If you’ve ever had to clean up after a storm in the San Francisco Bay Area, you already know, it’s no joke. Between crazy winds, non-stop rain, and surprise floods, storm season can leave a serious mess behind. Roofs leak. Basements flood. Trees come down. And somehow, you’re supposed to figure out what to do next?
We get it. At West Coast Fire & Water, storm recovery is what we do, every day. From emergency board-ups to full rebuilds, we’ve helped homeowners and business owners with storm damage repair in the San Francisco Bay Area, both big and small. So if you’re dealing with damage right now (or just want to be ready for next time), keep reading. We’ve got your back.
TL;DR – Key Takeaways
Look, if you’re staring at a soggy ceiling or a backyard that looks like a lake, you probably don’t have time to read a full blog. Totally fair. Here’s the bite-sized version of everything you need to know about dealing with storm damage in the Bay Area:
What to do right after a storm
- First, stay safe. Check for downed wires, gas leaks, or anything that feels sketchy.
- Patch what you can. Board up windows, throw a tarp over the roof, just be careful.
- Snap pics before you clean. Your insurance company will love you for this.
- Call your insurer. Get the claims process rolling early.
Most common storm headaches we see
- Leaky roofs, flooded basements, broken fences, mold in weird places, fallen trees, power issues, you name it.
When you should call in help
- If there’s a ton of water, stuff smells musty, your lights are flickering, or you don’t even know where to begin, call us.
What we do at West Coast Fire & Water
- Emergency services 24/7
- Water removal and drying
- Mold cleanup
- Roof tarping and repairs
- Rebuilding and insurance help
Wanna be more prepared next time?
We offer walk-throughs to help you storm-proof your house or business. Gutters, drainage, roofing tips, we’ll show you what’s up and how to fix it before things get messy.
📞 Need help right now? Give us a call at 888-617-3786, we’re ready anytime.
First Things First: What to Do Right After the Storm
When the skies clear and you finally step outside, it’s tempting to jump right into cleanup. But slow down for just a minute, there are a few important things to check first:
🔎 Safety Comes First
- Watch out for downed power lines, especially around trees or fences.
- Sniff for gas leaks, if you smell anything off, get out and call it in.
- Avoid standing water, it can hide electrical currents or sharp debris.
🛠 Secure the Area
If windows are broken or your roof’s been damaged, grab some plywood or tarps and do a temporary fix. If it’s not safe (or you don’t have the materials), give us a call, we offer 24/7 emergency board-up and roof tarping all across the Bay Area.
🔌 Check Your Utilities
If anything electrical got wet or you’re seeing flickering lights, turn off the main power until you know it’s safe. Same goes for gas if you notice leaks or flooding near appliances.
The main takeaway? Don’t risk it. Your safety is way more important than salvaging a few wet boxes.
How to Document the Damage Like a Pro
This part isn’t fun, but it’s essential, especially if you’re filing an insurance claim. The better your documentation, the smoother the process.
📸 Snap Everything
Take wide shots, close-ups, different angles, whatever you can safely capture. Start outside, then work your way in. Focus on:
- Damaged roofing, siding, fences, and windows
- Water-damaged flooring, walls, and ceilings
- Personal belongings that are soaked, broken, or beyond repair
📝 Make a List
Write down anything that was damaged, including make/model numbers if you have them. Estimate costs if you can.
💾 Save Everything
Upload your photos and notes to the cloud or email them to yourself. And hang onto receipts for emergency expenses like hotel stays or temporary repairs.
Helpful tip: We offer a total loss inventory service if the job gets too overwhelming. Let us help you track everything for your insurance provider.
The Usual Suspects: Common Types of Storm Damage
Living in the Bay Area, we’ve seen just about every kind of storm damage out there. Here’s what usually needs attention after a storm:
🏠 Roof Issues
Wind and falling debris can tear off shingles, crack tiles, or knock down vents. Even a small hole can lead to big leaks fast.
💧 Flooding & Leaks
We’re talking basement floods, soggy carpets, wet drywall, the whole deal. Once water gets in, it spreads quickly. The longer it sits, the worse it gets.
💨 Wind Damage
High winds can snap trees, throw debris, or rip siding right off your house. Detached structures like sheds and garages are often hit the hardest.
⚡ Electrical Surprises
Storms and water don’t mix. Surges can fry your electronics, and wet wiring can be seriously dangerous. Don’t mess with it, get a pro.
😷 Mold
This one sneaks up on you. Mold starts growing within 24–48 hours of water exposure. If you smell mustiness or see spots on the walls or ceiling, it’s already in motion.
When You Really Need to Call in the Pros
We know, some folks like to DIY their way through cleanup. And for light debris or minor leaks? Sure, go for it. But here’s when it’s 100% worth bringing in the experts:
- There’s standing water or visible mold
- You notice a sagging ceiling or cracked foundation
- Your power is acting weird or smells like something’s burning
- You have no idea where the leak is coming from
- You’re trying to file an insurance claim and need documentation help
That’s where we come in. At West Coast Fire & Water, we specialize in storm damage repair San Francisco Bay Area locals trust. From drying out crawl spaces to replacing whole roofs, we’ve got it covered.
