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How to Set Up Storm Response Outreach

Be first to contact customers after severe weather with automated storm alerts and outreach.

What You'll Need

Steps

1

Set up weather alerts

Know about severe weather immediately.

  • Enable government severe weather alerts on your phone
  • Download a weather app with push notifications (Weather.com, WeatherBug)
  • Set alerts for: Hail, high winds, flooding (depending on your trade)
  • Consider paid apps like Storm Radar for more detailed alerts
Tip: Focus on weather events that damage what you fix: hail for roofers, floods for plumbers, wind for tree services.
2

Create your storm outreach templates

Have messages ready to send immediately.

  • Go to ChatGPT and create templates for different storm types
  • Prompt: 'Write a text message to past customers after a hailstorm offering free roof inspections. Keep it helpful, not salesy.'
  • Create versions for: Hail, wind damage, flooding, ice storms
  • Save these where you can copy-paste quickly
3

Prepare your customer contact list

Know who to contact instantly.

  • Export customer phone numbers and emails
  • Segment by service area if you cover multiple towns
  • Have this list ready to use at a moment's notice
  • Consider using a mass texting service like SimpleTexting
4

Create a rapid response checklist

Act fast when storms hit.

  • Storm happens → Check damage reports in your area
  • Within 1 hour → Send text blast to affected area customers
  • Same day → Post on social media (local groups, Nextdoor)
  • Next morning → Follow up with email and calls
Tip: Speed matters. First responders get the jobs. Wait 24 hours and you're competing with everyone.
5

Offer free inspections

Remove friction from the first contact.

  • Free inspection builds trust and gets you in the door
  • Document damage thoroughly for insurance claims
  • Help customers navigate insurance if applicable
  • Not everyone has damage — that's fine, it's goodwill
6

Track the results

Learn from each storm event.

  • Count: Messages sent, responses, inspections booked, jobs closed
  • Note what messaging worked best
  • Update your templates based on feedback
  • Storm season can be your most profitable time if you're ready

You're Done!

You're now ready for storm response! Being first to reach customers means first to get the work.

Pro Tips

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