Some severe storms have caused havoc on houses, towns, and even the housing market throughout the United States. A storm can potentially cause significant damage to your home if you aren’t sure what you need to do if a storm has hit you.
Staying safe is the most crucial action to take in storms. After the wind and rain have subsided, you’ll need to examine the damage and secure your home. If a storm damages your house, it can appear as if your entire world has been turned upside down. If the storm has hit you, you could be overwhelmed and not know how to proceed.
After a storm, what should you do?
Following a storm, broken glass, debris caused by tree power outages, and flooding rooms can be more destructive than the storm itself. If no prompt action is taken to prevent these effects, then you and your family could be in danger. After a storm, it’s crucial to know what to do next.
1. Be Alert
As a storm draws near, you must take security measures to ensure your safety and that of the people in your vicinity. Watch out for the potential hazards associated with storms, including nails or screws that might be exposed during clean-up efforts in your neighborhood.
High winds can leave behind caved-in roofing components, so avoid these. Additionally, some damaged power lines may pose an issue if one of them is in use. Stop using natural gas immediately if you detect any odors similar to those from natural gas.
2. Assess Damage
To receive the right compensation from your insurance provider, you must first determine how much destruction to your home. When walking about, ensure that you do not create further injury to yourself or others but that no other person is injured.
Be sure to capture photos of both the exterior and interior features. If you have a claim, it will ensure that the insurance company will cover the entire amount. While you tour your house, be aware of any structural damage.
3. Contact Insurance Agent
If the damage from the storm has been documented, contact your insurance agent immediately and remain in contact with them until the claim is addressed. Their knowledge of the policy’s exclusions and inclusions will be helpful in this instance. Make sure you describe your house’s damage and include photos and other documents. Once that’s done, an adjuster from the insurance company will be on hand to evaluate the damage.
4. Stop Further Damage
This is the time to act now and prevent the possibility of further harm. Get a tarp or plywood to cover windows that have been damaged or a leaky roof to avoid the water and wind from getting into your home. Consider calling an expert restoration company in your area after you’ve done all possible to limit additional harm. Their expertise can assist you in restoring your home to the condition it was before the storm.
To learn more about the services a restoration company offers, you can check their website, or you can directly ask them through a phone call.
5. Keep All Necessary Documents
If you make an insurance claim, keep thorough notes of the accident. In particular, save copies of all your invoices for items and work so that you are paid fairly. You should be aware of what’s covered by your homeowner’s insurance.
It’s essential to discuss with your insurance agent if you reside in an area where there is an increased risk of severe weather, such as an earthquake or a tornado. Your homeowner’s policy may provide additional protection to help you in a storm that damages your home.
Restoration companies not only offer water and fire damage restoration services, but they also offer biohazard clean-up services such as Deodorization and Odor Control, sewage clean-up, and many more.