What to Do in Cases of Storm Damage

It can be difficult to know what to do when a storm hits your home. Careful planning ahead of time can make the process easier and get you back on track as quickly as possible. Basic tips include ensuring that you keep an eye out for hazards like downed power lines, caved-in roofing materials, standing water, and collapsed walls. Take photos of any damaged areas and share them with your insurance company right away. We have listed which steps you can take in order to make this already difficult process a bit easier.

Evacuate

Evacuations occur when a building or city is threatened by a natural disaster, a chemical spill, or a transportation accident. Emergency evacuation plans are developed to ensure that everyone expected to evacuate safely and quickly is able to do so.

The decision to order or defer an evacuation is made based on the level of risk posed to patients, staff, and hospital facilities. An immediate threat to patient or staff safety requires a quick decision to evacuate, whereas a situation that does not yet require immediate action could improve (i.e., no risk of patient/staff injury) or worsen and require a more careful assessment of the situation.

Often, an evacuation decision team will decide to shelter-in-place, rather than immediately order an evacuation. This may be a result of a lack of warning, a lack of adequate planning time, or circumstances that have not yet allowed for the implementation of contingency plans.

Cover the Damage

Having a solid insurance policy is key to a happy home owner, so do your homework and read your policy closely. A well crafted homeowners insurance policy will help you out of any disaster with the least amount of stress and worry. The best way to ensure you get the most out of your insurance plan is to shop around for the lowest rate possible. The key is to compare the coverage and claims of each insurance provider and make sure you are not paying for anything you don't need. Using the right insurance company can also mean getting the best rates for your family's medical and dental needs as well as the extra protection you need from an unexpected loss of your home or property.

Document the Damage

After a storm, it is important to document the damage in your home. This will help you start the insurance claims process quickly and effectively.

Taking pictures of damaged areas is an excellent way to show how much damage has been done. This is a crucial step that will also help the insurance company assess how to best fix your home.

Be sure to take photos of every area that has been affected by the storm. Go room to room and take pictures of damaged items, as well as any structural damages.

It is especially important to make a list of personal belongings that were destroyed or damaged, as this will ensure that they are covered under your insurance policy. Be sure to include the name of the item, its purchase date and brand as well as any other pertinent information about it.

Contact Your Insurance Company

It is always important to contact your insurance company in the event of storm damage. They can provide an adjuster, begin documenting and mitigating the damage, and even help you receive a check for additional living expenses if your home is unlivable.

When an adjuster arrives, he or she will do a walk-through of your home and mark with chalk any damage that may be covered. They will also take a closer look at your roof, siding and deck.

Once an adjuster has inspected your property, they will likely write you a check to replace your damaged items and repair any permanent damage. It is important to keep all receipts for any repairs and purchases that were made.

While some insurance companies operate in good faith and do their best to compensate policyholders for storm-related damages, others are less forthright and may be attempting to deny or underpay your claim. If you believe this is happening, contact your state insurance department for information on their complaint history.


If you are currently in the middle of a situation where you think you need a professionals help, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help you! If you need help straight away, feel free to contact our 24/7 helpdesk:


