Severe storms, whether atmospheric rivers, torrential rain, high winds, or hard freezes, can leave Sacramento and East Bay homes with damage that isn’t always obvious from the street. Recent events have brought flooding, downed trees, roof leaks, and widespread power issues across the region. Acting quickly and carefully once the storm passes is the single most important thing you can do to limit further damage, prevent mold, and protect your insurance claim.
At Lawton Construction & Restoration, our IICRC-certified team has helped countless Sacramento and East Bay homeowners navigate the aftermath of severe weather. Here is our practical 10-step checklist in priority order for what to do once the storm has passed.
⚠️ Safety first. Many storm hazards, such as downed power lines, gas leaks, weakened structures, and floodwater, remain dangerous long after the rain stops. Do not rush back into a damaged home. Work through these steps in order.
The 10-Step Storm Damage Checklist
1. Wait for the Official All-Clear
Only return to your property once local authorities have declared the area safe. Avoid flooded roads — the “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” rule applies even to streets that look passable. Water moving at just two feet per hour can sweep a vehicle off the road. Report downed power lines, gas odors, or structural hazards to your utility company or 911 immediately.
2. Check for Electrical and Gas Hazards
If you smell gas anywhere on or near the property, leave immediately and call your gas utility or 911 from a safe distance. Do not re-enter until cleared. If there is standing water inside, do not turn on lights or touch outlets — turn off the main breaker only if you can do so without standing in water. Wait for a licensed electrician’s inspection before restoring power to any flooded areas.
3. Assess Exterior Damage from Ground Level
Before entering, do a full exterior walkthrough from the ground. Use binoculars or your phone camera to inspect the roof for missing or lifted shingles, displaced tiles, punctures, or visible debris. Check gutters, downspouts, siding, window frames, and the foundation for cracks, displacement, or pooling water. Note any trees or large branches that are leaning against or threatening the structure.
4. Document Everything — Before You Touch Anything
This step is critical for your insurance claim. Photograph and video every area of visible damage — exterior, interior, and personal belongings — before any cleanup or repairs begin. Capture close-ups alongside wider establishing shots. Record the date and time, and take notes describing what you observed and when. More documentation is always better than less.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly
File your claim as soon as possible. Insurers typically dispatch adjusters faster when claims are reported quickly, and delays can sometimes complicate coverage. Share your documentation upfront, follow your adjuster’s guidance, and keep records of every conversation — including the date, time, and name of whoever you spoke with. Lawton’s team can assist with insurance coordination throughout the restoration process.
6. Take Immediate Steps to Prevent Further Damage
Your insurance policy generally requires you to take reasonable steps to mitigate ongoing damage — and doing so protects your home. Cover broken windows or damaged roof areas with plywood or tarps. Move wet belongings to dry areas if you can do so safely. If there is standing water inside, do not walk through it until you have confirmed there are no electrical hazards. Remember: mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours in wet conditions.
7. Inspect Your Home’s Interior for Water Intrusion
Systematically check every room: look at ceilings and upper wall edges for stains, bubbling paint, or soft drywall. Check floors for warping or buckling. Inspect under sinks, around appliances, and in your attic and crawl spaces. Pay attention to musty odors, which often indicate moisture that is not yet visible. If you see or smell mold, do not disturb it — professional mold remediation is the safe and effective approach.
8. Do Not Attempt DIY Repairs on Serious Damage
There is meaningful risk in attempting to handle storm damage yourself. Do not climb onto a damaged or wet roof, do not handle debris near downed lines, and do not attempt to clean up Category 2 or 3 flood water (water from outside sources, sewage backup, or standing water) without professional equipment and training. For leaks, flooding, structural concerns, or anything involving electrical systems, contact a certified restoration company right away. The cost of a professional is almost always far less than the cost of a mistake.
9. Act Fast on Mold — Don’t Wait and Don’t DIY
Mold doesn’t wait; it can begin growing in wet walls, flooring, and insulation within 24 to 48 hours of a moisture event, often in areas you can’t see. By the time you notice a musty odor, dark spots on drywall, or allergy symptoms flaring up, mold is already established and spreading. Without the right containment, equipment, and protective gear, disturbing mold can release spores into the air and turn a localized problem into a whole-house issue, which is why this is never a DIY situation.
10. Work with Trusted, Local Restoration Experts
After a major storm, demand for contractors surges and so does the presence of unlicensed or out-of-area companies looking to take advantage of the situation. Choose a locally rooted, licensed, and IICRC-certified firm with a documented track record. Lawton Construction & Restoration has served Sacramento, Roseville, Oakland, Walnut Creek, and the broader East Bay for more than 50 years — and we handle insurance coordination directly so you can focus on your family and your recovery.
Storm damage? We’re ready — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Lawton provides water extraction, structural drying, mold prevention, roof tarps and board-ups, and full restoration with direct insurance coordination.
Call(866) 990-5150 or email us at help@lawtoncr.com
About Lawton Construction & Restoration
With more than 50 years serving Sacramento, Roseville, Oakland, Walnut Creek, and the East Bay, Lawton Construction & Restoration is a family-owned, fully licensed, IICRC-certified company built on the belief that homeowners deserve honest, expert help when they need it most. We handle water damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage repair, and complete property restoration, all with direct insurance coordination from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions: Storm Damage in Sacramento & East Bay
What is the first thing I should do after a storm damages my home?
Wait for the official all-clear from local authorities, then prioritize safety: check for gas leaks and electrical hazards before entering. Once inside, document all damage with photos and video before beginning any cleanup. Then contact your insurance company to open a claim as quickly as possible.
How soon after storm damage does mold start to grow?
Mold can begin colonizing wet building materials in as little as 24 to 48 hours. This is why prompt professional water extraction and drying is so important after any flooding or significant roof leak — even if the visible water seems manageable.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover storm damage in California?
Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies in California cover storm-related wind damage, hail, and resulting water intrusion. However, flood damage from rising water typically requires a separate flood policy. Document all damage thoroughly before cleanup, report your claim promptly, and keep records of every communication with your insurer. The California Department of Insurance provides consumer resources if you encounter claim disputes.
Is it safe to stay in my home after storm damage?
It depends on the severity of the damage. If there are structural concerns, active gas leaks, standing water, or downed power lines nearby, do not occupy the home until those hazards have been assessed and cleared by qualified professionals. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
How do I find a legitimate contractor after a storm in Sacramento or the East Bay?
Look for a contractor that is licensed with the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), IICRC-certified for restoration work, and has a verifiable local presence and track record. Be cautious of any contractor who shows up unsolicited after a storm (“storm chasers”), demands large upfront cash payments, or cannot provide a written estimate and contract.
