What to Do When Your Home Sustains Storm Damage

Act Fast To Prevent Water and Mold Damage

August 4, 2022

Plan in advance for tropical storms

National weather forecasters are predicting an above-average hurricane and tropical storm season for the Atlantic coast this year. It is important to have a plan in place and understand the steps you need to take if your home or property is damaged in a storm.
When a hurricane or major storm hits, it can be devastating, leaving significant damage in its wake. If your home has sustained damage, you and your family can take steps to ensure safety precautions are met and repairs can be made as efficiently as possible.

Safety always comes first

Beware of outdoor hazards, such as dangling power lines and broken tree limbs, and immediately report them to the proper authority.
If major electric or gas appliances are immersed in water, evacuate the flooded area until it has been determined safe, as you may be at risk for electrical shocks or fires.
Avoid flood water, as it may have harmful contaminants and dangerous debris.
Throw out food that may have been contaminated by power outages or flooding.
Contact a professional mitigation company to prevent additional damage, handle immediate repairs, and pump and dry flooded areas as soon as possible to avoid mold damage.

Contact your insurance company

Notifying your insurance company of any damage caused by a storm will initiate the process of filing a claim and help you to understand what kinds of damage your insurance policy covers.

Document home damage and losses for your claim

Take photos of property damage from as many angles as you can. Try to get close-up shots with identifying details like brand names and model numbers of damaged property if possible. All this visual evidence can go a long way toward completing your claim and getting an accurate reimbursement.

Hire professionals to secure your property

It is important to take proactive measures using a professional team with experience cleaning up after storm damage. They will know how to safely prevent further damage to your home and personal property. Immediate repairs may be necessary to resume living in your home, for example, covering holes in walls or the roof, moving undamaged property out of harm’s way, and handling utilities that may need attention to prevent additional damage. In major cases boarding up the home may be required to protect your belongings in your absence. Insurance companies expect you to act in your best interest and failure to take steps to prevent costly additional damages could fall on your shoulders.

Restoring your property to its original condition

Once the storm has passed, the scary part is over, but the road to recovery is often long. Choosing to work with a professional restoration company to oversee both the rebuilding of your home and manage the claim with your insurer can provide you with peace of mind and the support you need to restore your property back to its original condition.

Need home damage advice?

Have a question on home damage or repairs? Ask the Home Damage Guru at tips@madisonaveconstruction.com

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