Storm safety comes first. Roof checks come after.

Storm safety comes first. Roof checks come after.

RoofCheckOK is not a weather warning service, emergency service, or local authority. We help homeowners understand what to check after the storm has passed and it is safe to be outside.

For active warnings, tornado alerts, flooding, downed power lines, injuries, or immediate danger, use official sources first.

If there is immediate danger, call 911.

Check official storm sources first

Before checking your home or requesting a roof inspection, confirm that conditions are safe.

Use official sources for active weather and emergency instructions:

• National Weather Service Norman for central and western Oklahoma warnings and local forecast information.
• National Weather Service Tulsa for eastern Oklahoma warnings and local forecast information.
• Storm Prediction Center for severe thunderstorm and tornado outlooks.
• Your city or county emergency management office for local instructions, shelters, road closures, and emergency updates.
• 911 for immediate danger, injury, trapped people, fire, flooding, gas smell, or downed power lines.

Do not rely on screenshots, social media rumors, or storm maps without checking official sources.

Oklahoma storm safety rule

Active storm? Stay inside and follow official warnings.
Storm passed? Check from the ground only.
Not sure? Do not climb. Request an inspection.

For broader Oklahoma context after the storm, read the ground-only storm check and Oklahoma hail season guide.

A roof can look fine from the street and still have hail damage, lifted shingles, bruised shingles, damaged vents, or loosened flashing. But climbing onto a wet or storm-damaged roof is not worth the risk.

When it is safe to check your property

Wait until:

• thunder and lightning have moved away;
• warnings for your immediate area are no longer active;
• wind has calmed;
• there is enough daylight to see safely;
• there is no flooding around the home;
• there are no downed lines, broken poles, or sparking equipment nearby;
• trees and large limbs are not still shifting or falling.

If any of those conditions are present, stay away and follow official instructions.

Do not climb on the roof

After hail or high wind, many homeowners want to "just take a quick look." That is where accidents happen.

Do not climb onto the roof, especially if:

• shingles are wet;
• gutters are loose;
• tree limbs are on the roof;
• the roof surface looks damaged;
• ladders would sit on wet, soft, or uneven ground;
• power lines or service drops are nearby;
• you are checking at night or in poor visibility.

A roof inspection should be handled by someone equipped to do it safely.

What you can check from the ground

You can still gather useful information without climbing.

Look for:

• missing, lifted, curled, or torn shingles;
• dark patches where granules may have washed off;
• shingle pieces or roofing debris in the yard;
• dents on gutters, downspouts, vents, or metal flashing;
• loose or hanging gutters;
• damaged ridge caps;
• ceiling stains or new interior leaks;
• water around light fixtures or attic access points;
• broken branches, limbs, or debris impact near the roofline.

If you see any of these signs, or if large hail hit your area, a roof inspection may be worth requesting.

What to photograph

Take photos only from safe areas on the ground.

Useful photos include:

• hailstones, if safe to photograph;
• dents on gutters, vents, or downspouts;
• roofing debris in the yard;
• missing or lifted shingles visible from the ground;
• ceiling stains or interior leaks;
• damaged fences, siding, windows, or outdoor equipment;
• the date and approximate time of the storm;
• any official warning or storm report you saved.

Do not put yourself in danger just to get a photo. Safety matters more than documentation.

Hail damage is not always obvious

Hail damage can be hard to see from the ground. Some damage appears as missing granules, bruised shingles, small impact marks, dented vents, or accelerated wear that is not obvious right away.

That is why the safer sequence is:

1. Check official safety information.
2. Wait until the storm has passed.
3. Inspect only from the ground.
4. Take basic photos if safe.
5. Request a roof inspection if damage is visible or suspected.

If there is a leak

• move people, pets, and valuables away from the leak;
• avoid electrical fixtures, wet outlets, and ceiling areas that are sagging;
• place a bucket or container if it is safe;
• photograph the leak from a safe spot;
• do not enter an attic or climb onto the roof during unsafe conditions.

If there is structural damage, electrical danger, gas smell, flooding, or any immediate threat, call 911 or the appropriate emergency service.

When to request a roof inspection

Consider requesting an inspection if:

• hail hit your neighborhood;
• shingles are missing or lifted;
• gutters, vents, or downspouts are dented;
• you see roofing debris in the yard;
• you notice new ceiling stains or leaks;
• neighbors are finding roof damage;
• strong wind moved branches, fences, or outdoor equipment;
• you are unsure and want a safer check.

A roof inspection can help identify damage that is not easy to confirm from the ground.

Important reminder

RoofCheckOK does not issue weather warnings, emergency instructions, evacuation guidance, or live storm forecasts. For active storms, watches, warnings, tornado alerts, flooding, downed power lines, or immediate danger, use official sources and local emergency instructions first.

Your safety comes before any roof inspection.

FAQ

Should I climb onto my roof after hail?

No. Do not climb onto the roof after hail or high wind. Check from the ground and request an inspection if damage is visible or suspected.

What if the storm is still active?

Stay inside and follow official warnings. Use National Weather Service, Storm Prediction Center, and local emergency management sources for active storm information. Roof checks should wait until conditions are safe.

Can hail damage a roof even if I do not see missing shingles?

Yes. Hail damage is not always obvious from the ground. It may show as granule loss, bruising, small impact marks, damaged vents, or dented metal components.

What should I document after a storm?

If it is safe, take photos of hailstones, visible roof damage, dents on gutters or vents, roofing debris, interior leaks, and the date and time of the storm. Do not climb or enter unsafe areas for photos.

Is RoofCheckOK a weather service?

No. RoofCheckOK is not a weather service, emergency service, or official warning source. For live weather alerts and emergency instructions, use official sources first. RoofCheckOK helps with post-storm roof inspection routing after conditions are safe.