24/7 Emergency Glass Repair Guide: What to Do After a Break-In

Discovering broken glass from a break-in, vandalism, or storm damage is stressful and scary. But knowing exactly what to do in those first critical hours can protect your property, preserve evidence, and get your home or business secured fast.

After years of responding to glass emergencies across Portland, we've helped thousands of property owners through this difficult situation. This guide walks you through every step—from the moment you discover the damage to permanent repair.

Step 1: Ensure Everyone's Safety First

Before anything else, make sure everyone is safe:

If It's a Break-In:

• Don't enter immediately: The intruder might still be inside. Call 911 and wait for police to clear the property.
• Stay outside: Don't contaminate the crime scene or put yourself at risk.
• Account for everyone: Make sure all family members or employees are safe and accounted for.
• Check for injuries: Broken glass can cause serious cuts. Seek medical attention if needed.

If It's Storm or Accident Damage:

• Keep people and pets away: Broken glass is extremely dangerous, especially for children and animals.
• Turn off power if needed: If glass broke near electrical outlets or fixtures, shut off power to that area.
• Watch for falling glass: Damaged windows can continue shattering. Stay clear of the area.

Step 2: Call the Police (For Break-Ins)

If your property was broken into, call 911 immediately:

• Portland: Portland Police Bureau non-emergency: (503) 823-3333
• Other areas: Contact your local police department

What police will do:

• Clear the property to ensure it's safe
• Document the crime scene
• Collect evidence (fingerprints, etc.)
• Provide a police report number for insurance

Important: Don't clean up or touch anything until police have documented the scene. This preserves evidence that could help catch the perpetrator.

Step 3: Document Everything with Photos

Before any cleanup or repairs, thoroughly document the damage:

What to Photograph:

• Wide shots: Overall view of damaged area from multiple angles
• Close-ups: Detailed photos of broken glass, damaged frames, and entry points
• Surrounding damage: Any other property damage (scratched floors, damaged walls, etc.)
• Missing items: Empty spaces where stolen items were located
• Timestamp: Make sure your phone's date/time stamp is enabled

Why this matters: Your insurance company will need detailed documentation. Photos taken immediately after the incident provide the best evidence of damage extent and value.

Step 4: Call Emergency Glass Repair Service

Once police have cleared the scene and you've documented damage, it's time to secure your property. Call a 24/7 emergency glass repair service immediately.

What to Expect from Emergency Service:

Professional emergency glass repair companies like Clear Works provide:

• Fast response: Typically arrive within 2 hours in the Portland metro area
• Immediate board-up: Secure openings with plywood to prevent further damage
• Damage assessment: Evaluate extent of damage and repair options
• Insurance documentation: Photos, measurements, and detailed estimates
• Temporary security: Make property safe until permanent repairs

Step 5: Temporary Security Measures

While waiting for emergency glass repair, take these steps to protect your property:

If You Can't Get Immediate Service:

• Cover openings: Use plywood, cardboard, or heavy plastic sheeting
• Secure with tape: Duct tape or packing tape to hold coverings in place
• Lock all other entry points: Doors, windows, garage doors
• Turn on lights: Make property look occupied
• Alert neighbors: Ask them to watch for suspicious activity

Warning: DIY board-up is only temporary. Professional board-up service provides much better security and weather protection.

Step 6: Contact Your Insurance Company

File an insurance claim as soon as possible after securing your property:

Information You'll Need:

• Police report number: From responding officers
• Photos and videos: All documentation you collected
• List of damaged/stolen items: With estimated values
• Emergency service receipts: Board-up and temporary repairs
• Repair estimates: From glass repair company

What Insurance Typically Covers:

• Emergency board-up: Usually covered immediately
• Glass replacement: Covered minus your deductible
• Frame damage: If damaged during break-in
• Stolen items: Up to policy limits
• Additional living expenses: If home is uninhabitable

Pro tip: Work with a glass company experienced in insurance claims. We provide detailed documentation that insurance companies accept, streamlining the claims process.

Step 7: Permanent Glass Replacement

Once insurance approves your claim, schedule permanent glass replacement:

Timeline for Portland Area:

• Standard windows: 1-2 weeks for custom glass fabrication
• Common sizes: Sometimes same-day or next-day replacement
• Storefront glass: 2-3 weeks for large commercial panels
• Installation: Usually completes in 1 day

Your property remains secured with professional board-up throughout this period.

Preventing Future Break-Ins

After experiencing a break-in, many Portland homeowners and businesses upgrade their security:

Glass Security Options:

• Laminated glass: Holds together when broken, preventing easy entry
• Tempered glass: Stronger than standard glass, harder to break
• Security film: Applied to existing glass, holds shards together
• Window bars or grilles: Physical barrier for high-risk areas

Additional Security Measures:

• Security system: Alarm with glass break sensors
• Motion-activated lights: Deter nighttime break-ins
• Security cameras: Visible deterrent and evidence collection
• Landscaping: Trim bushes near windows to eliminate hiding spots

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't make these errors that complicate recovery:

• Cleaning up before police arrive: Destroys evidence
• Delaying board-up: Increases damage and liability
• Not documenting damage: Weakens insurance claim
• Accepting first estimate: Get multiple quotes for major damage
• DIY glass replacement: Improper installation can fail or leak

When to Call Emergency Glass Repair

Don't hesitate to call 24/7 emergency service for:

• Break-ins or vandalism with broken glass
• Storm damage (wind, hail, fallen trees)
• Vehicle accidents into buildings
• Accidental breakage (sports balls, accidents)
• Any situation leaving your property unsecured

Emergency glass repair companies operate 24/7 specifically for these situations. There's no "wrong time" to call—that's why we're available around the clock.

The Bottom Line

Broken glass emergencies are stressful, but following these steps protects your property and streamlines recovery:

1. 1. Safety first – Ensure everyone is safe
2. 2. Call police – For break-ins, get official report
3. 3. Document everything – Photos from every angle
4. 4. Emergency board-up – Secure property immediately
5. 5. Contact insurance – File claim with documentation
6. 6. Permanent repair – Professional glass replacement
7. 7. Upgrade security – Prevent future incidents

Remember: The faster you act, the better you protect your property and the smoother your insurance claim process.