5 Things To Do To Respond To Storm Damage

It can make a huge difference in the outcome of storm damage. This can have a huge impact on everything, from your furniture to the floors to insurance claims to your cars. You, your family, and your finances could be at risk if you don’t make the right decisions quickly.

As difficult as a storm damage recovery or hurricane can be, there are many people who have been through similar situations. This makes it easier to find the right direction. Knowing what to expect, and learning as much as you can about the storm before it hits, will make you more ready to return things to normal as soon as possible. You can reduce storm damage to your property or business by knowing what steps you should take. First, let’s define storm damage.

What Is Storm Damage?

Storm damage is any damage caused by a storm. Storms can happen anywhere and can be caused by many factors such as high wind, tornadoes or heavy rain. Repairing or replacing damaged property can be very expensive. Storms can strike at any time of the year and often catch people off guard. It is therefore important to learn how to recover from storm damage

Steps For Storm Damage Repair

1. You should inspect your home for storm damage

You should inspect your home after the storm passes to assess the extent of damage. It may not be obvious that all the damage is there. There could be areas that are slippery, exposed electrical lines, floor boards, or ceiling tiles that are loose, as well as broken or exposed electrical lines. These safety tips will help you make sure that your walk-thru is thorough.

How to stay safe after storm damage in your home:

• Check the local news before you go out to ensure that it is safe.
• Be aware of hazards like broken glass or exposed nails.
• Assume that power lines downed are dangerous and energized. Keep at least 10 feet from the downed power lines and notify the utility company and police.
• Avoid standing water, especially if you live near downed power lines.
• Avoid checking for storm damage or water after dark. You can use a flashlight to illuminate the area instead of using a candle or open flame. This will reduce the chance of a gas line rupture causing a fire or explosion.
• Rain and heavy winds can cause physical hazards like window damage, roof collapse, or water standing in basements or homes.

If you suspect that there is a gas leak, shut off the main gas supply.

2. Assess and review the damage to your home

Before you call your insurance company to initiate a claim, you should take photos of the damage. These photos are often used to assist the insurance adjuster in accessing the damage. You have several areas that are particularly vulnerable to storm damage.

Roof Storm Damage Signs

The most vulnerable to expensive damage is your roof. Your roof could be at risk if a tree branch or other heavy debris falls on it during a storm like a tornado. These are the most common signs of roof damage:

• Holes in the roof
• Split seams
• Shingles missing, damaged, or dented
• Granules can collect in gutters and downspouts
• Leaks in your ceiling or roof
• Flashing, vents or gutters damaged

Signs of other home damage from storms

Windows and doors are susceptible to winds damage, and flying debris. Check windows for cracks or holes, broken panes, and damaged frames. Keep an eye out for broken glass and make sure you board up windows that are damaged until they can be repaired.

You should inspect your siding, bricks, paint, and other exterior surfaces for damage from storms. You should also check your outdoor appliances like the air conditioners. Look out for cracks, dents and splitting. Also, look out for holes, chipping, discoloration, and dings. Secure yourself as safely as possible and take out any debris from the roof, gutters, and downspouts to ensure water is diverted away from your property.

You may have standing water in your basement if there are prolonged power outages.

• To avoid electrocution, do not walk in standing water.
• Turn the sump pump on again if possible to drain the water. Sump pumps that are not working properly can be fixed by plumbers

Flood damage can lead to mold if it is not treated quickly enough. Our team will help you get rid of mold before you move back in.

3. Get in touch with your insurance provider

You should be compensated if your business or home is damaged by a storm if you have insurance. Document the damage you have suffered from the storm. Photograph the damage and any additional costs incurred due to it. Keep receipts for expenses such as hotel stays and temporary living expenses. All of these documents are necessary for your insurance claim.

The homeowner’s insurer will provide instructions on how to file a claim. They will also give you a claim number along with a list of emergency service providers in your area, such as 911 Restoration of Fayetteville. This will allow you to restore your home as quickly and efficiently as possible. Your agent will answer any questions you may have about your claims, and will determine whether your plan will cover the damage.

Your insurer will coordinate the work needed to restore your home. Make sure you know who is coming and when.

4. Reduce Home Damage Whenever Possible

Start with the things you can do yourself when storm damage repair is necessary. Sometimes, storm damage to your home is not necessarily severe enough that it can be repaired. You should immediately repair any damage that you can.

It is also possible to prevent further damage by making immediate repairs. You should board up any window that is allowing water or wind to enter your home, such as a window that has been broken. This will protect your property from further damage.

You may need to hire a board-up company to protect your property if you aren’t confident doing it yourself. 911 Restoration of Fayetteville is available 24/7 for emergency service.

5. Start Storm Damage Repair – Select the Right Company

To help your home recover from storm damage, it is important to find a trustworthy company. A poor or incomplete restoration can lead to a dangerous home for you and your family. Mold can also grow immediately if there is water damage. To avoid further damage and to reduce health risks, it is important to immediately address this issue.

You can leave that responsibility to a restoration company. Choose the company and they will manage all communication between insurance companies and contractors. Then, the storm damage restoration process can begin.

It can cause severe damage to your business or family. No matter what your situation, if you need storm damage repairs done quickly and efficiently, call a storm damage restoration firm who specializes in getting your property back into pre-damaged condition. 911 Restoration of Fayetteville can do all of that, and more. We also offer a free estimate and a time estimate for storm damage repairs.