How to Restore a Property After Storm Damage
“April showers” are occasionally much more than just a bit of rain. Spring weather can include a wide selection of weather activities, such as intense storms with powerful winds which may cause serious damage. Or — heavy rain that leads to over-the-ground flood, or perhaps flooding from rivers and streams.
Severe spring weather can thus lead to costly storm damage restoration. Therefore, when the storm is over, it’s important to understand what to do, as well as what NOT to do. If you’ve experienced storm damage of any size, follow these key storm damage restoration hints.
Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance generally covers sudden, accidental harm.
Let us say there was a thunderstorm with high winds, and your roof suffered damage and is now leaking. In these cases, your homeowner’s policy will typically cover the costs.
But, some homeowner’s policies may involve windstorm and hail exclusions. That means your coverage will not cover damage due to these perils. To learn about any exclusions in your coverage, read your policy or talk with your agent.
Additionally, flooding from natural disasters is usually not covered. For that, you’ll need separate flood insurance which you may get from The National Flood Insurance Program.
Getting Help for your Property
First of all, ensure your safety when assessing for house damage. Watch out for fallen power lines, standing water that may be electrically charged, and wild animals.
Plumbing
- Check pipes indoors and outside your house (i.e., irrigation methods).
- Close to the water valves to bathrooms and sinks.
- If sewage is backing up in the shower or under the bathroom, your primary sewer line may be clogged or broken. So, don’t make the issue worse by using different sinks or toilets. Call an expert for assistance.
- Call an expert builder. They have the skills, tools, and equipment to do the work safely and correctly following a and storm damage restoration plan.
- Have them do a temporary “fix” to stop rain from coming in before a permanent solution can be arranged.
Electrical
- Appliances exposed to water should be disconnected from their power supply and cleaned prior to being used.
- Check for frayed wires and watch for sparks.
- When you have structural damage or see exposed wires, call an electrician. Keep the power off as there’s the potential for electrocution if you flip the power on your own.
- Exterior breaker boxes are generally rain-tight but may not withstand a major storm. Should you suspect water has infiltrated the box, call an electrician before turning to the power. They could carry a charge from fallen or dangling utility wires.
- When a tree or limb has fallen on a power line near your home, turn off the power and call the utility company. Do not try to cut or clear fallen trees that are around power lines yourself!
Flooding
- For flooding problems, the best plan is to call a professional restoration company. They have the necessary tools, qualified technicians, and knowledge to deal with flooding damage.
- If you decide to homemade, take precautions and wear gloves, boots, eye protection, and a respirator.
- Reduces the harm by eliminating standing water.
- Use a pump or squeegee the water.
- Use a vacuum only if it is an actual wet-dry vacuum cleaner.
- Eliminate everything absorbent that’s been contaminated by floodwater (carpets, carpet padding, furniture, drapes, etc.).
- Use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the area.
- Throw away all medications, cosmetics, and meals, even canned products, if they’ve been submerged in floodwaters.
- Check for hidden moisture from wallboards, and take out damaged portions to avoid mold. Learn more about mold cleanup right here.
- Clean floors and cabinets by washing them with detergent, then disinfect with a disinfectant in the supermarket store or hardware store.
- Remember, keep a photographic (or movie) stock of whatever you must throw away.
Automobiles
- Automobiles can easily be damaged by floodwaters, tree limbs, or falling debris.
- If an automobile is damaged, constantly notify your insurance broker.
- Cover windows that are broken in the event the car appears salvageable.
- List valuables on your car that have been damaged or lost.
Scam alert
Regrettably, storms and natural disasters bring out those who take advantage of this situation. But by following a few practical tips, you can help protect your self from an additional reduction:
- Try to work with local or known contractors.
- Don’t pay for work until it is completed and you’re happy. Pay with a check or credit card.
- Beware of a contractor who tries to pressure you. When an offer is only good “now or never,” find somebody else.
- Get written estimates for all proposed work that include suggested scopes and costs.
- Additionally, beware of charity scams that may use a storm to make their pleas for contributions more plausible.
For professional flood repair solutions, contact PuroClean
Regardless of the circumstances — damage from storms or flooding, fire, smoke, or mold, call PuroClean. Our mitigation experts are standing by to offer storm damage recovery to return the house to a pre-loss condition. They are well-trained and use the most recent science. We can help you figure out the full extent of the harm and execute services after industry standards and best practices. Looking for water remediation? Visit puroclean.com for more information.