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What to Do Immediately After Winter Storms Hit Your Area

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Safety First After the Storm

Your safety comes before everything else. Do not enter a room if you see sagging ceilings, exposed wires, or standing water near electrical outlets. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave the home and call the gas utility from outside.

Wear sturdy boots, gloves, and a mask if you must walk through debris or water. Check on neighbors if it is safe, but do not move heavy objects alone. See a doctor if you feel unwell from fumes or cold exposure.

  • Turn off the main water valve if you suspect a burst pipe.
  • Shut off electricity at the breaker if water is near outlets.
  • Avoid walking through flowing water, especially if it is deep.
  • Wear protective gear before touching wet items.
  • Keep children and pets away from affected areas.
  • Use a flashlight, not candles, in dark spaces.

Document the Damage for Insurance

Take clear photos and videos of every wet area, including walls, floors, ceilings, and personal belongings. Capture the source of water if you can see it, like a cracked pipe or a leaky roof. This record helps your insurance company understand what happened.

Write down the date and time the storm hit and when you noticed the damage. Keep receipts for any supplies you buy, like towels or buckets. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Stop the Water and Dry Out

If a pipe burst, turn off the main water valve right away. For roof leaks, place buckets under drips and remove any pooling water with a wet vacuum if you have one. The goal is to slow further damage while you wait for help.

Open windows and doors to let air move through the home, but only if the outside air is drier than the inside. Use fans and dehumidifiers if you have them. Do not use a regular vacuum on wet carpets, as that can be dangerous.

  • Move furniture and rugs to a dry area if you can.
  • Prop up wet cushions and pillows to let them air out.
  • Hang wet curtains and fabrics to dry, but not in direct sun.
  • Do not turn on heating appliances that may be wet.
  • Check the attic for hidden leaks after the storm passes.
  • Keep a log of every step you take for your records.

Know When to Call the Pros

Some water damage is too large or risky for a homeowner to handle alone. If water has soaked into drywall, insulation, or wood framing, you need professional help to prevent mold and structural issues. Local water damage pros have the tools to extract water and dry structures properly.

Call the pros if you see standing water deeper than an inch, if the power is out, or if you smell a musty odor. They can also help with debris removal after storms. Acting quickly can prevent bigger problems later.

Prevent Mold and Further Damage

Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours on wet surfaces. Even if the water looks clean, it may contain bacteria or chemicals. Drying the area is your primary defense, but you may need professional dehumidification to reach hidden spaces.

If you live in Frisco, keep your shutoff valve location written down and check your roof and gutters before the next storm. A humid subtropical climate with hot summers and spring hail and thunderstorms means water damage can happen more than once a year. Act quickly, and ask a mold professional if you see or smell mold.

Talk to someone now

Every hour counts once water gets into floors and walls. One call starts the response.

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Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to file a claim after a winter storm?

Most insurance policies have a time limit for filing claims, often 1 year, but it can vary. Check your policy or ask your agent. File as soon as possible, even if you are still cleaning up, to protect your rights.

Can I dry out my home with space heaters?

Space heaters can help, but only if they are dry and suitable for indoor use. Keep them away from wet carpets and walls. Never leave them unattended, and avoid using them with extension cords. A dehumidifier is often safer for drying.

What should I throw away vs. try to save?

Throw away porous items like mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture that got wet. Hard surfaces like glass and metal can be cleaned and dried. Food that touched floodwater is unsafe, so discard it. When in doubt, throw it out.

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