Hurricane Cleanup 101: What to Do Before Calling a Demolition Crew
When a hurricane hits the Tampa Bay area, the damage can be overwhelming with fallen trees, broken structures, and piles of debris everywhere you look. It’s tempting to jump in and start tearing things down right away, but a rushed cleanup can create more problems than it solves. Before you call a demolition crew, there are a few key steps every homeowner should take to stay safe, protect their property, and make sure their insurance claim goes smoothly.
At Demo Dog, we’ve helped countless Florida homeowners recover from severe weather. Our crews have seen it all — from collapsed garages and pool enclosures to flooded homes that needed full tear-downs. Here’s a simple checklist of what to do before demolition begins.
Ensure Safety First
Safety is always the top priority. After a major storm, hazards can be hidden everywhere. You might have live electrical wires, gas leaks, or unstable walls that could collapse with one wrong step. Before entering the property, make sure local authorities have cleared the area. If there’s standing water or visible damage to power lines, call your utility provider immediately.
Avoid going inside if there’s any structural movement or sagging. Even small cracks or tilted beams can mean serious instability. If you’re unsure, wait for a professional inspection. It’s never worth risking your safety and the structure can be replaced, but you can’t.
Document the Damage Thoroughly
Before any cleanup starts, document everything. Take clear photos and videos of the entire property of the interior, exterior, and all damaged areas. Get close-ups of walls, roofs, foundations, and major appliances. These images will be critical when you file your insurance claim.
Use your phone’s timestamp feature, and don’t throw anything away yet. Insurance adjusters often need to see the damage firsthand before approving demolition. Keep receipts for any emergency work, temporary repairs, or materials purchased after the storm. The more evidence you have, the faster your claim will move through the process.
Contact Your Insurance Provider Early
Once you’ve documented the damage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Many policies require notification within a certain timeframe. Ask about next steps, whether they’ll send an adjuster, and what types of cleanup are covered under your policy.
Some homeowners don’t realize that “debris removal” and “structural demolition” are often listed as separate line items in insurance coverage. That means you might need different approvals for each stage.
Clear Only What’s Safe to Remove
After a hurricane, everyone wants to start clearing debris but not everything should be touched right away. Focus on removing small, manageable items like fallen branches, furniture, or light debris that’s blocking access.
Avoid disturbing large piles of debris or any part of the building that’s still attached to the structure. Damaged roofing, framing, or concrete slabs can shift suddenly and cause injury. If you live in an older Florida home, there’s also a chance material could contain asbestos or lead paint, which require licensed removal. Let professionals like Demo Dog handle that part. We have the equipment and training to do it safely and legally.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Before demolition begins, schedule a professional inspection of the structure. Even if it looks like a total loss, it’s important to confirm whether the foundation is still sound or if parts of the building can be safely salvaged.
A licensed demolition expert will evaluate:
Structural stability and foundation condition
Flood or water damage to concrete slabs
Environmental factors like mold, asbestos, or contaminated soil
Required county permits or special demolition rules
At Demo Dog, we handle this process from start to finish. We’ll assess the damage, provide a clear demolition plan, and manage the permits so you can focus on getting your life back to normal.
Call in the Demolition Crew
Once the property is safe, documented, and approved for demolition, you’re ready to bring in the professionals. Demo Dog’s team specializes in storm damage recovery and post-hurricane demolition across the greater Tampa Bay area.
We handle:
Full and partial home tear-downs
Garage, shed, and pool enclosure demolition
Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. We coordinate with your insurance company, general contractor, and local authorities to keep everything compliant and efficient. With our heavy equipment and skilled crew, we can safely clear even the toughest sites on time and within budget.
Getting Back on Solid Ground
Recovering after a hurricane can feel like a mountain to climb, but taking these steps before calling a demolition company can save you time, money, and headaches. Safety, documentation, and preparation are key to a smooth recovery process.
Whether your property needs a complete tear-down or just selective removal, Demo Dog is ready to help. We’re local, licensed, and proud to serve Tampa Bay homeowners with honest, efficient, and professional demolition services.
Contact Demo Dog today for a free post-storm site assessment and let’s rebuild your property the right way.