The First 48 Hours After a Storm Are Critical
When a hurricane, tropical storm, or severe weather event hits the Carolinas, the actions you take in the first 48 hours can significantly affect your safety, your property, and your insurance claim. Acting quickly and methodically — while avoiding common mistakes — can mean the difference between a smooth recovery and months of complications. Sandhills Contracting responds to storm damage calls across Fayetteville, Raleigh, Charlotte, Charleston, and Columbia. Here's the checklist we recommend for every homeowner after a storm.
Hour 1–6: Safety First
Do not re-enter your home until you've confirmed there are no gas leaks, downed power lines nearby, or visible structural collapse. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call your utility provider. Check for standing water before entering a basement or crawl space — floodwater can carry electrical current. Once you've confirmed it's safe to enter, do a walkthrough and note visible damage without moving anything significant yet.
Hour 6–12: Document Everything Before Touching It
Before you move debris, make temporary repairs, or clean up, photograph and video every area of damage. This documentation is the foundation of your insurance claim. Capture roof damage, broken windows, interior water intrusion, damaged belongings, and any structural issues. The more thorough your documentation, the stronger your claim. Insurance adjusters rely heavily on pre-cleanup evidence.
Hour 12–24: Emergency Stabilization
Once documented, take steps to prevent further damage — tarping open roof sections, boarding broken windows, and removing standing water. Most insurance policies require you to take reasonable steps to mitigate additional damage after a storm. Keep receipts for any emergency materials or services. Sandhills Contracting provides emergency tarping and board-up services across NC and SC and can document all stabilization work for your insurer.
Hour 24–48: Contact Your Insurance Company and a Licensed Contractor
File your insurance claim as soon as possible — storm events generate high claim volumes and early filers typically get faster adjuster appointments. When the adjuster comes, having a licensed general contractor present to walk the damage with them can ensure nothing is missed. Sandhills Contracting assists homeowners throughout the claims process, from the initial inspection to final repair estimates. Contact us after any storm event for a fast damage assessment across the Carolinas.