FAMILY-OWNED · SINCE 1979 MADISON, WI · CENTERVILLE, IA LIC. DC-080900045
24/7 STORM LINE (608) 909-9109
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After-the-Storm Checklist · WI & IA

The storm passed. Here's what to do next.

In the first 48 hours after a storm, the order you do things in protects both your safety and your insurance claim. This is the simple, step-by-step checklist we walk Wisconsin and Iowa homeowners through, free to use, no strings.

Safety firstProtect your claimFree inspection
First 48 hours
Tap to check off
1. Make sure everyone is safe
2. Document the damage
3. Prevent further damage
4. Get a professional inspection
5. File your insurance claim
6. Watch out for storm-chasers
Full details on each step below, we can do steps 3 to 5 for you

Want us to take it from here?

The fastest way through the checklist is to let us handle the hard parts, securing the home, documenting the damage, and working your claim. Request a free inspection and we'll start at whatever step you're on. We respond within 2 hours, 24/7 for emergencies.

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    Thanks, there. We received your request and respond within 2 hours during business hours, right away for emergencies.

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    The Full ChecklistSEC 01 / 07

    Six steps, in the right order.

    Doing these in order keeps your family safe and makes sure your insurance claim reflects everything the storm did. Take them one at a time.

    1

    Make sure everyone is safe

    Before anything else, check on people, then hazards. Damage can be fixed; safety comes first.

    • Stay clear of downed power lines, call 911 and your utility
    • Leave if you smell gas or the structure looks unstable
    • Watch for broken glass and nails underfoot
    • Don't go up on a wet or damaged roof
    2

    Document the damage

    Your claim is only as strong as your evidence. Photograph everything before anything is touched or cleaned up.

    • Take photos and video from the ground, all sides
    • Capture interior damage, ceilings, walls, attic
    • Note the date and time of the storm
    • Keep receipts for any emergency expenses
    3

    Prevent further damage

    Insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to stop the damage from getting worse, but safely. This is where we come in.

    • Tarp or cover openings to keep water out
    • Move valuables away from active leaks
    • Don't make permanent repairs until the adjuster sees it
    • Let a pro handle the roof, we tarp safely, 24/7
    We can do this for you →
    4

    Get a professional inspection

    A lot of storm damage isn't visible from the ground. A free professional inspection tells you what's really there before you file.

    • Find hidden damage, lifted shingles, cracked decking
    • Get the full scope documented properly
    • Know if it's worth a claim before you file
    • We inspect roof, siding, and gutters together
    Request a free inspection →
    5

    File your insurance claim

    With damage documented, file with your carrier. You pay your deductible, we handle the rest. We work directly with your adjuster.

    • Call your carrier and open the claim
    • Share your documentation and our report
    • We meet your adjuster on-site
    • Works with any insurance carrier
    How claims work →
    6

    Watch out for storm-chasers

    After a storm, out-of-town crews flood the area. Hire local and accountable, someone who'll be here to honor the warranty.

    • Be wary of door-knockers pressuring you to sign
    • Never sign over your insurance check or claim
    • Check license, insurance, and reviews
    • Pick a contractor who'll be here next year
    Why local matters →
    Do & Don'tSEC 02 / 07

    The quick do's and don'ts.

    If you remember nothing else, remember these. They're what protect your safety and your claim in the first day.

    Do
    • Do get everyone to safety first
    • Do photograph all damage before cleanup
    • Do make temporary safe coverings to limit damage
    • Do get a free professional inspection
    • Do keep receipts for emergency expenses
    • Do hire a licensed, local, insured contractor
    Don't
    • Don't go onto a wet or damaged roof
    • Don't approach downed power lines
    • Don't throw out damaged items before documenting
    • Don't make permanent repairs before the adjuster sees it
    • Don't sign over your insurance claim or check
    • Don't be pressured by door-to-door storm-chasers
    What Your Claim NeedsSEC 03 / 07
    Document · File · Deductible

    What makes a storm claim go smoothly.

