What to do after a Hurricane & Frequently asked Questions

Hurricane Idalia, a powerful and destructive force of nature, has left its mark on Florida. As homeowners in the Sunshine State, you’ve likely experienced the anxiety and uncertainty that come with hurricane season. While you’ve hopefully prepared for the storm by following safety protocols and evacuation orders, the aftermath of a hurricane can be just as challenging as the storm itself. PuroClean of Meadow Woods your preferred restoration company in Orlando is here to guide you through the crucial steps you should take after a hurricane to ensure your safety, minimize property damage, and expedite the recovery process.

To begin your recovery from the hurricane it is essential that you take the following first steps which involve accessing your safety and those of your family members. As a guide you should do the following:

• Assessing your safety – After Hurricane Idalia, your safety remains the top priority. Start by assessing your immediate surroundings and ensuring there are no hazards. If you evacuated, return home only when authorities declare it safe. Stay informed about any remaining dangers and follow evacuation orders if necessary.
• Documenting Damages – Documenting the extent of the damage to your property is crucial for insurance claims. Take clear photographs and videos of every affected area, including structural damage, flooded areas, and damaged personal belongings. Create an inventory of damaged items to facilitate the claims process.
• Electrical and Utility concerns – Be cautious when restoring power to your home. Check for damaged electrical systems and consult professionals for repairs. In the event of gas leaks or damage to water and sewer systems, contact utility companies for assistance.
• Contacting Authorities and Insurance – Reach out to local authorities to report any damage or emergencies. Contact your insurance company promptly to begin the claims process. If you have flood insurance, be sure to report any water-related damage as well. Additionally, inquire about FEMA assistance programs for disaster relief.
• Homeowners Insurance and Claims – Understanding your homeowner’s insurance policy is crucial for the claims process. Review your policy, deductibles, and coverage limits. When filing a claim, provide as much documentation as possible, and work closely with insurance adjusters to ensure a fair settlement.
• Emotional Well-being and Support – Coping with the aftermath of a hurricane can be emotionally challenging. Seek emotional support from friends, family, or mental health professionals if needed. Communities often come together to provide support and resources during these times.
• Preparing for Future Hurricanes – Use the experience of Hurricane Idalia to reinforce your home against future storms. Consider hurricane-resistant windows and roofing. Build emergency kits that include essential supplies, and create a well-thought-out evacuation plan that includes your family and pets.

With disasters like hurricane Idalia, homeowners are usually caught between the fix of understanding the process of damage mitigation and remediation on their property. There is need to get clarity on the process of remediation and the role of a remediation company like PuroClean of Meadow Woods and the responsibilities/coverage by insurance providers. To fully understand the conundrum many homeowners would find themselves, we have come up with answers to some frequently asked questions after a disaster like hurricane Idalia.

1. Is hurricane damage covered by my insurance company?

Each insurance company has different policies and provides different levels of coverage. Typically, flood damage is not covered by your homeowners policy, unless you have an additional policy from the from the National Insurance Program.

2. Should I wait until I have heard from my insurance provider to begin the restoration process?

During a storm event, insurance companies can be overwhelmed by the volume of calls they might receive. Most of them expect homeowners to start restoration process as soon as possible in order to avoid additional damage. You should strongly consider using a professional restoration company to begin the restoration process. PuroClean of Meadow Woods is your preferred restoration company in Florida with the right expertise and equipment to restore your property to it’s original glow.

3. What Services does PuroClean offer?

In a catastrophic situation, we offer the demolition of the affected areas, a treatment to deter mold growth, and drying of the structure. Many building materials that might have come in contact with flood water would need to be removed or sanitized. For example, drywall, carpet, and most flooring would need to be removed so that the structural wood can be cleaned and sanitized. Most of the cleaning products available from your local hardware store may not adequately sanitize for reconstruction.

4. How much does these services cost?

PuroClean of Meadow Woods would quote the price based on the square footage of the affected areas. Our goal is to provide the highest level of service in a price that is within our industry standards and insurance company guidelines. E would provide you with a final bill which you can submit to your insurance company and/or FEMA. Your individual insurance coverage would determine the payment schedule for the work being performed.

5. What would FEMA cover?

If you don’t have insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA has provided low interest loans for homeowners to help repair damages caused by catastrophic events. Please note that it often dosen’t cover the total cost of all repairs needed to restore your property to it’s pre-loss condition.

As stated on the FEMA website https://www.fema.gov/ The National Flood Insurance Program aims to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures. It does so by providing insurance to property owners by encouraging to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations. These efforts help mitigate the impacts of flooding on new and improved structures. Overall the program reduces the socio-economic impact of disasters by promoting the purchase and retention of general risk insurance, but also of flood insurance specifically.

Recovering from Hurricane Idalia requires time, effort, and resilience. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, Florida property and homeowners can navigate the challenges of the aftermath, ensure their safety, and work towards rebuilding their homes and lives. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and support from your community, authorities, and insurance providers is available to help you get through this difficult time while PuroClean of Meadow Woods is ready and on ground to help!

PuroClean of Meadow Woods is a expert property remediation and reconstruction company in Orlando Florida using state-of -the- art ztechnology and techniques in the process of remediating disasters like those caused by hurricane Idalia. Contact PuroClean of Meadow Woods at (407) 751-1677 for a quick response even as we handle your damage with compassion and care.