Spring in Utah is beautiful — but it also brings some of the most destructive weather of the year. From powerful wind events along the Wasatch Front to heavy rain, hail, and rapid snowmelt, Salt Lake City homeowners face a real risk of storm damage every March through May. When a storm hits, the decisions you make in the first 24 hours can be the difference between a manageable repair and a costly, prolonged restoration project. This guide walks you through exactly what to do after storm damage strikes your Utah home — step by step, in the order that matters most. Why the First 24 Hours Are Critical After Storm Damage Storm damage doesn’t stop the moment the rain stops. Water that enters through a damaged roof or broken window continues to spread, soaking into drywall, insulation, flooring, and structural framing. Within 24 to 48 hours, that moisture creates ideal conditions for mold growth — a secondary problem that can multiply your restoration costs significantly. Acting quickly also matters for your insurance claim. Most homeowners insurance policies require you to take “reasonable steps” to prevent further damage after a loss event. Waiting too long — or failing to document damage thoroughly — can give an adjuster grounds to reduce your payout. The bottom line: fast, organized action protects both your home and your financial recovery. Step-by-Step: What to Do in the First 24 Hours 1. Ensure Your Family’s Safety First Before you assess any damage, make sure everyone in your home is safe. Storm damage can create hazards that aren’t immediately obvious: Do not enter rooms with ceiling damage or sagging — wet drywall and insulation are extremely heavy and can collapse Stay away from downed power lines or any area with standing water near electrical outlets or panels If you smell gas, leave immediately and call your utility provider from outside the home Wear sturdy shoes when walking through debris — broken glass, nails, and sharp metal are common after wind events If structural damage is severe, evacuate and do not re-enter until the building is cleared by a professional Only once you’ve confirmed it’s safe to do so should you begin your damage assessment. 2. Document Everything Before You Touch Anything Your insurance claim depends on thorough, timestamped documentation. Before moving debris, covering damage, or making any repairs, take a complete visual record of all damage. Photograph every damaged area from multiple angles — exterior and interior Video walkthrough of all affected rooms, narrating what you see Photograph damaged personal property, furniture, electronics, and appliances Document any pre-existing conditions that are clearly separate from the storm damage Note the date and time of your documentation — your phone’s timestamp will help establish the timeline Keep a written log of every step you take, including who you call and when The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim. Do not skip this step even if the damage looks minor — hidden water intrusion often shows up days later. 3. Call Your Insurance Company Notify your homeowners insurance provider as soon as you’ve completed your initial documentation — ideally within the first few hours after the storm. Most insurers have 24/7 claims lines for emergency events. When you call, have the following ready: Your policy number The date and approximate time the storm hit A brief description of the damage (roof, windows, flooding, etc.) Whether the home is currently safe to occupy Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster and provide a claim number. Write this down — you’ll need it for every subsequent call and repair invoice. Ask your adjuster about your coverage for temporary repairs and emergency services, as many policies cover these costs when they’re necessary to prevent further damage. 4. Make Emergency Temporary Repairs While waiting for your adjuster to visit, you are both allowed and expected to make temporary repairs to prevent additional damage. These are not the same as permanent repairs — they are stopgap measures only, and they should be documented just like the original damage. Common emergency temporary repairs after Utah storms include: Roof tarping — cover damaged or missing shingles with heavy-duty tarps secured at the ridge to stop water entry Window boarding — cover broken windows with plywood to prevent rain and wind intrusion Water extraction — if water has entered the home, begin removing standing water immediately using wet vacuums or a professional extraction service Interior drying — open windows (weather permitting), run fans, and run dehumidifiers in water-affected areas Debris removal from entry points — clear branches or debris that are actively allowing water into the structure Save all receipts for any materials, equipment rentals, or professional services you hire for temporary repairs. These costs are typically reimbursable under your policy. 5. Prevent Secondary Water Damage and Mold In Utah’s climate — particularly in Salt Lake City, where spring storms can bring both cold rain and wet snow — water that enters a home during a storm can remain trapped in building materials for days. If not properly dried, this sets the stage for mold colonies to take hold within 24 to 48 hours. Key steps to prevent mold after storm water intrusion: Remove wet rugs, carpet padding, and upholstered furniture from affected areas Pull back and inspect flooring — water often migrates under hardwood, tile, and laminate without being visible on the surface Open wall cavities if water has likely entered behind drywall (this is typically done by a restoration professional) Maintain air circulation and dehumidification continuously until all materials test dry Do not replace or repaint damaged drywall until moisture levels are confirmed normal If flooding accompanied the storm, the risk of both water damage and mold is significantly elevated. Learn more about our flood restoration services if water intrusion was extensive. 6. Contact a Professional Storm Damage Restoration Company Many homeowners try to manage storm damage on their own, only to discover weeks later that hidden moisture has caused far more damage