Safety first
- Stay away from downed power lines and report them to your electric provider
- Watch for broken glass, nails and sharp metal
- Do not climb onto the roof yourself
Document before you clean
Take photos and video of damage to the roof, siding, windows, fences, cars and yard before anything is moved. Keep receipts for emergency repairs like tarps or board-ups. Your insurance company will want both.
Getting rid of debris
- Check your city's bulk and brush pickup rules; many DFW cities run special collections after big storms
- Bundle branches to the length your city requires
- Use a junk removal company for large loads, waterlogged carpet, broken fencing or anything you need gone quickly
Watch for storm chasers
After big storms, out-of-town crews often knock on doors. Hire local, check reviews and insurance, get written quotes, and never pay the full amount upfront.