Storm Prep for New Jersey Homeowners

Blue emergency tarp secured on a storm-damaged roof at dusk

Nor'easters, tropical storms and summer thunderstorms bring wind, heavy rain, falling trees and power outages to Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties. A few hours of prep can prevent a lot of damage.

Need help right now? Call or text MaxClean Restoration at 732-539-2942 · Text us Open 24/7 and usually on site within an hour in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties.

Step by step: what to do right now

  1. Test your sump pump and make sure the battery backup is charged.
  2. Clean gutters and downspouts and point the downspouts at least 4 to 6 feet away from the foundation.
  3. Secure or bring in outdoor furniture, grills, planters and trash cans. Anything loose can become a projectile.
  4. Trim dead or overhanging branches well before storm season (call a pro for large trees).
  5. Charge phones and power banks, and gather flashlights, batteries, water, medications and important documents.
  6. Know where your shutoffs are, for water, gas and electric. Save them in your free emergency plan at plan.maxcleanrestoration.com.
  7. Move valuables off the basement floor and up onto shelves.
  8. Photograph your home and belongings before the storm, for insurance.
  9. Have a generator plan. Run generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from windows and doors.
  10. Save MaxClean's number: 732-539-2942. We're open 24/7 for storm, water and tree damage.
Large storm-downed tree limbs on a lawn beside a house

What NOT to do

  • Don't run a generator in the garage, basement or near open windows.
  • Don't go near downed power lines. Call your utility and 911.
  • Don't drive through flooded roads ("turn around, don't drown").
  • Don't climb on the roof during or right after a storm.
  • Don't try to cut up a tree that's on your house or on power lines.

When to call a professional

  • A tree or large limb hit the house or blocked access.
  • There's roof damage, missing shingles or water coming in.
  • The basement flooded or the sump pump failed.
  • Windows or doors are broken and the home needs boarding up.
  • Water got into walls, ceilings or flooring.
Blue tarp weighted with sandbags on a roof after storm damage

After the storm

  1. Walk around the outside of the house (in daylight) and look for roof, siding, window and tree damage.
  2. Check the basement and attic for water.
  3. Photograph everything before cleanup.
  4. Tarp roof openings and board up broken windows, or have us do it.
  5. Call your insurance company and write down the claim number.

See also: water & flood damage · flooded basement guide

Working with your insurance

We work directly with your insurance company and send the invoice to your carrier for you; you're responsible for your deductible and anything your policy doesn't cover.

In New Jersey, homeowners usually have the right to choose their own restoration contractor. We specialize in working with both homeowners and insurance companies to make sure the work is properly documented and covered, so your home gets back to its pre-loss condition.

Learn more on our insurance claims page or our emergency tree removal & storm damage page.

Printable checklist

Storm Prep for New Jersey Homeowners: Checklist

  • ☐ Sump pump tested; backup battery charged
  • ☐ Gutters and downspouts cleaned
  • ☐ Outdoor furniture and loose items secured
  • ☐ Dead branches trimmed
  • ☐ Phones and power banks charged
  • ☐ Flashlights, batteries, water and medications ready
  • ☐ Water, gas and electric shutoff locations known
  • ☐ Valuables moved off the basement floor
  • ☐ Before photos of home and belongings
  • ☐ Generator set up OUTDOORS, 20+ feet from the house
  • ☐ MaxClean Restoration 24/7: 732-539-2942

Frequently asked questions

What should I do right after a storm damages my home? Make sure everyone is safe, stay away from downed lines, take photos of the damage, prevent further damage if it's safe (tarps, towels, buckets), and call a restoration company. MaxClean is open 24/7 and usually on site within an hour.

Does MaxClean remove trees that fell on a house? Yes. We provide emergency tree removal from homes, along with tarping, board-up, water extraction and repairs, so one company handles the whole job.

Will insurance cover storm damage? Coverage depends on your policy, so check your policy or ask your agent. We work directly with your insurance company and send the invoice to your carrier for you; you're responsible for your deductible and anything your policy doesn't cover.

When is storm season in New Jersey? Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, nor'easters are most common from October to April, and severe thunderstorms peak in summer. Prep in late spring and again in early fall.

Can I choose my own contractor for storm repairs? In New Jersey, homeowners usually have the right to choose their own restoration contractor. We specialize in working with both homeowners and insurance companies to make sure the work is properly documented and covered, so your home gets back to its pre-loss condition.

Get ready before it happens: build a free emergency plan for your home (shutoff locations, emergency contacts, maintenance reminders) at plan.maxcleanrestoration.com.

Need help right now? Call or text MaxClean Restoration at 732-539-2942 · Text us Open 24/7 and usually on site within an hour in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties.

Related: emergency tree removal & storm damage · All Resource Center guides · Insurance claim help · Free home emergency plan

MaxClean Restoration, 11 Bannard Street, Freehold, NJ · IICRC Certified Firm · NJ HIC #13VH12188600 Open 24/7 and usually on site within an hour across Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties.