Neighborhood triage and safety

• Life safety first: Treat downed lines as live. Check for gas odors and shut off utilities if unsafe. Keep people out of red‑tag areas.
• Rapid assessment grid: Divide the neighborhood into zones. Use a simple tag: Green minor damage. Yellow needs temporary cover. Red structural danger.
• Document early: Capture wide and close photos before enclosures. Log addresses, timestamps, and contact info for insurance.
• Stabilize the envelope: Stop water intrusion first. Prioritize roofs, broken windows, doors, and exposed walls.

Coordinating temporary covers at scale

Temporary enclosures buy time and prevent further damage. Use the right method for each opening and exposure.

Options and where they fit

• Poly sheeting + battens: Fast for windows and interior containment. Mechanically fasten windward edges.
• Plywood board‑ups: Best for doors, windows, and garage openings with frame damage. Use exterior screws and washers into framing.
• Roof tarping: Works over missing shingles or small decking losses when paired with self‑adhered underlayment and continuous battens.
• Shrink wrap / reinforced membranes: For large spans, multi‑plane roofs, and multi‑day rain or coastal winds. Add zipper doors for access.

Field patterns that reduce failures

• Detail laps to shed water. No reverse laps. Eliminate sags that form water pockets.
• Use continuous battens on windward edges. Do not rely on grommets or staples alone.
• Seal fastener lines over underlayment to reduce drip paths.
• Stage materials by zone to minimize travel and lift times.

From temporary cover to permanent fix

1. Stabilize: Enclose openings. Control interior humidity with airflow and dehumidification.
2. Scope and estimate: Inspect roofs, siding, windows, and structural members. Separate emergency work from permanent repair scope.
3. Select solutions: Good‑Better‑Best options based on exposure, budget, and code. Consider impact‑rated openings and improved roof assemblies.
4. Schedule by weather window: Plan installs for dry, safe conditions and stagger crews across zones.
5. Quality checks: Photo verification of anchors, flashing, and sealants. Homeowner walkthroughs and care guides.

Insurance, permitting, and compliance at scale

• Insurance coordination: Share timestamped photos and emergency invoices promptly. Keep change orders separate from emergency measures.
• Permits and inspections: Confirm local requirements for structural work, roofing, and window replacements. Plan for inspection lead times.
• HOA and design rules: Align on panel types, exterior appearance, and storage of removable systems.
• Code upgrades: Discuss required improvements like stronger fastening schedules, impact glazing, or secondary water barriers.

Community operations playbook

• Command post: A central tent or trailer with power, materials lists, radio channel, and posted safety rules.
• Crew structure: Assessment teams, enclosure crews, and repair crews with clear handoffs.
• Materials logistics: Pre‑cut battens, underlayment rolls, tarps, plywood, screws, anchors, and tape staged by zone.
• Volunteer integration: Assign non‑roof tasks: debris sorting, interior contents protection, and documentation support.
• Priority homes: Triage for seniors, medical needs, and critical community buildings first.

What to expect with StormWrappers

1. Free assessment: Share photos or we visit quickly to measure openings and check structure.
2. Recommendation and quote: Options for temporary cover and permanent repair with timelines.
3. Scheduling: We target safe weather windows. If winds or lightning exceed thresholds, we reschedule for safety.
4. Install day: Protect interiors, stage materials, install, verify anchors, and walk through care.
5. Post‑install: Photo documentation, warranty registration, and a seasonal checklist.

FAQs