Dublin: 01 6855675

Laois: 057 86 37500

24/7 Helpline: 087 2061411


Navigating Storm Damage Claims on Your Irish Property

What to Do Immediately After Water Damage in Your Property

By Rachel Bradley • January 8, 2026
New Title

Mindful Merriment: Staying Aware of Household Hazards Throughout the Holidays

By Alastair roe • December 18, 2025
As we enter the height of the Christmas season, the joy of festivities brings with it a unique set of risks to our homes. At Property Damage Loss Assessors , we see a significant rise in insurance claims during December—many of which could be avoided with increased awareness and caution. To ensure your holiday remains stress-free, we have highlighted the key hazards that require your utmost attention this year. Fire Safety: Awareness in the Heart of the Home The combination of dry decorations and increased heat sources makes fire safety a primary concern. High levels of vigilance are required in the following areas: Chimney Fires: With fireplaces working overtime, ensure your chimney has been professionally swept. A buildup of soot or bird nests can lead to devastating chimney fires that spread quickly to the rest of the structure. Candles: Never leave lit candles unattended or near flammable materials like curtains or Christmas trees. Always extinguish them before leaving a room or going to bed. Christmas Lights: Check old decorative lights for frayed wires or loose connections. Avoid overloading sockets and always turn off all festive lighting when you leave the house or sleep. Cigarettes: If hosting guests, ensure that smoking materials are disposed of safely in deep ashtrays. Embers in a wastepaper bin are a common cause of late-night house fires. Security Awareness: Preventing Seasonal Burglaries Unfortunately, the holiday season is also a peak time for opportunistic crime. To protect your home from burglaries , keep gifts and high-value items out of sight from windows. Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, and if you are heading out for a festive event, consider using timer switches on lamps to give the impression that the home is occupied. Escape of Water: Protecting an Empty Property If you are planning to travel to visit family this Christmas, water damage is a major risk that can occur in your absence. A small leak from a frozen or burst pipe can cause catastrophic damage if left running for several days. To prevent catastrophic water damage during a cold snap, remain vigilant against frozen pipes . If you are leaving your property over Christmas, ensure your heating is set to a "frost protection" mode and turn off the water at the mains stopcock to prevent an undetected escape of water . Taking a moment to correctly drain your system can save you from the stress of a major flood and a complex insurance claim. By staying aware of these hazards, you can protect your property and your peace of mind. However, should the unexpected happen, Property Damage Loss Assessors are here to help you navigate your insurance claim and secure the settlement you need to get back on track. Ultimately, Christmas is a time for celebration and making memories with loved ones. By staying mindful of these common hazards and taking small, proactive steps to secure your property, you can ensure your holiday remains joyful and uninterrupted. From all of us at Property Damage Loss Assessors , we wish you a very safe, happy, and hazard-free Christmas season.

Insurance Policy Essentials: What Irish Homeowners Often Overlook Before Filing a Claim

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
Most Irish homeowners only read their insurance policy when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, this usually means they discover key exclusions and conditions at the worst possible moment. Understanding the details of your home insurance policy in advance can prevent disputes and ensure that you know what to expect when filing a claim. Commonly Misunderstood Policy Terms 1. Gradual Damage Exclusions Irish home insurance policies rarely cover issues that develop slowly over time. This includes long-term roof leaks, slow plumbing leaks, dampness, mould, and rot. Insurers frequently reject these claims because they consider them maintenance issues rather than sudden events. 2. Maintenance Requirements Most policies require homeowners to keep the property in good condition. If damage is linked to neglect, insurers may reduce or decline the claim. Examples include worn flashing, loose tiles, deteriorated pipes, or blocked gutters. 3. Confusion About Trace and Access Many homeowners assume their insurer will pay to locate the source of a leak. Some policies include this benefit, but others offer limited cover or none at all. Understanding whether trace and access is included is important, as identifying the source of a leak can be more expensive than repairing it. Why Claims Get Declined  1. Insufficient evidence Lack of photos, videos, or proof of sudden damage can lead to disputes with insurers. 2. Repairs performed too early Fixing damage before reporting the claim removes crucial evidence and can weaken your case. 3. Misinterpreting what the policy covers For example, roof damage is not automatically considered storm damage. Insurers often require proof of strong winds in the area and evidence that the damage occurred during the storm. How to Prepare Before Filing a Claim 1. Review your policy regularly A yearly review can help you stay informed about your coverage and any changes the insurer may have made. 2. Know the difference between sudden damage and gradual deterioration Sudden damage is typically covered, while gradual deterioration is generally excluded. 3. Keep maintenance records Photos, invoices, and receipts can protect you if the insurer questions the condition of the property before the incident. 4. Document damage immediately High-quality evidence is essential when dealing with insurance companies. Understanding your policy before you file a claim can save time, stress, and unnecessary costs. When you know what is covered and what is excluded, you are better prepared to take action after an incident. If you want help interpreting your policy or handling a claim, Property Damage Loss Assessors can provide professional support from start to finish. Call James today to discuss the damage to your property and get expert guidance for your situation.