What Do I Do After My Roof Collapses?

Having an unprecedented collapsed roof can be dangerous and will cause significant damage and safety risks. Having adequate information on how to manage such a situation can help ensure safety of your home and everyone involved. In this article, we will discuss important steps to take if your roof suddenly collapses and how to get out of it in the safest way possible. 

1. GET TO SAFETY 

If your roof ever collapses, the first step is to evacuate your home immediately especially in the case that creaks are loud or you can visibly see structural damage. Make sure all family members, pets or anyone else present are accounted for and safe. When exiting, do so carefully and avoid any fallen debris or exposed debris. Once outside, do not attempt to re-enter until the building has been inspected and deemed safe by professionals. If there is anyone injured, call emergency services right away. Do not attempt to move seriously injured individuals unless they are in immediate danger, as this could worsen their injuries.

2. CONTACT EMERGENCY SERVICES

Once everyone is confirmed safe and uninjured, you should go ahead to contact emergency services such as 911 to report the collapse. Doing this allows emergency responders to coordinate with building inspectors to evaluate the building and inspect affected areas. If the building is insured, you should also notify your insurance provider immediately to initiate the claims process. Be sure to keep a record of the incident including photos and videos to help support your claim. 

3. TAKE RECORD AND DOCUMENT

Once it is safe, take pictures and videos of the damage from different angles. This is an important step for insurance and repair purposes. Document both the exterior and interior of the building, while paying close attention to the collapsed area and damages to personal property. This step provides a clear record of the extent of damage and helps you receive adequate compensation for possible losses. 

4. CONTACT A PROFESSIONAL

Depending on how severe the damage is, you may need to get temporary shelter while the property is being repaired. Contact a professional roofing contractor to assess the damage and provide an estimate for repairs. They will help understand the causes for such damage and recommend the best repairs and replacements to avoid future incidents. 

Roofing Services in Wakefield, MA

Burke Roofs is the roofing team Massachusetts homeowners can trust when they need a new roof! Contact us today to get started!