Storm Damage in Cincinnati? What to Do in the First 48 Hours

After storm damage, do four things in order: get everyone safe, photograph the damage, stop more water from getting in, and report the loss to your insurer. Then have a local roofer inspect the roof before you sign any contract.

Here is how to work through those steps in the first two days.

Hour 0 to 2: Safety first

Before you inspect anything, make sure it is safe.

Stay away from downed power lines. Treat every downed line as live, along with any tree or limb that touches it. Report it to Duke Energy at 800-543-5599 and to local police, as Duke Energy advises. Keep children and pets well away.

Watch for structural damage. If you see a sagging roofline, cracked walls, or leaning exterior walls, do not go inside. Call 911 if anyone may be hurt or trapped.

Deal with gas and electric hazards. If you smell gas, leave right away and call 911 or your gas company from outside. If water is near outlets or the electrical panel, stay out of the water. Shut off the main breaker only if you can reach it without standing in water.

Hour 2 to 6: Document everything

Once it is safe, start taking photos. Your claim depends on them.

Photograph all visible damage from the ground. Walk the whole house. Capture every side of the roof, all siding, every gutter run, windows, fencing, AC units, and outdoor structures. Take wide shots and close-ups. Do not climb on the roof.

Photograph the inside. Get water stains on ceilings, wet carpet, damp walls, and damaged belongings. Include wide shots that show which room you are in.

Write down the storm details. Note the date and time, the type of weather (hail, wind, tornado warning), and when you first saw damage. You can confirm the date in the NOAA Storm Prediction Center daily storm reports. Older storms are also in the NOAA Storm Events Database, which is updated a few months behind.

Keep damaged pieces. Fallen shingles, broken siding, dented gutter sections, and loose flashing are evidence. Keep them until the adjuster has seen them.

Hour 6 to 24: Stop more damage

Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage. This is called mitigation. The Ohio Department of Insurance says your insurer will typically reimburse the cost of temporary repairs as part of the claim.

Cover roof openings. If shingles are missing or the roof is open, a secured tarp keeps water out until repairs. If you cannot safely get on the roof, call a roofer. Our emergency tarping guide explains what a proper tarp should do.

Board broken windows. Plywood over a broken window keeps rain and debris out.

Deal with standing water safely. If a small amount of clean rainwater got in and the power to that area is off or safely away from the water, you can use a wet-vac. Stay out of floodwater, sewage, or water near electrical panels, and get professional help for those. The EPA says to dry water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Our water damage guide covers the full cleanup.

Keep every receipt. Save receipts for tarps, plywood, pump rentals, and hotel stays if you cannot stay in the home.

Do not start permanent repairs or tear off damaged materials until the adjuster has documented the damage.

Hour 24 to 48: Report the claim and schedule an inspection

Call your insurance company or agent. Give the storm date, describe the damage, and ask for a claim number. Ask what your deductible is. Many policies have a separate wind and hail deductible, either a flat amount or a percentage of your coverage.

Report it promptly. Ohio law does not set one deadline for reporting a storm claim. Your policy asks for prompt notice, so report damage as soon as you find it. The one-year limit you may have heard about is usually the policy's deadline to sue the insurer, not to report a claim. Our Ohio storm damage insurance claim guide explains the deadlines and the full process.

Schedule a roof inspection. A roofer who knows storm damage can find problems on slopes you cannot see from the ground. Shamrock was founded by contractors and former insurance adjusters. We document damage with photos and measurements, and we can meet the adjuster at the inspection. You stay in charge of your claim, and your insurer decides what it covers. Schedule a free inspection.

Mention your neighbors. If homes nearby were damaged in the same storm, tell your insurer. It helps tie your damage to that storm date.

How to check a contractor after a storm

After a big storm, contractors go door to door. Before you hire anyone, check these things:

• A local address. Ask for a physical office in the Cincinnati area, not just a phone number or P.O. box.
• A written estimate and contract. The Ohio Department of Insurance says to insist on a written estimate, read every document, and not sign before an adjuster has looked at the damage.
• Proof of liability insurance. Ask for a certificate of insurance, and ask about workers' compensation coverage for the crew.
• A local permit when one is required. Ohio does not license roofing contractors at the state level. State contractor licenses cover HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, and hydronics. Some cities and townships do require registration or a permit for roof work. Ask the contractor whether yours does and who will pull it.
• A registered business. ODI suggests checking that the company is registered with the Ohio Secretary of State.
• Fair payment terms. Do not pay the full amount up front or pay in cash. A deposit at signing and the rest at completion is normal.
• No one else runs your claim. ODI says not to give a contractor power of attorney or let a contractor negotiate or settle your claim. In Ohio, anyone paid to act as your public adjuster must hold a state license.

Be careful with anyone who promises a "free roof." No contractor knows what your insurer will pay before the claim is reviewed. Our guide on choosing a Cincinnati roofing contractor covers more questions to ask.

For other situations, read our West Chester tornado preparedness guide or the commercial roof storm response plan for business owners.

Get help from a local roofer

Shamrock Restoration serves Northern Cincinnati, including West Chester, Mason, Liberty Township, Sharonville, Blue Ash, and nearby communities. We inspect the roof, siding, and gutters, document storm damage, and handle the repair or replacement.

Request an inspection online or call 513-999-9015. Our phone line is answered 24 hours a day. Office hours are Monday to Friday 8 to 5 and Saturday 8 to 12.