What to Do In the 48 Hours After a Major Hail Storm in Tulsa

A major hailstorm has just hit Tulsa. The hail has stopped. Now what? The decisions you make in the next 48 hours can significantly affect your insurance claim, your home's condition, and your out-of-pocket costs.

Hour 1–2: Safety and Initial Assessment

Do not go on your roof immediately after a storm — surfaces will be wet and slippery, and there may be hail still on the roof. Start from the ground. Walk your property and look for obvious signs: missing shingles, damaged gutters, debris, dented metal surfaces. Take photos of anything you see from the ground, including your yard, vehicles, and any outdoor equipment — this helps establish that a significant hail event occurred at your property.

Hour 2–4: Check for Interior Damage

Go through your home methodically. Check ceilings for water stains, particularly in upper floors and directly under the roof deck. Check your attic if accessible — look for daylight through the roof deck or wet insulation. If you find an active leak, place buckets and call us immediately for emergency tarping. Every hour of unaddressed water intrusion increases damage significantly.

Hour 4–24: Call a Local Roofer for a Free Inspection

Call Tulsa Roofing at (918) 347-1757. We offer free post-storm inspections and typically have crews available within 2 hours of a major event. Do not wait for your insurance company to tell you to get an inspection — by the time they schedule their adjuster, it may be days or weeks. Get your documentation started immediately.

Important: Be cautious of storm chasers who go door-to-door after major storms. These are typically out-of-state companies that leave town after collecting deposits. Use a local Tulsa company with a permanent local address and verifiable history.

Hour 24–48: File Your Insurance Claim

Once you have your inspection report and photo documentation, call your insurance company to open a claim. Ask specifically: what is my deductible for this type of damage? What is my claim filing deadline? Will you cover temporary tarping costs? Request that your adjuster visit be scheduled within the week — do not let weeks pass before the official inspection.