Natural disasters are understandably frightening. They not only endanger the lives of your loved ones but also cause widespread storm damage. However, dealing with the aftermath of a storm need not be daunting. With the assistance of professionals, managing repairs and working with insurance companies can be a smooth process. This user-friendly guide provides information on what steps to take after a storm, how to approach home repairs safely, and how to avoid fraudulent schemes.
Insurance
- Take photos of the damage and show them to your insurance agent as soon as possible.
- Homeowners insurance generally covers sudden, accidental damage.
- Let’s say there was a thunderstorm with high winds, and your roof suffered damage and is now leaking. Or, a tree falls onto your house and damages your roof. In these cases, your homeowners’ policy will typically cover the expenses.
- However, some homeowners’ policies may exclude windstorms and hail. That means your policy will not cover damage caused by those perils. To learn about any exclusions in your coverage, read your policy or talk with your agent.
- Also, flooding from natural disasters is generally not covered. For that, you will need separate flood insurance that you can get from The National Flood Insurance Program.
Getting Storm Damage Restoration Help for Your home
First of all, ensure your safety when checking for house damage. Watch out for fallen power lines, standing water that may be electrically charged, and wild animals.
Plumbing
- Check pipes inside and outside your home (i.e., irrigation systems).
- Close the water valves to toilets and sinks. If necessary, shut off all water in your home.
- If sewage backs up in the shower or under the toilet, your main sewer line might be clogged or broken. So, don’t make the problem worse by using other sinks or toilets. Call a professional for assistance.
Roofing
- Check your roof for missing shingles, but don’t risk life and limb by climbing onto it, even if only a few shingles are lost.
- Call a professional contractor. They have the skills, tools, and equipment to do the job safely and correctly following a storm damage restoration plan.
- Have them do a temporary “fix” to stop rain coming in until a permanent solution can be arranged.
Electrical
- Appliances exposed to water should be disconnected from their power source and serviced before use.
- Check for frayed wires and watch for sparks.
- If you have structural damage or see exposed wires, call an electrician. Keep the power off, as there’s the possibility of electrocution if you turn the power on yourself.
- Exterior breaker boxes are typically rain-tight but may not withstand a major storm. If you suspect water has infiltrated the box, call an electrician before turning on the power.
- Avoid metal fences. They may carry a charge from fallen or dangling utility wires.
- If a limb or tree has fallen on a power line near your house, turn off the power and call the utility company. Do not attempt to cut or clear fallen trees that are around power lines yourself!
Although most home insurance providers cover sudden complications that arise from storm damage, flood damage is usually not covered.
Flooding
- For flooding problems, the best plan is to call a professional restoration company. They have the tools, qualified technicians, and knowledge to deal with flooding damage.
- If you decide to do it yourself, take precautions and wear boots, gloves, eye protection, and a respirator.
- Minimize the damage by removing standing water.
- Use a pump or squeegee the standing water.
- Use a vacuum only if it’s a true wet-dry vacuum.
- Remove absorbent items contaminated by floodwater (carpeting, carpet padding, furniture, drapes, etc.).
- Use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the area.
- Throw away all medicines, cosmetics, and foods, even canned goods, if submerged in floodwaters.
- Check for hidden moisture behind wallboards, and remove damaged portions to avoid mold.
- Clean floors and cabinets by washing them with detergent and disinfecting them.
- Remember, keep a photographic (or video) inventory of anything you must throw out.
Automobiles
- Floodwaters, tree limbs, or falling debris can easily damage vehicles.
- If an automobile is damaged, always notify your insurance agent.
- Cover broken windows if the car appears salvageable.
- List valuables in your car that have been lost or damaged.
Scam Alert
Unfortunately, storms and natural disasters bring out those who take advantage of the situation. But by following a few practical guidelines, you can help protect yourself from an additional loss:
- Try to work with local or known contractors for storm damage restoration.
- Don’t pay for work until it’s finished and you are satisfied. Pay with a check or a credit card.
- Beware of a contractor who tries to pressure you. If an offer is only good “now or never,” find someone else.
- Obtain written estimates for all proposed work that include proposed scopes and prices.
- Also, beware of charity scams that might use a storm to make their pleas for donations more plausible. Only give to organizations you know and recognize.
Are You Dealing with the Aftermath of a Storm and Don’t Know Where to Turn? Look No Further Than PuroClean of Springfield!
Despite taking all measures to keep your property safe, storm damage can still cause significant destruction to your home and infrastructure. In such cases, it’s best to call a professional restoration company. PuroClean of Springfield is equipped with specialized tools and techniques to effectively reverse the damage caused by water and other elements. By doing so, we can prevent complications like mold damage from arising. Call us today at (703) 334-0410 to receive 24/7 support. One of our certified technicians will be glad to assist you promptly with top-tier service.
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