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What to do if…
you see shingles, tiles, or roofing material missing after high winds

Short answer

Don’t get on the roof. Take photos, prevent further water damage safely, and contact your homeowners/renters insurer (or your landlord/property manager) to arrange a qualified temporary cover and inspection.

Do not do these things

  • Do not climb onto the roof or use a ladder to “check it out” (wind damage can leave weak spots and slippery surfaces).
  • Do not touch hanging power lines or go near anything sparking.
  • Do not let a contractor pressure you into a same-day contract, large cash deposit, or signing over insurance payments.
  • Do not throw away damaged materials/items if you may need to document them (unless they’re hazardous).
  • Do not run a generator or grill indoors or in garages. Only run generators outdoors and well away from doors, windows, and vents.

What to do now

  1. Create a safety perimeter. Keep people and pets away from the area below the damaged section. Watch for falling debris (shingles, nails, metal edging).
  2. Check for life-safety hazards first.
    • If you see downed power lines, sparking, or electrical arcing, back away and call 911.
    • If the roof/ceiling looks like it might fail (major sagging, loud cracking, ceiling bulging, heavy water pouring in), move everyone to a safer place and call 911.
  3. Limit interior water damage (without risky moves).
    • Put buckets/towels under leaks; move valuables and electronics away.
    • If water is reaching outlets/fixtures and you can do it safely, turn off power to the affected area at the breaker.
  4. Document before cleanup. Take wide and close photos/video: roofline from the ground, missing areas, interior leaks, damaged items, and any debris. Write down when you first noticed it and what the weather was doing.
  5. Call the responsible party and start the claim path.
    • Homeowner: Contact your insurance company and ask how they want temporary repairs handled and documented.
    • Renter: Notify your landlord/property manager immediately; ask who their emergency maintenance/roofer is. (Your renters policy may cover personal property or temporary living costs, depending on the policy and cause.)
  6. Make temporary repairs only to prevent more damage—and keep receipts. Insurers commonly expect reasonable steps to stop additional damage (like covering openings). If you can’t do it safely from the ground, hire a licensed/insured roofer for temporary covering and keep all receipts and photos.
  7. If this is part of a declared disaster, consider FEMA help. Only if there’s a federal disaster declaration covering your county/tribe/territory, FEMA assistance may help with certain essential repairs needed to make a home safe, sanitary, and secure. Apply only through official FEMA channels and keep documentation.
  8. Watch for post-storm scams. Be cautious with unsolicited calls/door knocks. Verify licensing/insurance, get written estimates, and don’t pay big deposits or fees to “get you FEMA money.” If you suspect fraud, report it to the FTC.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide today whether to replace the whole roof or just repair a section.
  • You don’t need to pick the “best” contractor right now—priority is safe, temporary weatherproofing and documentation.
  • You don’t need to finish cleanup immediately if it risks injury (sharp nails, unstable ladders, wet ceilings).

Important reassurance

This is a common storm aftermath problem, and it’s fixable. The two biggest avoidable harms are (1) injuries from climbing/ladder work and (2) water damage that spreads because the opening isn’t covered. Focusing on safety, photos, and temporary protection is enough for now.

Scope note

These are first steps for the first hours/day after wind damage. Insurance rules, deductibles, and repair requirements vary by state and policy; longer-term decisions can come after the home is stabilized.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, engineering, or insurance advice. If there’s any immediate danger (structural instability, electrical hazards, gas smell, active fire), leave and call 911. When in doubt, treat the roof as unsafe and use qualified help.

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