Short Answer
Active leaks and safety hazards should be addressed promptly. Other repairs should be evaluated based on severity and circumstances.
Detailed Explanation
After storm damage is identified, the urgency of repairs depends on the severity. Active leaks — where water is entering the home — should be addressed immediately with temporary measures (tarping, temporary patches) to prevent further interior damage. Safety hazards — loose debris, damaged structures — should be made safe. However, permanent repairs should typically wait until the insurance claim process is underway or complete, because the insurance company may need to inspect the damage before it's repaired. Making permanent repairs before the adjuster inspects can complicate the claim. The recommended approach is: address active leaks and safety issues immediately with temporary measures, document everything, contact your insurance company, and schedule permanent repairs after the claim process is underway.
Why It Matters
Balancing the need to prevent further damage with the need to preserve evidence for insurance requires understanding the right sequence of actions.