Living in Reston, Virginia, means enjoying tree-lined neighborhoods, walkable paths, and a true sense of community—but we’re not immune to the wrath of Mid-Atlantic weather. High winds, hail, and sudden summer downpours can tear through our area with little warning, leaving homeowners stunned by the damage left behind. And when a storm hits, the moments immediately after matter more than most people realize.
That’s why Michaelson Railey Improvements (MRI) wants to offer a clear-headed checklist for our neighbors – a Storm Damage 101: what to do, what to avoid, and how to protect your home and your wallet from making a bad situation worse. This isn’t about selling you something—it’s about giving you the power to take control of the chaos before the insurance companies and out-of-town contractors swoop in.
Let’s walk through what you should know, from the first few minutes after the storm to the days that follow.
1. First—Take Care of You and Your Family
If you’re stepping outside after a storm and something feels off, trust that instinct. Are power lines down? Does the roof look unstable? Did a tree fall near the house? Resist the urge to investigate immediately—especially climbing a ladder or walking on the roof. Your safety always comes first. If you’re not sure whether it’s safe to stay in the house, call a professional (like MRI or the fire department) to assess it before going any further.
2. Start Documenting—With Photos, Not Just Memory
Take out your phone and start snapping pictures. Focus on anything the storm touched—shingles, siding, gutters, fences, skylights, ceilings, basements, outdoor furniture. If water’s coming in, take a video of the leak. Photos help insurance adjusters later, but more importantly, they help you build a timeline. MRI uses drones to get high-resolution photos of your roof, so if heights aren’t your thing, we’ve got you covered.
3. Stop the Bleeding (and Save the Receipts)
If water is actively coming in, grab a tarp or plastic sheeting and cover the breach. Close windows, tape up broken panes, and move valuables away from wet areas. Keep every receipt if you purchase supplies—many insurance companies will reimburse emergency materials. Think of this step like applying first aid until a contractor can get there.
4. Pause—Don’t Call Your Insurance Just Yet
This one surprises people. It feels natural to call your insurance company right away, but if the damage doesn’t exceed your deductible—or the wrong thing is said on record—it can actually hurt your claim or raise your premiums. Call MRI first. We know how to inspect damage, calculate whether it’s claim-worthy, and help you decide how to proceed. We speak insurance fluently and can help protect your policy.
5. Know Your Rights—You Choose the Contractor
After storms, it’s common to get flooded with calls or knocks at your door from contractors you’ve never heard of. Some may claim to work “with your insurance” or say they’re approved by the carrier. That doesn’t mean they’re the best choice. In Virginia, *you have the right to choose who works on your home.* MRI gives you photo documentation and written reports that put you in control—not someone else.
6. Book a Free MRI Storm Inspection
We live and work right here in Reston. Our Jeeps and licensed crews are known in neighborhoods like South Lakes, North Point, and around Lake Anne. We offer free, no-pressure inspections with drone footage, photos, and easy-to-understand explanations. You’ll never get a hard sell—just an honest look at what needs attention and what doesn’t.
What’s Your Next Move?
After a storm, you might feel pressure to act fast. But the smartest move you can make is to slow down, assess clearly, and surround yourself with professionals who have your best interests in mind.
Ask yourself:
- Do I have proof of the roof’s condition before and after?
- Is this truly an insurance-worthy claim?
- Am I trusting someone who has a reputation in my own community?
At MRI, we’re more than just contractors—we’re neighbors. And when the storm passes, you’ll see us walking roofs, flying drones, and helping families like yours bring their homes back to good health.
If you’ve just experienced a storm, give us a call. Or, better yet—flag us down when you see the Jeeps rolling through your neighborhood. We’ve got you covered.