Hurricane Isaias · After the storm
After Hurricane Isaias: Checking on Your 30A Second Home
Insured Florida LLC · Watersound Origins · Alys · Rosemary · Scenic 30A
The storm is gone and the house has been sitting alone through it. Here is what to check, in order, and how owners who are not in town find out what happened.
By Ryder Schilling, owner of Coastal Home Management 30A · Updated October 8, 2026
The short answer
After Hurricane Isaias, a second home on Scenic 30A should be checked as soon as Walton County reopens roads and it is safe to travel. The check covers every side of the house and the roof line from the ground, windows, doors and the garage, any water inside, ceilings for stains, the AC and indoor humidity, the refrigerator if power was out, and gutters, drains and the yard for debris. Every finding should be photographed with the date. Owners who are out of town have a local home watch company do the walkthrough. Coastal Home Management 30A, based in Watersound Origins, walks second homes from Inlet Beach to Rosemary Beach after a storm and emails dated photos with a written note the same day. Repairs go to licensed contractors.
Wait for the all clear
Downed power lines, standing water and debris do most of the harm after a storm passes. Do not go out until Walton County or Bay County says roads are open, and treat every downed line as live. The house can wait a few hours. The order below assumes it is safe to be there.
The after-storm walkthrough, in order
Outside first, then in. Photograph everything, including what is fine.
- Walk every side of the house and look at the roof line from the ground for missing shingles, metal or tiles
- Check windows, sliders, doors and the garage door for damage or anything that blew open
- Look for water on floors, around doors and windows, and under sinks
- Look up: ceiling stains on the top floor usually mean roof or flashing damage
- Check that the AC is running and the house is not climbing in humidity, especially if power was out
- Open the refrigerator and freezer if power was out for more than a few hours
- Clear gutters, drains and the yard of debris, and note any trees or limbs on the house
- Put outdoor furniture back only once the forecast is clear
Why the days after matter for an empty house
A small roof leak or a wet carpet in an empty, humid house turns into a mold problem within days. If power went out, the AC is off and the house is closed up in October heat. The faster someone walks in after the storm, the smaller the problem stays.
A dated photo record also matters. It shows what the house looked like before and after, which is useful for contractors and for any conversation with your insurance agent or adjuster. Coastal Home Management 30A does not give coverage advice, but the photos are yours to share.
If you are not in town
Coastal Home Management 30A walks homes inside and out after the storm, once roads are safe, and sends photos with a short written note the same day. If something needs repair, you get the photos and a referral to a licensed contractor. Nothing is fixed without your say.
Homes on a plan are checked first and automatically. If you rode out Isaias wondering who would look at your house, that is what a year-round plan solves: same person, every visit, before and after every storm.
Never wonder about the house again.
A year-round plan means the same person checks it every visit, and before and after every storm.
Questions
Asked plainly.
When can I check my 30A home after Hurricane Isaias?
Once Walton County or Bay County says roads are open and it is safe to travel. Check the county site and local news before heading out, and stay clear of downed lines.
Can someone check my 30A second home after the storm if I am out of town?
Yes. Coastal Home Management 30A walks second homes inside and out after a storm and emails dated photos with a written note the same day. Call or text (309) 415-8793.
What should I look for after a hurricane at an empty house?
Roof damage seen from the ground, broken windows or doors, water inside, ceiling stains, whether the AC is running, food spoilage if power was out, and debris in gutters and drains. Photograph everything with the date.
Do you do repairs after the storm?
No. Coastal Home Management 30A does the walkthrough and photos. Repairs go to licensed contractors, and the owner decides what happens.
Will photos help with an insurance claim?
Dated photos are a record of what the house looked like, and many owners share them with their agent or adjuster. Coastal Home Management 30A does not give coverage advice. Ask your agent what they need.
Keep reading
Coastal Home Management 30A provides property visit and documentation services. We are not home inspectors, insurance agents, or adjusters, and nothing here is a home inspection, an insurance recommendation, or advice about your coverage. Our reports document observations on the dates listed. Policy terms differ by carrier. For questions about your policy, coverage, or a claim, contact your insurance agent.