    Most storm damage is covered by homeowner policies when it's documented properly. Three things make the difference between a smooth claim and a fight, and we help with all of them.

    Good documentation
    Photos, dates, and a professional damage report in the format your adjuster expects.
    A proper inspection
    The full scope found and recorded, so the claim covers everything, not just the obvious.
    Your deductible
    When it's covered, you typically pay only your deductible. How claims work →

    Coverage is determined by your insurer. We are not Iowa public adjusters, nor do we offer public adjusting services (Iowa Code §522C). We document damage and work with your carrier and adjuster on your behalf as your contractor.

    Know What Hit YouSEC 04 / 07

    Match the storm to the damage.

    Different storms leave different damage. If you know what kind of storm hit, these pages tell you exactly what to look for.

    What Customers SaySEC 05 / 07

    4.9 stars across 80 verified reviews.

    Read all Buckshot customer reviews →

    ★★★★★

    They walked us through the whole insurance process step by step. Took all the stress out of it. Highly recommend.

    Jeff R. · Google
    ★★★★★

    They found the actual source of the problem when another company kept guessing. Professional and honest.

    Rusty McLain · Google
    ★★★★★

    The whole crew was professional, the work was excellent, and they cleaned up so well you'd never know they were there.

    Packer Fan · WI homeowner · Google
    After-the-Storm FAQSEC 06 / 07
    Need help now?
    24/7 emergency · free inspection
    Q.01What's the very first thing to do after a storm?+
    Make sure everyone is safe. Stay away from downed power lines, leave if you smell gas or the structure looks unstable, and don't climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Damage can be repaired, so handle people and hazards first, then document. See the checklist →
    Q.02Should I clean up or take photos first?+
    Photograph everything first. Your insurance claim is only as strong as your documentation, so capture all the damage, inside and out, before you move or clean up anything. Keep receipts for any emergency expenses too.
    Q.03Can I make repairs before the adjuster comes?+
    Make temporary, safe repairs to prevent further damage, like tarping a roof opening, but hold off on permanent repairs until the adjuster has seen it. We can tarp and secure your home safely, then document it for the claim. We can help →
    Q.04Do I need an inspection before I file a claim?+
    It's smart. A lot of storm damage isn't visible from the ground, and a free professional inspection tells you what's really there and gets it documented properly, so you know whether to file and the claim reflects the full scope.
    Q.05Someone knocked on my door offering free roof repair, should I sign?+
    Be careful. After storms, out-of-town storm-chasers go door to door pressuring homeowners to sign. Never sign over your insurance claim or check, and choose a licensed, insured, local contractor who'll be around to honor the warranty. Why local matters →
    Q.06How much does it cost to have you look?+
    Nothing. Inspections are free with no obligation. If there's covered damage, you typically pay only your deductible and we handle the rest with your carrier. For active emergencies we respond 24/7.
    24/7 Emergency · Free Inspection

    On step 3, 4, or 5? Let us take it from here.

    You've done the safety and the photos, now let us handle the hard parts. We'll secure your home, document the damage, and work your claim with any carrier. You pay your deductible, we handle the rest. Family-owned since 1979.

    This checklist is general guidance for homeowners and is not a substitute for the advice of emergency services, your utility, or your insurer. In any emergency involving downed power lines, gas, or structural collapse, contact 911 and your utility first. Insurance coverage, claim approval, scope, and out-of-pocket cost depend on your policy, deductible, and the documented cause and extent of damage; coverage is determined by your insurer, not by Buckshot, and outcomes vary by claim. We are not Iowa public adjusters, nor do we offer public adjusting services. Iowa Code §522C. Emergency response limits but cannot guarantee against further damage. WI Lic. DC-080900045 · IL Lic. 104017198 · Family-Owned Since 1979.

    24/7 Storm Line(608) 909-9109

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    ●  From the crew that writes the guides

    Done reading? Let us look for you.

    The guides tell you what to check from the ground. We get on the ladder, photograph every facet, and tell you straight: a claim, a repair, or nothing to worry about.

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