Storm Damage Emergency Checklist πŸŒͺ️ [Windsor Guide]

 SAFETY FIRST

Never climb on a wet, damaged, or unstable roof. If there’s immediate danger like gas leaks, electrical issues, or structural damage, evacuate and call 911 immediately.

Windsor-Essex: Storm Central

Living in Windsor-Essex County means dealing with some of Ontario’s most unpredictable weather. From the recent August 2023 tornadoes that hit Tecumseh and Windsor simultaneously, to severe thunderstorms with 100+ km/h winds, our region faces unique challenges that require preparation and quick action.

When Windsor-Essex Gets Hit Hardest

⏰ Your Emergency Timeline: First 72 Hours

IMMEDIATE FIRST 30 MINUTES: STAY SAFE & ASSESS

🏠 Stay inside until winds completely die down – debris can still be falling
πŸ‘₯ Account for all family members and pets
🏭 Check for gas leaks – smell gas? Evacuate immediately and call 911
⚑ Avoid downed power lines – assume all are live and dangerous
πŸ” Quick visual check from ground level only – no climbing!

0-2 HOURS DOCUMENT EVERYTHING

πŸ“Έ Take photos/videos of ALL visible damage – both wide shots and close-ups
πŸ“ Start a damage inventory list – note time, date, and weather conditions
🏠 Document interior damage – water stains, broken windows, damaged belongings
🌳 Photo any fallen trees or debris on your property
πŸ“± Call Cleroux Roofing at 519-819-4309 – they respond within 2 hours for emergencies

2-8 HOURS PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE

πŸ›‘οΈ Make temporary repairs ONLY if safe – tarps over holes, board up broken windows
πŸͺ£ Place buckets under active leaks – protect your belongings and floors
πŸ“ž Contact your insurance company – report the claim immediately
🧾 Keep receipts for emergency materials – tarps, plywood, etc. are usually reimbursable
πŸ”§ Wait for professional assessment before major repairs

24-72 HOURS PROFESSIONAL HELP & INSURANCE

πŸ—οΈ Professional roof inspection – Cleroux Roofing provides detailed damage reports
πŸ“‹ Insurance adjuster visit – be present and provide all documentation
πŸ“„ Get repair estimates – experienced contractors know what insurance covers
🀝 Choose contractor carefully – avoid door-to-door storm chasers
πŸ› οΈ Plan permanent repairs – once insurance approves your claim

πŸ” What to Look For: Damage Assessment Guide

⚠️ Remember: Ground Level Assessment Only!

Use binoculars to inspect your roof safely. Never climb up during or immediately after a storm.

Most Common Storm Damage in Windsor-Essex

🏠 Outside Your Home:

Missing or damaged shingles: Look for bare spots, curled edges, or shingles on the ground
Granule loss: Check gutters for excessive granules (looks like coarse sand)
Dented gutters or siding: Hail damage often shows as small dents in metal surfaces
Damaged flashing: Around chimneys, vents, and roof edges
Fallen debris: Tree branches, fence pieces, or neighbor’s property on your roof
Sagging areas: Any part of your roof that looks like it’s drooping

🏠 Inside Your Home:

Active leaks: Dripping water or wet spots on ceilings
Water stains: Brown or yellow discoloration on ceilings or walls
Increased energy bills: If your HVAC is working harder due to air leaks
Daylight through roof: Visible light coming through roof boards in attic
Musty odors: Could indicate water intrusion and mold growth

πŸ“ž Insurance Claims: Your Rights & Process

In Ontario, most homeowner policies cover storm damage including wind, hail, and fallen trees. However, you typically have 30 days to file a claim, so don’t delay!

πŸ“‹ What Insurance Typically Covers:

  • βœ… Wind damage – blown-off shingles, damaged siding
  • βœ… Hail damage – dented surfaces, cracked shingles
  • βœ… Fallen tree damage – tree hits your house or garage
  • βœ… Water damage from storm – if it enters through storm damage
  • βœ… Emergency repairs – temporary fixes to prevent further damage

❌ What’s Usually NOT Covered:

  • ❌ Flood damage – requires separate flood insurance
  • ❌ Wear and tear – gradual deterioration over time
  • ❌ Poor maintenance – problems you should have prevented
  • ❌ Earthquake damage – needs separate coverage
  • ❌ Tree removal – if tree doesn’t hit insured structure

🚫 Avoid Storm Damage Scams

⚠️ Red Flags: Storm Chaser Contractors

After major storms, out-of-town contractors often flood the area. Never sign anything with door-to-door solicitors!

πŸšͺ

Door-to-Door Sales

πŸ’°

Upfront Payment Demands

πŸ“

High-Pressure Contracts

🚫

No Local References

βœ… Choose Trusted Local Contractors:

  • 30 years local experience – knows Windsor-Essex weather challenges
  • A+ BBB rating since 2014 – proven track record
  • Licensed and insured – protects you from liability
  • 10-year warranties – stands behind their work
  • Works directly with insurance – simplifies your claim process

πŸ“‹ Pre-Storm Preparation Checklist

Windsor-Essex County averages severe weather events throughout May-September, so preparation is key to minimizing damage and stress.

πŸ“± Digital Preparation:

Download Environment Canada WeatherCAN app for Windsor alerts
Save emergency contacts in your phone
Take “before” photos of your property for insurance baseline
Store insurance policy documents in cloud storage
Create digital inventory of valuable possessions

🏠 Physical Preparation:

Trim tree branches near your house annually
Clean gutters and downspouts twice yearly
Secure or store outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment
Check roof condition with annual professional inspections
Keep emergency repair supplies: tarps, plywood, rope, flashlights

πŸ† Why Cleroux Roofing for Storm Damage?

βœ… Your Local Storm Damage Experts

When storm hits Windsor-Essex County, you need contractors who understand our unique weather challenges and have relationships with local insurance adjusters.

🀝 What Sets Them Apart:

  • Family-owned and operated – they live and work in your community
  • Direct insurance company relationships – streamlines your claim process
  • 24/7 emergency tarping service – prevents further damage immediately
  • Comprehensive damage documentation – helps maximize your insurance payout
  • No upfront payments – works directly with insurance for approved claims
2 Hours
Emergency Response Time
30 Years
Local Experience
A+
BBB Rating Since 2014
10 Years
Warranty on All Work

⚑ Storm Damage? Call Now!

Don’t wait – every hour counts in preventing further damage. Call Cleroux Roofing: 519-819-4309

Available 24/7 for Windsor-Essex County storm emergencies

Image

Damien (Cleroux Roofing)

At Cleroux & Sons Roofing, we’re proud to be a family-run Canadian company with nearly 30 years of trusted service. Since 1995, we’ve built our name on craftsmanship, care, and word-of-mouth recommendations across Windsor and Essex County. As a small business, we bring personal attention to every jobβ€”offering competitive pricing without compromising on materials or workmanship.