What to Do After a Storm: A Chicago Homeowner’s Roof and Gutter Checklist
Chicago storms can be unpredictable and fast-moving. A line of thunderstorms can roll through in under an hour and leave behind wind damage, hail impacts, downed branches, and flooded gutters before you’ve even had a chance to react. Knowing what to do in the hours and days after a major storm is one of the most practical things a homeowner can have in their back pocket. This checklist is designed to walk you through exactly that, from the immediate safety steps right after a storm passes to the longer-term follow-up that keeps small issues from turning into expensive repairs. Step 1: Wait Until It’s Safe This one sounds obvious, but it’s worth saying. Don’t go outside to inspect your property while a storm is still active. Lightning, high winds, and falling debris are all serious hazards, and no inspection is worth putting yourself at risk. Wait until the storm has fully passed, winds have died down, and you’ve confirmed there are no downed pow...