When it comes to a natural disaster, there’s no way to be sure how much damage it will bring to your home. Even with all of the necessary preparations, you could still be left with an extensive amount of storm damage. Whether it’s wind damage, flooding or both, it is important to act fast; however, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Below are some tips on how to handle storm damage following a disaster.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The first and most important thing you should do before making any repairs is to contact your insurance company. You will want to inquire about policy coverage and what you will need for any potential claims related to the storm damage so you can give yourself time to gather any documents and evidence of damage. When it is safe, document any damage through photos or video to submit with your insurance claim. Do not have anything repaired until your insurance claim goes through, as they may not be covered by your insurance as a result.
Prevent Further Damage
Even though permanent repairs are discouraged, you should do what is necessary to prevent any further damage by making temporary repairs, which will also save you from being liable for any problems after the disaster. For example, board up broken windows, place a tarp where there may be leaks and save any receipts for materials that you may end up purchasing. If your home has flooded, turn off all electricity and water at the source and remove as much excess water as you can. Do not use a standard vacuum cleaner or dry Shop-Vac to remove water, as this is dangerous and can ruin the machines. A Wet-Vac is your best bet when it comes to removing standing water. You should avoid mopping heavily flooded areas, as this can cause water to be pushed into otherwise dry areas and into the walls. If you have battery-operated fans, turn them on and place them in a safe location to increase air flow.
Assessing Your Home’s Condition
If your home has suffered structural storm damage, make sure you get estimates from multiple licensed contractors. You can check for structural damage by inspecting your attic for leaks and recent water damage. If your roof is missing shingles, pieces of metal fascia or your chimney has suffered damage, it is best to have your home evaluated by a professional. If you live in a frame house, you will want to inspect the siding for hail damage as well. You can identify hail damage by looking for dimples in the siding. Do not take it upon yourself to inspect the condition of your roof yourself. Remember to contact your insurance company before hiring any contractors to repair structural damage, as you want to make sure the repairs you’re signing off on are covered.
Contact Stanley Steemer of South Florida for Flood Restoration
Stanley Steemer of South Florida offer 24/7 flood restoration and water damage repair services to much of South Florida. The professionals at Stanley Steemer can get your home back to normal as quickly as possible while minimizing water damage. Stanley Steemer knows that flooding needs to be handled as soon as possible, and our efficiency and urgency hve made us the trusted name for water and flood restoration in South Florida. To learn more about our water extraction services, call us at (888) 982-3553 or visit our website to get a quote.