Storm Damage: The 48-Hour Playbook for PNW Customers

Hour 0 to 2 — Safety first

1. People before property. Get everyone out of any room with structural damage.
2. Power down if water is anywhere near outlets or the panel. Flip the main breaker.
3. Don't touch downed power lines — call PSE (1-888-225-5773), Pacific Power, PGE, Idaho Power immediately.
4. Gas smell? Leave the house, then call the gas utility from outside.

Hour 2 to 24 — Document everything

• Photos and video of every damaged area — wide shots and close-ups, before any cleanup.
• Keep receipts for tarps, plywood, hotel stays, restaurant meals — most policies reimburse "additional living expenses."
• Save the debris (broken branch, hail-pocked shingle) for the adjuster.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage (tarp the roof, board a window). Insurance requires you to "mitigate." Don't make permanent repairs yet.

Hour 24 to 48 — Make the calls

1. Your insurance company first. Open the claim by phone AND on the app. Get a claim number in writing.
2. A licensed local contractor for the inspection. Use Find a Pro — verified license + insurance.
3. Your mortgage lender if the damage is structural — they need to know.

The storm-chaser scam (it happens every PNW windstorm)

After major weather, out-of-state crews flood in with door-to-door pitches:

• "We saw damage on your roof — we can start today" → They didn't. They guess.
• "We'll waive your deposit and your deductible" → Insurance fraud. You can be charged.
• "Sign this and we'll handle the insurance" → It's an assignment of benefits (AOB) giving away your claim rights.

Rules to live by:

• Never sign anything on the spot.
• Verify the contractor is licensed in your state (WA, OR, or ID — not "nationwide").
• Have your own independent contractor inspect before signing anything from the insurance company.

Don't let the adjuster settle for less

• Get a written scope from your contractor first, then meet the adjuster on site together.
• If the offer feels low, you can request a reinspection or hire a public adjuster (typically 8–12% of settlement).

After the dust settles — prevent it next time

• Trim trees within 10 ft of the roof (PNW Douglas firs drop massive limbs).
• Clean gutters twice a year — Nov and April.
• Service the heat pump / furnace annually so it doesn't fail mid-cold snap.

→ Need a vetted pro fast? Get 3 storm-cleanup quotes in 24 hours.