Thousands of Texas homes and businesses damaged by weekend storms

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — The weekend came to an end with some wild weather.

Severe thunderstorms were reported in several parts of Texas. Many homes and businesses are in the process of cleaning up damage from the heavy rain, straight line winds and lightning.

The Insurance Council of Texas is urging Texans who suffered damage from the storms to take action right away.

Start with documenting property damage either with video or pictures. Send it all in to your insurance agent right away.

Once that part of the process is complete you should take the following steps:

• Make temporary repairs to avoid additional damage to your property.
• Inspect, assess, and note the damage to your property. Take photos or video to record the damage and share with your insurance adjuster.
• Contact your insurance company/agent. The sooner you can contact your insurer, the sooner an insurance adjuster can arrive to begin assessing damage and start the recovery process.
• Seek local recommendations for any repair contractors and ask questions of any door-to-door solicitors.
• Make note of all communications, dates, phone calls, visits, receipts, repairs and paper work with your insurer and building contractor.
• Get more than one written estimate when hiring a repair contractor. Never pay a contractor in full or sign a certificate of completion until the work is finished. Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company.