What Storm Damage Repair Looks Like (Start to Finish)
So what actually happens when you call us in? Here’s a peek at the process:
- Fast, local response. We’re based right here in NorCal, so we get to you fast, usually within hours.
- Full damage inspection. We check the structure, air quality, moisture levels, and more.
- Water extraction & drying. Industrial dryers, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters ensure we get it all.
- Tear-out & cleanup. Damaged materials come out. We handle disposal.
- Mold prevention. We sanitize and purify to stop growth before it starts.
- Rebuild time. Our licensed contractors handle everything from framing to finish work.
We work with homeowners, property managers, HOAs, and businesses, and we can even help with insurance paperwork. Whether it’s one room or the whole building, we’ll take care of it like it’s our own.
How to Protect Your Place Before the Next Storm
Repairing storm damage is one thing. But preventing it? That’s even better. Here’s what you can do now to get ahead of the next big weather event:
🏡 Roof & Exterior Fixes
- Clean gutters regularly (no one likes it, but it works)
- Trim back overhanging branches
- Seal gaps around windows, doors, and vents
- Add gutter guards and downspout extenders
💦 Water Management Tricks
- Regrade your yard so water drains away from your foundation
- Install a sump pump (with backup battery)
- Check for cracks in basement walls or floors
🔧 Electrical & HVAC Prep
- Get surge protectors for key appliances
- Service your HVAC and water heater before the rainy season
- Consider installing a backup generator
Want a custom prep plan? We offer free consultations to help you identify the weak spots and fix them before the storm rolls in.
Why Your Neighbors Trust West Coast Fire & Water
We’re not a faceless chain. We’re a locally owned team that’s been serving Northern California for nearly a decade. From wildfire zones to flooded basements, we’ve seen it all, and helped rebuild it.
Here’s What Makes Us Different
- We answer the phone, day or night
- Our team is IICRC-certified and background-checked
- We handle everything in-house, from cleanup to reconstruction
- We offer full service restoration, from water damage or professional biohazard cleanup
- We’ve worked on everything from bungalows to commercial buildings
- We care about your home, your business, and your peace of mind
Big job? Small job? Doesn’t matter. If it’s storm-related, we’ve got you.
Here For You After the Storm – West Coast Fire & Water
Dealing with storm damage is tough. It’s emotional. It’s expensive. And it’s just plain stressful. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
At West Coast Fire & Water, we’ve helped hundreds of Bay Area families and business owners get back on their feet after disaster, and we’d be honored to help you too.
So whether you need help today or you just want to be ready for tomorrow, save our number. Because when storm season comes back around (and it will), you’ll know exactly who to call.
Need Help with Storm Damage Repair in the San Francisco Bay Area?
We’re available 24/7.
- 📞 Phone: 888-617-3786
- 📧 Contact us online
- 📍 Service Areas: San Francisco, Oakland, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Alameda, San Mateo & more
FAQ – Storm Damage
If you’re wondering about what to do, what it costs, or whether your insurance will ghost you, start here:
Q: I just got hit by a storm, what should I do first?
A: Take a deep breath (seriously). Then check for safety hazards, power lines, gas leaks, stuff like that. If it’s safe, snap some photos of the damage and try to cover things up to prevent more issues. After that, give your insurance company a call and then call us. The sooner we get eyes on the damage, the better.
Q: Can I handle the cleanup myself, or do I really need a pro?
A: You can absolutely tackle the small stuff, like picking up branches or mopping up a bit of water. But if you’re dealing with soaked carpets, moldy smells, blown circuits, or mystery leaks, it’s best to call in the pros (hey, that’s us). Hidden damage gets expensive fast if it’s not handled right.
Q: Is this covered by insurance?
A: Usually, yeah. Most homeowners’ policies cover storm damage, but every policy is different. That’s why we help you document everything and even talk to your adjuster if needed. You don’t have to go it alone.
Q: How long is this going to take?
A: It depends on how bad the damage is. If it’s just water cleanup, you might be good in a few days. Bigger jobs, like repairs, mold removal, or full rebuilds, can take a few weeks. We’ll give you a game plan with honest timelines after our first visit.
Q: I’m in the Bay Area, do you work where I live?
A: Yep. We cover the entire San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, Sonoma, Napa, and San Mateo. If you’re not sure, just ask, we’re probably already helping someone near you.
Q: Can you help me avoid this next time?
A: You bet. We offer free walk-throughs to point out potential problem areas, like clogged gutters, bad drainage, or roof issues, and show you easy upgrades that can make a huge difference next time a storm rolls through.
Marketing Director, West Coast Fire & Water
Christian Ahlmann is the Marketing Director at West Coast Fire & Water, a California restoration company providing water, fire, mold, biohazard, storm, and reconstruction services across multiple locations. He leads brand, content, and demand programs that support rapid response and customer education. His background blends operational storytelling, community engagement, and crisis communications.
