Storm Cleanup & Emergency Repair Resources
What to Do After a Hurricane or Severe Storm. After severe weather, the first priorities are personal safety, identifying dangerous conditions, documenting damage, and finding the appropriate professional. This guide is for homeowners across Wesley Chapel, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, and the greater Tampa Bay area.
For life-threatening emergencies, fire, suspected gas leaks, or immediate electrical hazards, call 911 first.
Do not attempt to repair dangerous electrical, roofing, structural, gas, or major storm damage yourself.
First Steps After the Storm
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Personal safety is the first priority. Check on family members, neighbors, and pets. If anyone is injured, contact 911 immediately.
2. Follow Local Emergency Instructions
Wait for local authorities to confirm it is safe before going outside. Follow evacuation orders and re-entry guidance from local emergency management.
3. Identify Immediate Hazards
Look for downed power lines, standing water near electrical sources, suspected gas leaks, unstable structures, and fallen trees. Treat all downed lines as live.
4. Document Visible Damage
Take photos and video of all visible damage before moving anything. Include wide shots and close-ups. This documentation is critical for insurance claims.
5. Prevent Additional Damage Only When Safe
If it is safe to do so, place tarps over exposed areas or move valuables away from water. Do not attempt repairs that involve electrical, gas, structural, or roof work.
6. Contact the Appropriate Professional
Different problems require different trades. Roof leaks, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and structural damage each need a licensed professional.
7. Contact Your Insurance Company
Report damage and start the claims process. Provide your documentation and keep records of all communications.
What Not to Do After a Storm
These are common mistakes that can lead to injury or worse. Stay informed, not alarmed.
Do not approach downed electrical lines. Treat all downed lines as live and call your utility company or 911.
Do not enter visibly unstable structures. Wait for a professional to assess structural integrity.
Do not climb onto a damaged roof. Roof inspections should be performed by a qualified roofing professional.
Do not operate generators indoors or in enclosed spaces. Carbon monoxide is deadly and invisible.
Do not enter flood water when electrical hazards may exist. Standing water can conceal downed lines and other hazards.
Do not perform major electrical repairs yourself. Contact a licensed electrician.
Do not attempt structural repairs without appropriate expertise. Structural work requires a licensed contractor.
Do not hire an unknown storm-chasing contractor without doing basic verification. Check license, insurance, and reviews.
Post-Storm Property Checklist
Once it is safe to go outside, inspect your property systematically. Document anything you find with photos for insurance.
Roof (viewed safely from ground level)
Check for missing or lifted shingles, displaced tiles, or debris.
Gutters and drainage
Look for blockages, sagging, or detached sections.
Windows
Check for cracks, broken seals, or water intrusion.
Doors
Inspect for alignment, seal damage, or water entry.
Exterior walls
Look for cracks, impact marks, or displaced siding.
Siding and stucco
Check for soft spots, staining, or loose sections.
Fences
Look for leaning posts, broken panels, or loose hardware.
Gates
Check latches, hinges, and alignment.
Pool cages
Inspect for frame damage, torn screens, or loose panels.
Screen enclosures
Check for bent framing or detached fasteners.
Patios
Look for cracking, lifting, or water pooling.
Pavers
Check for shifting, sinking, or joint sand loss.
Driveways
Look for new cracks, oil stains, or surface damage.
Sidewalks
Check for lifting, cracking, or trip hazards.
Landscaping
Note damaged plants, erosion, or drainage issues.
Large trees and limbs
Identify hanging limbs or uprooted trees. Contact a qualified tree service.
HVAC equipment
Check the outdoor unit for damage, debris, or displacement.
Visible electrical service
Look for damaged meter boxes or conduit. Do not touch. Contact a licensed electrician.
Visible plumbing leaks
Check hose bibs and visible pipes for damage.
Signs of water intrusion
Look for interior stains, bubbling paint, or damp spots.
Detached structures
Inspect sheds, garages, and outbuildings for damage.
Debris
Note locations of fallen branches, roofing material, or storm debris.
Where Tropical Wave Can Help
After the property is safe and emergency repairs are completed, Tropical Wave may assist with exterior cleanup within our actual scope of work. We do not remove hazardous debris, remove fallen trees, repair roofs, repair structures, perform electrical work, perform plumbing work, or perform disaster restoration.
House / Soft Washing
Remove storm residue, salt spray, and debris from siding and stucco.
Driveway and Concrete Cleaning
Clean storm debris, stains, and organic growth from concrete surfaces.
Patio and Screen Enclosure Cleaning
Clean screens, frames, and pool deck surfaces after storm exposure.
Fence Cleaning
Remove storm residue and organic growth from fences.
Exterior Window Cleaning
Remove salt spray, rain residue, and debris from exterior glass.
Need an Emergency Contractor?
Storm damage can involve specialized trades Tropical Wave does not perform. These are the most common post-storm contractor needs.
Roof Leaks & Storm Damage
Missing shingles, lifted tiles, or active leaks require a roofing professional.
Plumbing Leaks
Burst pipes, water heater failures, or sewer backups require a plumber.
AC Failure
Loss of cooling during Florida heat requires an HVAC professional.
Electrical Problems
Sparks, burning smells, or damaged service require a licensed electrician. Call 911 for active electrical fires.
Water & Flood Damage
Standing water inside the home requires a restoration professional.
Fallen Trees & Major Debris
Trees on structures or near power lines require a qualified tree service. Do not attempt removal yourself.
Structural Damage
Cracked walls, shifted foundations, or compromised framing require a licensed contractor.
Mold & Water Intrusion
Water that has entered wall cavities can lead to mold within 24-48 hours. Contact a restoration professional.
Tampa Bay Contractor Referral Network
TBCRN connects Tampa Bay homeowners with vetted local contractors and service professionals for emergency and non-emergency repairs. When storm damage is outside Tropical Wave exterior cleaning scope, TBCRN is the resource we trust.
FAQ
Storm Cleanup FAQs
Ready to schedule exterior cleaning after the storm?
Once your property is safe and emergency repairs are handled, Tropical Wave can clean exterior surfaces across Wesley Chapel and Tampa Bay.
See our hurricane preparedness guide or all homeowner resources.