From hurricanes and tornadoes to unexpected thunderstorms, your home is under constant threat of damage due to a natural disaster.
If you’re not sure how to handle storm damage, there are several things you can do to make the necessary repairs once the skies are clear.
Read on to learn more about what to do if you experience damage to your home after a storm for a quick and safe recovery.
Practice Post-Storm Safety
While the storm damage to your home can be serious, your safety and the safety of your family should always be a top priority. Even after the storm passes, you should practice proper safety to avoid injury or further damage to your home.
First, listen carefully to any advice from local authorities and meteorologists. Make sure you have a plan in place just in case you need to evacuate. Don’t go outside until you’re sure it is completely safe to venture out.
Avoid downed power lines and never stand in water or near metal objects that are close to fallen power lines. If your home undergoes serious structural damage, leave immediately in order to avoid injury and falling debris.
Never swim or wade in floodwaters, and stay away from damaged trees or low-hanging limbs. If you smell gas, turn it off at the meter as soon as possible.
Do not use candles to see at night if your power is out. Instead, use a battery-powered lantern or flashlight until power is restored.
Cleaning Up Your Property After Storm Damage
After the storm passes, you’re probably ready to start cleaning up. If possible, take photos of all the damage to your property so you can submit it to your homeowner’s insurance provider.
The adjuster will need to see the damage to help you with any property damage claims you need to make. Once you take photos, you can begin cleaning up as much as you can.
Stay safe when using a ladder or working on your roof, and never climb a ladder without someone else being home. If you plan to cut up trees or branches, use the proper safety equipment for eye and ear coverings.
If your roof has a hole or is leaking after a storm, cover it as soon as possible with a durable tarp. Take out any soaked rugs, and remove carpeting so that mold and mildew don’t spread.
Open all the windows and doors to let your home “air out.” Most importantly, if you feel that your home isn’t safe, make arrangements to stay elsewhere until all repairs are complete.
Your insurance company should cover you for the cost of a hotel or a temporary rental. If not, see if you can stay with family or friends until your damaged house is safe to occupy again.
File Your Insurance Claim
Most home insurance companies are familiar with how to handle storm damage, so it’s prudent that you file your claim as soon as possible. Don’t wait to make the call, as it could be more difficult to get things moving once others in your community start filing claims, too.
Aside from the damage photos, take a walkthrough video of your home. Narrate the video and explain each damaged item or component of your home as you record your footage.
If you don’t already have a list of valuable items in your home, make one that includes the serial numbers and other information for appliances and electronics. Check to be sure that your homeowner’s insurance covers things like furniture and computers.
If you have a separate structure like a storage shed, find out if it’s also covered for storm damage. Many policies will cover these structures if they suffer weather damage.
Take note of the names and email addresses or phone numbers of everyone you talk to through your insurance company. Document the time you spoke to someone and follow up via email or by telephone as necessary.
Your home insurance company should send a professional cleaning company to your home once the storm is over. They can assist you with removing wet flooring, drying out damp furniture, and disposing of anything that’s permanently damaged.
Repair Your Home
You may be required to use a contractor that your homeowner’s insurance company recommends. If not, it’s best to get at least three estimates before submitting one to the insurance company for approval.
Never hire a contractor until you check with your insurance company first. They may have a special contract in place so you can get repairs done faster or at a discount.
Stay away from contractors who approach you out of nowhere. These companies tend to visit storm-damaged areas and they may not be reliable or trustworthy.
Always get your estimates in writing so you have an accurate and legally binding piece of paper you can refer to. Remember to be patient as your contractor makes the repairs. It’s important that everything is done right the first time so you can enjoy a safe, healthy home once again.
Moving on After a Storm
Whether the storm damage to your home is mild or severe, you will recover in time. Be sure to practice common-sense safety protocols and file your insurance claim as soon as possible.
Prepare for evacuation just in case you need to leave when a storm strikes your area. Remember, your home can always be repaired but you can never replace loved ones.
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