Storm Damage in Chicagoland: What to Do Before the Pros Arrive

We all know most storms pass through Chicagoland without leaving a trace…

But every once in a while, the skies break open, the wind howls, and a destructive thunderstorm sweeps across DuPage County, Lake County, or northern Cook County—leaving your property battered, your power out, and your nerves frayed.  Call the Storm Damage Restoration Experts!

This isn’t just about rain and thunder. Spring and summer storms in the Midwest can bring hail, downed trees, flash flooding, and dangerous winds. Chicago’s location—wedged between warm Gulf air and frigid northern fronts, all beside Lake Michigan—makes it a bullseye for volatile weather.

If your home or business suffers storm damage, your first step should always be to call storm damage restoration experts like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons. But before we can arrive, there are critical steps you can take to protect your property, your documentation, and—most importantly—your safety.

Let’s walk through what to do immediately after a damaging storm hits.

🛑 Step 1: Prioritize Safety First

Storm damage is unsettling. Whether you’re worried about your roof, your basement, or your family’s safety, it’s easy to want to act fast. But speed without safety is a recipe for injury—or worse.

✅ Do This First:

• Look for downed power lines. Never approach them.

• Avoid floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage or carry an electric charge.

• Stay out of damaged structures. If a tree has fallen on your home or business, assume the structure is unstable.

• Turn off electricity if you suspect water has entered the building. But never do this if you’re standing in water.

If there’s any doubt, trust your gut. Don’t enter until a professional from ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons tells you it’s safe.

🔍 Step 2: Assess the Damage (Safely)

If it’s safe to walk the property, begin a basic damage assessment. This is crucial for both insurance documentation and helping our team respond appropriately when we arrive.

📷 Focus on:

• Roof damage (from the ground): Look for missing shingles, torn flashing, punctures, or sagging sections.

• Windows and doors: Are they cracked, shattered, or leaking?

• Exterior walls and siding: Any holes, dents, or impact points?

• Interior ceilings and walls: Look for water stains, bubbling paint, or new cracks.

• Basement or lower levels: Check for pooling water, seepage, or sewer backups.

Document everything with:

• Photos (close-up and wide shots)

• Videos (especially for moving water or structural instability)

• Written notes (time of damage, weather conditions, etc.)

Pro Tip: Store your documentation in the cloud or email it to yourself for easy access later.

🔨 Step 3: Tarp the Roof (Only If You’re Able)

We strongly recommend waiting for professionals. But in extreme cases—when water is actively pouring through a damaged roof—you may need to act.

🧰 Temporary Roof Tarping Guide:

1. Clear loose debris. Only if safe to do so.

2. Get a heavy-duty tarp. It should extend at least four feet past the damaged area.

3. Wrap the tarp around a 2×4 and nail the board down to anchor the tarp.

4. Add perpendicular 2×4s to secure the tarp to the roof using screws.

5. Extend tarp over the eaves to prevent water from seeping underneath.

For broken windows or holes in walls, use plywood and waterproof sheeting to cover the gaps until help arrives.

📑 Step 4: File Your Insurance Claim

Once your safety is secure and you’ve documented the damage, contact your insurance provider. Be prepared to:

• Provide your policy number

• Describe the extent of the damage

• Upload or email photos and videos

• Get assigned a claims adjuster

Need help navigating your insurance claim? ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons works directly with all major carriers and can help you prepare the necessary documentation.

👉 https://www.servicemaster-rbs.com/contact/

🛠️ Step 5: Call the Storm Damage Restoration Experts

Fast action prevents more damage. ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is ready 24/7 to respond across DuPage, Lake, and northern Cook Counties. Our services include:

• Water & flood damage cleanup
  https://www.servicemaster-rbs.com/water-damage-restoration/

• Mold remediation
  https://www.servicemaster-rbs.com/mold-remediation/

• Fire & smoke damage cleanup (often from lightning strikes)
  https://www.servicemaster-rbs.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration/

Our IICRC-certified crews bring industrial-grade drying, extraction, and dehumidification tools to prevent mold and structural weakening.

🌪️ What Storms Commonly Damage in Chicagoland Homes

Chicago’s unique geography creates storm systems that hit in specific ways. Here’s what we see most often:

💨 Wind Damage

• Shingles ripped off roofs

• Siding torn or dented

• Trees or branches collapsing on structures

🌧️ Rain & Flash Flooding

• Flooded basements

• Overwhelmed sump pumps

• Roof leaks from backed-up gutters

🧊 Hail & Ice Dams

• Cracked shingles and broken skylights

• Ice building at the roof edge and forcing water back into the attic

📞 Don’t Wait to Get Help

The longer you wait, the worse the damage gets.

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is a family-owned, award-winning storm restoration company serving:

• DuPage County

• Lake County

• Northern Cook County

We’re trusted across the North Shore and beyond, including Northbrook, Glenview, Wilmette, Evanston, and Highland Park.

We’ve been honored by:

• 🏆 Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics

• 🏆 Skokie Business of the Year – Honorable Mention

• 🏆 Multiple Stevie® Awards for Business Excellence

📞 Call 847-316-9145 or
👉 https://www.servicemaster-rbs.com/services/

📚 About the Author

This post was written by Sam Simon, IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer and co-author of:

RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home as Your Most Valuable Asset