Hurricane Frances damage

We were really lucky and have only minor damage. A couple of questions:

We've got several ceiling leaks that all appear to be along a line in the center of the house. We do have ridge vents on the roof (and the roof has lost some shingles from hurricane Charley). I'm wondering if the storm winds managed to blow water through the ridge vents? And is this something that needs fixing or can we wait and see if the water stains just dry up. I haven't been up in the attic to check on the state of the insullation either.

After the hurrican, we're getting an unpleasant sewage smell in our master bathroom/bedroom. What could be causing this?

We've already got a claim from hurricane "Charlie". I'm not sure if either of these problems are something we should bring to our insurance company or not. Appreciate comments and suggestions. My husband is able to make repairs but I'm always willing to give things a try if it doesn't sound too complicated.

Thanks!

Sandy

We've definitely seen rain get blown into the the ridge vents (actually off-ridge vents) even though their only opening actually points downward toward the roof itself. It only happens in the strongest wind-blown rain events like tropical storms and really bad thunderstorms with strong wind gusts.

During our preparation for Frances, we installed some metal flashing with small louvers in it in the opening of each vent, and we're going to leave it there for Ivan's arrival later this week. It will still let air and breezes in, but should baffle most of the rain. This time (Frances) we checked the attic during the storm and no water had entered as far as we could tell.

But certainly we've seen rain blow in these vents in the past (and our neighbors have also seen it as well on their own homes).

-- Vinnie