After the Storm: A Property Damage Checklist for Long Island Homeowners

Long Island is no stranger to powerful storms — from nor'easters and hurricanes to severe thunderstorms and coastal flooding. When a storm passes, knowing how to safely assess your property and what steps to take can prevent further damage and protect your insurance claim.

Safety First — Before You Go Outside

• Wait for official confirmation that the storm has passed and it is safe to go outside
• Watch for downed power lines — never approach or touch them
• Avoid walking through standing water, which may be electrically charged or contaminated
• If you smell gas, leave immediately and call 911 and your gas company
• Check for structural damage before entering your home after severe storms

Exterior Inspection Checklist

• Roof — missing shingles, damaged flashing, debris impact
• Gutters and downspouts — detached, bent, or blocked
• Siding — cracks, holes, or sections blown off
• Windows — broken glass, damaged frames, failed seals
• Doors — misalignment, damage to frames or weatherstripping
• Foundation — new cracks or signs of shifting
• Trees and landscaping — fallen limbs, uprooted trees near structure

Interior Inspection Checklist

• Ceilings — water stains, sagging, or active dripping
• Walls — staining, bubbling paint, or wet drywall
• Basement — standing water, seepage through walls or floor
• Attic — daylight visible through roof, wet insulation
• Floors — warping, buckling, or soft spots
• Electrical — tripped breakers, flickering lights, outlets near water

Document Everything Before Cleanup

Before you move anything or begin any cleanup, photograph and video all damage thoroughly. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim. The more detailed, the better.

Call Your Insurance Company

Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Ask about your coverage, deductible, and the claims process. Keep records of all communications.

Begin Mitigation Immediately

Don't wait for your insurance adjuster before beginning mitigation. Water damage gets worse by the hour. Call a professional restoration company to begin water extraction, drying, and emergency board-up or tarping if needed.

Performance Restoration Inc. responds to storm damage emergencies throughout Long Island 24/7 — with an average 1-hour response time. We handle everything from emergency mitigation to full reconstruction and work directly with your insurance company throughout the process.

Storm damage on Long Island? Call (631) 626-6626 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.