HOMEOWNERS · GETTING STARTED

What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Property Damage

By Nelson Avila, Licensed Florida Public Adjuster (License G332385) · Florida Certified Contractor
Homeland Public Adjusters · Last reviewed: October 2026

Vehicle that crashed through a home's lanai into the kitchen, debris across the floor

Public adjuster inspecting storm damage to the exterior of a home

Safety comes first. If there’s active fire, standing water near electrical, or structural damage that makes part of the home unsafe, get everyone out and stay out until it’s been checked. Once the immediate danger has passed, the next 24 hours set the tone for the whole claim.

Document before you touch anything

Photos and video of the damage, from multiple angles, before any cleanup or repair starts — including things that seem minor. Water spreads, smoke travels, and damage that looks contained on day one often isn’t.

Protect the property from getting worse

Tarping a hole in the roof, shutting off water at the source, boarding a broken window — reasonable steps to prevent additional damage are expected and usually reimbursable, but photograph the “before” condition and keep receipts first.

Call Homeland before you speak with the insurance company. This is the step most people skip, and it matters most in the first 24 hours — once a claim is reported and a recorded statement is on file, it’s harder to correct how the loss gets described early on. Homeland can review what happened, explain what to expect, and handle the notice of loss and every carrier conversation from there, on a No Recovery, No Fee basis.

Keep a simple log

Who you spoke to, when, and what was said — for any contractor, restoration company or inspector who comes through, not just the insurance side.

Homeland's local lines answer 24/7 in Miami, Tampa and Jersey City, and anywhere else in Florida or New Jersey.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first after property damage?

Safety comes first: if there’s active fire, standing water near electrical, or structural damage, get everyone out and stay out until it’s been checked. Once the danger has passed, photograph and video the damage from multiple angles before any cleanup or repair.

Will my insurance pay for emergency repairs like tarping a roof?

Reasonable steps to prevent additional damage, such as tarping a roof, shutting off water or boarding a broken window, are expected and usually reimbursable. Photograph the condition before you start and keep the receipts.

Should I call my insurance company right away after damage?

Call Homeland before you speak with the insurance company. Once a claim is reported and a recorded statement is on file, it’s harder to correct how the loss was described early on.

This article is for general information only and is not legal or insurance advice. Every policy and every claim is different — always review your own policy language or speak with a licensed public adjuster about your specific situation.

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