims, understanding policy terms, and repairing damage all at once is a lot to take on. Getting expert help with disaster insurance claims can help lift that burden so you don’t have to guess your way through recovery.

Taking the right steps after a storm is only part of the journey. If you’re looking to ensure the best results from your storm recovery efforts, enlisting expert help in handling your disaster insurance claims can make a big difference. Disaster Adjusting is ready to guide you through every step, so reach out to us today for personal assistance.