Severe thunderstorms recently swept through Baltimore, Harford, Carroll, and Anne Arundel counties, knocking out power to more than 1,700 homes. More storms are on the way. If your home is not prepped yet, now is the time.
The Short Version
- Most storm damage is preventable with a short checklist: gutters, trees, sump pump, insurance, and our number saved.
- Recent storms knocked out power to more than 1,700 area homes, and more are forecast this season.
- If a storm does hit, response time is the biggest factor in cost and in preventing mold.
- We dispatch two IICRC-certified specialists within 30 minutes, 24 hours a day.
Summer storm season in Maryland is already here. Every year, the calls we get after a major storm follow the same pattern. A homeowner assumed everything was fine until water started pouring through the ceiling, the basement flooded, or a tree limb punched through the roof. The good news is that most storm damage can be prevented or sharply reduced with a few simple steps. Here is what our team recommends.
Your Storm-Ready Checklist
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1
Clear Your Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters are the number one cause of preventable water damage we see after storms. When gutters overflow, water pools along your foundation, seeps into your basement, and saturates the soil around your home. A 20-minute cleaning now can prevent thousands of dollars in damage later.
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2
Trim Trees and Branches Near Your Roof
Overhanging branches are a direct threat in high winds. Even branches that look secure can snap under sustained 50 to 60 mph gusts. If a branch is within arm's reach of your roofline, it is too close.
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3
Test Your Sump Pump
Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and confirm the pump activates and drains properly. If it has a battery backup, check that the battery is charged. A failed sump pump during heavy rain can mean a fully flooded basement within hours.
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4
Know Your Insurance Policy Limits
Many homeowners do not realize their standard policy has specific limits and exclusions for water damage. Take 10 minutes to review your policy or call your agent, and confirm what is covered for storm damage, flooding, and water intrusion. You do not want to learn the gaps after the damage is done.
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5
Save Our Number Before You Need It
If a storm does damage your home, the single biggest factor in controlling cost and preventing secondary damage like mold is response time. Save our number now so it is ready when you need it. We dispatch two certified specialists within 30 minutes, 24 hours a day: (410) 517-7636.
What to Do If a Storm Damages Your Home
Even with preparation, a severe storm can overwhelm any home. If you do end up with storm damage, here is what matters most in the first hour.
- Wait to see if it dries on its own.
- Run household fans, which can spread contamination.
- Touch standing water if electrical is involved.
- Assume small leaks are harmless.
- Call Green Clean immediately, any hour.
- Document the damage with photos for insurance.
- Turn off water at the main if a pipe burst.
- Move valuables to dry ground if it is safe to do so.
Why Response Time Is Everything
After a storm, the clock starts immediately. Within 24 to 48 hours, standing water and trapped moisture begin growing mold, a secondary problem that sharply increases both health risk and remediation cost. This is why we send two specialists on every dispatch. When you call, two IICRC-certified technicians arrive within 30 minutes. One begins water extraction right away while the other maps the full extent of moisture penetration with thermal imaging.
We handle tarping, water extraction, structural drying, mold prevention, and full reconstruction under one roof. We work directly with your insurance company using Xactimate-standard documentation, so there are no pricing disputes and no surprises.
You do not need to wait for the adjuster before calling us. Insurance companies prefer that you take immediate steps to limit further damage, and they cover the cost of doing so.
Bottom Line
After a storm, response time controls everything that follows. The faster standing water and moisture come out, the lower your repair cost and the smaller the chance of mold. Save our number and call the moment you spot damage.
Storm damage already done? Don't wait it out.
Two IICRC-certified specialists arrive within 30 minutes, any hour of the day. We extract water, dry the structure, prevent mold, and bill your insurance directly so you pay only your deductible.