Returning to Damage After Vacation

Vacations are meant to leave you refreshed, but nothing erases that feeling faster than walking through your front door to find something’s gone wrong. Maybe a pipe burst while you were away, a storm ripped shingles off your roof, or someone broke in while the house was empty. Whatever the cause, coming home to unexpected property damage can be overwhelming.

Empty homes are especially vulnerable. A small leak can turn into a major flood, power outages can cause food spoilage and mold, and an unlocked window can invite intruders. Knowing what steps to take can help you protect your safety, limit losses, and get your home on the path to recovery faster.

This guide will walk you through what to do first, including how to ensure your personal safety, document damage, contact your insurance provider, and when to call Reynolds Restoration Services for professional help.

Step 1: Ensure Safety First

Before you go any further inside, pause and assess the situation. Your safety comes first; your belongings can wait.

• Look for immediate hazards. Watch for standing water (which may hide electrical currents), sagging ceilings that could collapse, and storm damage that may have weakened the structure. If you see sparks, downed power lines, or smell gas, do not enter.
• Trust your instincts. If anything seems unstable, it’s better to stay out. Major flooding, fire damage, or electrical issues can be life-threatening.
• Call emergency services if needed. If there’s any risk to your safety, contact local authorities or utility companies before entering.

Step 2: Document the Damage

Once you’re sure it’s safe, your next step is to thoroughly record what you find. This will be crucial for insurance and repair planning.

• Photograph everything. Take wide shots of each affected room, then close-ups of the damage source (like a broken pipe or window) and the resulting impact.
• Create a written log. Record dates, times, and a clear description of what you found. Include when you first noticed the issue and any actions you took afterward.
• Save damaged items for now. Even ruined flooring, furniture, or appliances can serve as evidence until your insurance adjuster has documented them.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

The sooner you start the claims process, the faster you can begin recovery.

• Report the damage right away. Share your photos, videos, and notes to help your insurer assess the claim quickly.
• Ask about requirements. Your provider may request an inspection, additional documentation, or quotes from restoration companies.
• Check your coverage. Some policies include “loss of use” benefits to cover temporary housing if your home is unsafe to live in during repairs.

Step 4: Prevent Further Damage

After you’ve documented the scene, take reasonable steps to stop the situation from getting worse, but only if it’s safe to do so.

• Shut off utilities if needed. Turn off the main water valve if there’s a leak, or cut power to affected areas if you suspect electrical damage.
• Secure the property. Board up broken windows, tarp any roof openings, and make sure all doors are locked to prevent theft or weather damage.
• Move wet items to a dry space. Rugs, furniture, and belongings soaked in water should be moved and air-dried to reduce mold growth, which can start within 24–48 hours.

These are just short-term measures; professional help is still essential to fully dry, repair, and sanitize your home.

Step 5: Call Professional Home Restoration Services

Even when damage looks minor, hidden issues like mold growth, soaked insulation, or structural weakening can spread quickly. This is where professional expertise makes all the difference.

Professional restoration teams can:

• Handle water damage restoration using industrial drying equipment, dehumidifiers, and mold prevention treatments to protect your home’s structure.
• Clean up after fire or smoke damage, removing soot, odors, and compromised materials safely while addressing hidden structural issues.
• Repair storm damage like missing shingles, broken siding, or shattered windows to stabilize your home and prevent future leaks.
• Rebuild unsafe areas, restoring your home to its pre-loss condition if any parts are destroyed or structurally compromised.

At Reynolds Restoration Services, we offer 24/7 emergency response so you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Our experts act quickly to stabilize your home and start the recovery process as soon as possible.

Let Reynolds Restoration Services Help You Recover

Dealing with damage after a trip can feel like too much to handle, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team can help restore your home safely and guide you through each step of recovery.

With 20+ years of hands-on experience in water, fire, storm, and mold restoration, we’ve seen it all and we know how to get your home back to normal. We’re proud to serve homeowners across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware with fast, professional, and compassionate care.

If your property was damaged while you were away, call Reynolds Restoration Services. We’ll help you stay safe, document the damage, and restore your home with the proper care and urgency.