Storm damage right now: what to do
Storm water is an emergency, and our 24/7 line is open during and after the weather. Stay clear of downed lines, keep power off where water has reached outlets and move to a dry area of the house.
Cover openings if you can do so safely, such as with a tarp, and take photos of the damage for your insurer. If a tree or roof failed, call a roofer too.
Storm calls come in clusters and at night. Same-day response is what we work toward when crews are available, and the person who answers will say what to expect.
Storms that have hit Romulus
The National Weather Service storm report for July 28, 2025 lists 3.31 inches of rain measured at Romulus in 1.5 hours, along with flooded roads and numerous downed power lines in the area. Detroit Metropolitan Airport had multiple roads closed due to flooding that day.
In August 2014 the same office reported significant flooding across Wayne, southern Oakland and Macomb counties after a long burst of heavy rain. When power drops, sump pumps stop too, which is why storm losses often include basements.
How storm water gets in
| Entry point | What happens | Fix beyond restoration |
|---|---|---|
| Roof or flashing | Water drips through attic and ceiling | Roofer. |
| Window or door seal | Wind driven rain soaks trim and floor | Window contractor. |
| Foundation or window well | Water seeps into basement | Waterproofing contractor. |
| Power outage and sump failure | Groundwater rises in basement | Sump service or plumber. |
How we respond to storm damage
Assess and secure
We check hazards and note temporary measures such as tarps.
Extract
Water comes out of carpet, flooring and low areas with pumps and extractors.
Remove wet materials
Soaked insulation, drywall and pad are cut out.
Dry
Air movers and dehumidifiers dry the structure with logged readings.
Storm water is often not clean
Rain that runs across ground or through a basement window well can carry soil and contaminants. That can move a loss toward category 2 or 3 water, which means more removal.
If sewage came up through a drain during the storm, see our sewage backup cleanup page before you touch anything.
A checklist for the first day after storm water
- Stay away from downed lines and avoid wading through standing water.
- Photograph rooms, rooflines and any outside water marks from a safe spot.
- Shut off power to wet areas only if the panel is dry and reachable.
- Cover openings with a tarp if you can do it safely.
- Call your insurer and tell them you have water damage, then call our line.
Why storm damage is often more than one problem
A single storm can bring a roof leak, a wet basement and a failed sump pump all at once. Each needs a different trade, so the order of work matters.
We handle water removal, drying and the interior rebuild, and we note roof, window and drainage issues so the right contractors are called. That keeps the interior from getting wet again after we finish.
When the power is out
Outages stop sump pumps, dehumidifiers and sometimes our equipment. If power is out where you live, tell us on the call so we can plan for generators or alternate drying.
Never run a generator indoors or in a garage. Carbon monoxide is a real hazard, and portable units belong outdoors well away from windows.
What affects the cost
Cost factors
Cost follows how much water entered, how many rooms and materials it reached, how contaminated it is and how long it sat. Storm losses can span roofing, exterior and interior work.
We explain scope and price before work starts.
Insurance and related services
Insurance depends on the cause, so call your insurer, describe the loss as water damage and keep photos. Michigan DIFS says flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners policies, though wind driven rain through a damaged roof may be treated differently. See flood damage restoration, ceiling water damage repair and basement cleanup.
Questions people ask
Yes. The 24/7 line is open during storms and after them. Call from a safe spot and describe the water.
Do not go into dangerous conditions, but call early so the plan is ready. Stay away from downed lines and standing water near power.
Yes. Michigan DIFS says flood is not covered by standard homeowners policies. Ask your insurer how they classify your loss.
We note the opening and can discuss temporary measures, but a roofer handles roof repairs.
Sump pumps need power. When the grid drops during a storm, groundwater can rise unchecked, so a battery backup is worth asking a plumber about.