How To Manage Storm Damage Before Professional Help Arrives

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

Dealing with damages to your home after a heavy storm, hurricane, or tornado can be difficult if you have to tackle them by yourself. Today we are sharing some tips that will help keep you and your family safe while you manage storm damages before the professionals arrive. 

Safety First. 

• Listen to your radio or local news station to hear all the updates and advisories that will be aired for your area. Don’t go outside until it’s safe to do so, and when you do venture out, make sure you stay away from downed power lines and any metal objects nearby. 
• Standing water isn’t safe either, so don’t wade or swim in these areas. Damaged trees with dangling or broken limbs also need to be avoided. 
• Once you know that your own family members and loved ones are okay, be sure to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or disabled. If you smell gas, turn your gas off, and avoid using candles or any other open flames indoors. 
• Before using toilets, make sure your sewer system is working, and be careful when consuming any perishable foods. If they have been warmed up over 40 degrees, discard. Keep your pets indoors, and use leashes if they must go out. 
• Keep an eye out for snakes and other wild creatures. They will be disturbed due to the weather and may be more aggressive than normal. 
• Don’t attempt to drive unless you absolutely have to, and watch out for damaged bridges and undermined roadways. 

Cleaning Up. 

• When climbing ladders, working on your damaged roof or using machinery like chainsaws to cut away tree branches, etc., use extreme caution. 
• If your roof is damaged to the point of allowing more water indoors, cover it before more rain comes into your area. Open windows and run fans if your interior has suffered water damage.

Insurance.

• Make sure you document all the damage to your home by video or photographs and build a list of all damaged items before you clean up. 
• Your homeowner’s insurance policy should be read thoroughly so that you know what is and what is not covered before you ever contact the company. If you have trouble getting in touch with them, use any means available, such as phone, email, fax, and even letters.  

Hiring a Professional Contractor. 

• With the exception of emergency repairs, check with your insurance representative before hiring a contractor, and avoid those companies that go door-to-door after a storm to drum up business.
• Check your local homebuilder’s association to obtain recommendations for reputable contractors. 
• Get more than one written bid, and make sure you understand what each bid includes. Be patient with reputable contractors after a storm, as they may be overwhelmed with projects. They will get to you as soon as possible!

If your home and property have suffered damage from storms or other extreme weather, the team here at SERVPRO of Huron & East Seneca Counties is here to help!