Do you live in an area of the country that experiences severe weather?
If so, then you’ve probably seen major storms first-hand, as well as the damage these types of storms can cause.
There’s nothing you can do to prevent extreme weather. After all, you can’t control Mother Nature. But if you experience heavy rains, you need to be prepared for how to deal with the aftermath.
This article takes a look at what every homeowner should know about what to do about their home after a storm. Keep reading to get the inside scoop.
Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
When a severe storm hits, always take shelter with your family until the heavy winds and rain blow over. Once you’re certain it’s safe to come out of the shelter, check to see that everyone is safe.
It’s important to keep everyone together until the storm passes. But once you know it’s safe to move around the house, keep away from areas of your home where they might get injuries by interior damage.
Check to See If You Still Have Power
Does your home still have power? If so, stay away from any areas with standing water inside the house. keep in mind that you could easily be electrocuted if power lines have fallen or interior wiring has been exposed due to damage to the walls.
And if you discover that you don’t have power, call the power company’s emergency outage number immediately so that you can be put on their list of homes that need help. This is especially important during the winter months when a power outage could put homeowners at risk of freezing temperatures.
Make Sure The House Is Still Structurally Sound
When a powerful storm hits, it can cause serious damage to the structural integrity of your home. This is why installing waterproof drywall in your home can be a great investment especially if you live in area where storms are frequent.
It’s best to get everyone out of the house until you can verify that the roof isn’t going to collapse. This is a good time to call someone to inspect the damage and tell you whether or not the house will be safe to live in until the necessary repairs can be made.
Check For Flooding
Heavy rains can cause flooding. This can be dangerous for your family and cause serious damage to your home.
Once the rains have ceased, inspect your entire house for signs of flooding and assess whether it might be a safety issue. Hire a reputable company like Protegrity Restoration, or anyone similar, immediately before the damage gets worse.
Keep in mind that serious flooding inside your house can result in mold problems, thus you need to get the water removed as quickly as possible so that the health risks can be mitigated.
Look for Broken Siding
Next, check the exterior of your home for signs of broken siding. When wood or vinyl siding is damaged or blows off the house, the potential for water damage increases exponentially.
The key is to repair the damage as quickly as possible before more damage occurs.
If you can’t get a siding contractor to your home immediately or you don’t have the materials to fix the damage yourself, at least attempt to cover the damage with plastic sheeting or some other type of temporary material.
Look for Roof Damage
It’s also important to assess the damage to your roof. Use a ladder to get a closer look.
It’s no secret that a roof can experience costly damage during heavy winds and rain. The key is to deal with the problem quickly before additional water can leak inside and cause additional damage to the interior of your home.
A good tip is to keep extra roofing material, such as a bundle of spare shingles so that you can quickly cover any exposed areas on the roof. This will expedite the repairs process and save you from having to hire a roofing contractor.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Be sure to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will need as much information as you can provide regarding the storm, the visible damage to your home, and whether or not anyone inside the house was injured during the severe weather event.
Keep in mind that the faster you call your insurance company and provide them with all the details they need, the sooner they will be able to process your claim and cut you a check for repairs. This will enable you to hire a building contractor or professional restoration company within a matter of days.
Review Your Homeowner’s Policy
Once you’ve contacted the insurance company, take the time to review your homeowner’s policy. This is a moment when you’ll be happy to have invested in flood insurance. And if you don’t have flood coverage, you’ll need to find out exactly what type of damage your policy covers.
Contact a Trusted Contractor
When you have a roof, siding, or structural damage, you’re going to need a construction contractor to make your home safe to live in. It’s important to contact a trusted contractor as soon as possible so they can get started.
Take Photos of the Damage
Always take lots of clear photos of the storm damage. Keep in mind that these photos might have to be used in court if there’s a problem with your insurance company. Take photos from many different angles and be sure to keep the photos someplace safe so they won’t get lost.
Hire a Home Restoration Company
It’s no secret that storms can cause a tremendous amount of damage in a very short period of time. This is especially true with flood damage. A good home restoration company will have the skills and experience to make your home safe to live in and look as good as new.
Be sure to find an experienced Property Damage Restoration Company.
What to Do After a Storm Has Damaged Your Home
It’s never fun dealing with the aftermath of severe weather. Fortunately, this guide to repairing your home after a storm will help you be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
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