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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 impacts 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 impacts 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 impacts 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

Protecting Your Salt Lake City Home Before the Storm Hits Utah’s weather can turn dangerous with little warning. From sudden spring thunderstorms to winter blizzards that knock out power for days, storm preparedness in Salt Lake City is not optional, it is essential. The homeowners who prepare before disaster strikes spend less, recover faster, and experience far less disruption to their lives than those caught off guard. Utah Disaster Restoration Services has helped hundreds of Salt Lake City families rebuild after storms, floods, and natural disasters. What we have learned from decades of restoration work is that preparation makes an enormous difference in outcomes. This guide covers the practical steps every homeowner along the Wasatch Front should take. Build Your Emergency Kit Essential Supplies Every Salt Lake City household should maintain an emergency preparation kit that covers at least 72 hours without utilities or access to stores. Utah sits in an active seismic zone and experiences severe weather events annually, making readiness a year-round priority. Your emergency kit should include: One gallon of water per person per day for three days minimum Non-perishable food and a manual can opener Flashlights with extra batteries (avoid candles for fire safety) First aid kit with any required medications Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates Warm blankets and extra clothing layers for winter storms Phone charger (battery pack or car charger) Cash in small bills (ATMs and card readers fail during outages) Document Protection Store copies of critical documents in a waterproof container or fireproof safe. Include insurance policies, identification, property deeds, and medical records. Also keep digital backups in cloud storage you can access from any device. After a disaster, having quick access to insurance information speeds up the claims process dramatically. Home Preparation Checklist Know Your Shut-Off Valves Every family member old enough to understand should know the location of your water main shut-off, gas meter shut-off, and electrical panel. In a natural disaster prep scenario, shutting off utilities quickly can prevent secondary damage like flooding from burst pipes or fires from damaged gas lines. Label each shut-off clearly and keep the necessary tools nearby. A crescent wrench for the gas meter belongs right next to the meter, not in a toolbox somewhere in the garage. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters Loose or damaged shingles become projectiles in high winds and entry points for water. Clean gutters and downspouts so water drains away from your foundation rather than pooling against it. Salt Lake City’s freeze-thaw cycles can crack gutters and create ice dams that force water under shingles and into your attic. Trim Trees and Secure Outdoor Items Dead branches and overgrown limbs near your home are storm damage waiting to happen. Have large or questionable trees professionally assessed. Before any forecasted storm, secure or store outdoor furniture, trampolines, and anything that wind could turn into a projectile. Reinforce Vulnerable Areas Basement windows, garage doors, and older windows are common failure points during severe storms. Window well covers, reinforced weather stripping, and storm shutters provide practical protection. For homes in flood-prone areas of the Salt Lake Valley, a sump pump with battery backup is essential. Review Your Insurance Coverage Many homeowners discover gaps in their insurance coverage only after a disaster. Review your policy annually and understand exactly what is covered. Standard homeowner’s insurance typically covers wind and hail damage but may exclude flooding. Separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program fills this gap. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends documenting your home’s contents with photos or video before any disaster occurs. This documentation is invaluable when filing insurance claims. Create a Communication Plan Disasters disrupt normal communication. Establish a plan that includes: An out-of-area contact person everyone can check in with Meeting points if family members are separated Knowledge of local shelter locations Important phone numbers written down (not just stored in your phone) Post-Storm Safety Steps After any significant storm, follow these steps before entering or re-occupying your home: Check for gas leaks by smell (do not use open flames to check) Inspect visible structural damage from outside before entering Photograph all damage before cleanup for insurance purposes Avoid standing water that may be electrically charged Contact a professional restoration company before attempting major cleanup Seasonal Storm Risks Along the Wasatch Front Spring Thunderstorms and Flash Flooding The Wasatch Front’s canyon-adjacent geography creates flash flood risks that many newer residents underestimate. Rapid snowmelt combined with spring rainstorms can overwhelm storm drainage systems, sending water into streets, basements, and low-lying areas within minutes. Communities near canyon mouths, creek beds, and older neighborhoods with limited drainage infrastructure face the highest risk. Knowing whether your property sits in a flood zone and having a plan for fast-rising water can mean the difference between minor inconvenience and catastrophic loss. Summer Microbursts and High Winds Utah’s summer monsoon season brings powerful microbursts that deliver straight-line winds exceeding 70 miles per hour with little warning. These events topple trees, rip off roof sections, and scatter debris across neighborhoods in minutes. Salt Lake City, Provo, and surrounding communities experience several microburst events each summer. Keeping trees trimmed, securing outdoor items, and maintaining your roof’s integrity are your primary defenses against wind damage that can strike any afternoon during July and August. Winter Blizzards and Ice Storms Heavy snowfall events drop feet of snow in 24-hour periods, and the weight on roofs can cause structural damage, particularly for flat or low-pitch designs common in older Salt Lake City neighborhoods. Ice dams form when heat escaping through poorly insulated attics melts roof snow that refreezes at the eaves, forcing water under shingles and into your home. Proper attic insulation and ventilation prevent ice dams, while regularly clearing heavy snow accumulation from vulnerable roof areas reduces weight-related risks. Frequently Asked Questions What storms are most common in Salt Lake City? The Wasatch Front experiences severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, high winds, heavy snowfall, and occasional flash flooding. Microbursts during summer months can produce wind damage equivalent to