The aftermath of a powerful storm can leave homeowners feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. Whether a hurricane batters the coast or a severe thunderstorm sweeps across inland areas, recovery begins as soon as the skies clear. Here are five essential steps to take immediately after a storm to ensure your well-being, minimize the damage to your home, and set the stage for an efficient remediation process.
1. Assess Your Environment
Safety is the main priority after extreme weather events. Resist the urge to enter your home again until local authorities declare the area safe. Storms can usher in hidden dangers, such as power line outages that can cause electrocution or weakened structures at risk of collapse. Flood waters can also conceal hazardous debris or contamination, while the air might carry toxic fumes from gas leaks.
When you receive clearance to re-enter, do so with caution. Wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing, and be alert for sharp objects, slippery surfaces, or unstable structures. If you smell gas or suspect electrical hazards, leave immediately and contact the relevant utility companies. Remember, no item is worth risking your health or life to recover.
2. Document the Damage
Once you can walk around the premises safely, take photos or videos of the damage your home sustained. You’ll need this evidence for insurance claims or disaster assistance applications. Don’t limit your documentation to just the apparent damage. Capture interior and exterior footage of the roof, windows, siding, floors, and walls.
Pay close attention to high-value items, and make a detailed inventory list of each item’s make, model, and estimated cost. This documentation process might feel tedious, but it’s a crucial step to receive fair compensation for your losses. Having too much documentation is better than not enough as you embark on the insurance claims process.
3. Prevent Any Further Issues
Taking precautions to avoid any further damage can help reduce long-term restoration costs. For instance, use heavy tarps to cover holes or weakened areas of a damaged roof. Secure these tarps with boards or screws (nails can cause more damage). Use plywood or sturdy plastic sheets to board the openings for broken windows or doors.
Inside your home, remove standing water as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet vacuums, or buckets to eliminate the water, focusing on areas with valuable items or electrical hazards. Once the standing water is removed, open all windows and exterior doors to ventilate the area. If it’s safe to use electricity, turn on fans or dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth.
4. Navigate Insurance and Temporary Housing
Contact your insurance provider to begin the claims process. Provide the agent with your homeowner’s policy number, a brief description of the damage, and the correct contact information to reach you. Inquire about the estimated timeline, whether you need to wait for an adjuster before starting the repairs, and whether temporary housing is covered.
If your home is uninhabitable, consider hotels, short-term rentals, or staying with a friend or relative. Keep all temporary housing and living expenses receipts, as they could be reimbursable through your insurance. If federal disaster assistance is available in your area, register for potential additional support.
As this claims process unfolds, record all communications with the insurance company, including dates, times, and the names of each representative you speak with. This documentation will be crucial if any disputes arise.
5. Salvage Valuables and Avoid Scams
As you sort through which items to repair and recover, prioritize crucial documents, electronics, sentimental heirlooms, or other valuables. If water damage occurs, rinse these items with clean water and allow them to air dry. Handle smoke- or soot-exposed items carefully, as inadequate cleaning can cause further damage.
Unfortunately, disasters often attract scammers who take advantage of vulnerable homeowners. Be wary of unsolicited repair offers, especially those who insist on being paid upfront. Verify all contractors’ credentials before hiring them, and gather multiple written estimates for any significant remediations. Never sign a blank contract or feel pressured into making immediate decisions about costly home repairs.
Why Hiring Professional Restoration is Beneficial
While immediate actions after a storm are essential, professional restoration services are non-negotiable for a comprehensive and successful recovery. Companies specializing in storm damage restoration have the right expertise, efficiency, and equipment to maximize your remediation outcomes. Professional restoration technicians can extract water, detect moisture and potential mold growth, and resolve complex structural issues.
Professional storm damage restoration services offer comprehensive solutions, from the initial emergency response to the final sanitation and inspection. This process will restore your home to its pre-storm condition as thoroughly as possible.
