After the Storm: What You Should Do
When a powerful storm strikes, it can leave behind a trail of destruction, affecting your home and property.
Coping with storm damage can be overwhelming, but knowing the right steps to take can help you restore your home and get your life back on track.
In this blog, we'll walk you through a comprehensive guide on what to do after your home experiences damage due to a storm.
Prioritize Safety:
Before assessing the damage, ensure the safety of yourself and your family.
If the storm is ongoing or has just passed, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior walls. Watch out for downed power lines, fallen trees, or damaged structures that could pose immediate threats.
Storms can be unpredictable, and lingering hazards may still pose serious risks. Follow these essential safety precautions to ensure you and your loved ones stay out of harm's way:
Inspect the Interior First: Once the storm has subsided, conduct a quick inspection of your home's interior to identify any immediate hazards. Check for signs of structural damage, leaks, or electrical issues.
Stay Away from Downed Power Lines: After a storm, power lines may be downed and could still be live, posing a significant electrocution risk. Always assume that any fallen power line is active and dangerous. Keep a safe distance and notify your local utility company immediately.
Beware of Fallen Trees and Debris: Trees, branches, and other debris may litter your surroundings after a storm. Be cautious while navigating through your property to avoid tripping or encountering hazards that may not be immediately visible. If there are large trees or heavy debris blocking paths or access points, wait for professional assistance to clear them safely.
Assess the Damage:
Once it's safe to venture outside, assess the damage to your home.
Check for roof damage, broken windows, flooding, and structural issues. Take photographs or videos of the damage as evidence for insurance claims.
A thorough assessment is vital to understand the scope of repairs needed and to initiate the insurance claims process. Follow these steps to effectively evaluate the damage:
Conduct a Visual Inspection: Begin by visually inspecting the exterior of your home. Walk around the entire property, examining the roof, walls, windows, doors, and foundation. Look for any obvious signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, cracked walls, or broken windows. Pay special attention to areas that are more susceptible to storm damage, like corners and edges.
Check for Roof Damage: The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a storm. Inspect it carefully for missing or damaged shingles, sagging sections, or signs of leaks. Use binoculars if possible to assess the roof's condition from the ground, but never climb onto the roof yourself, as it can be hazardous.
Examine Windows and Doors: Check all windows and exterior doors for cracks, shattered glass, or damaged frames. Broken windows can expose your home to further damage from rain, wind, and potential intruders. Board up or cover damaged windows to prevent additional issues until repairs can be made.
Look for Flooding and Water Damage: If there was heavy rainfall during the storm, inspect your home for signs of flooding and water damage. Check basements, crawl spaces, and other low-lying areas first. Look for standing water, damp walls or floors, and water stains. Mold and mildew growth are potential indicators of water intrusion as well.
Document the Damage: Take detailed photographs or videos of all the damage you find. Capture wide shots to show the overall extent of the damage and close-ups to highlight specific issues. These visual records will serve as valuable evidence for your insurance claim, providing a clear picture of the storm's impact on your property.
Make a List of Damaged Items: In addition to documenting the structural damage, create an inventory of damaged belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and personal items. Note down their approximate value and condition before the storm.
Contact Professional Roofing Company: While you can conduct a preliminary assessment, it's essential to seek professional help for a comprehensive inspection.
Contact Your Insurance Company:
Notify your insurance company about the storm damage as soon as possible.
Provide them with the necessary documentation, such as photographs, videos, and a detailed description of the damage. Keep records of all communications with your insurance provider, including claim numbers and the names of representatives you speak with.
Mitigate Further Damage:
Take immediate steps to prevent further damage to your home.
Cover broken windows with plywood or tarps to protect against rain. If safe to do so, remove debris or fallen branches from your property to prevent further damage or accidents.
Hire a Professional Local Roofing Company:
Reach out to a reputable and licensed roofing companies that are local in your area to thoroughly assess the damage.
Their expertise can help identify hidden issues that may not be immediately apparent. This inspection report will also serve as valuable documentation for insurance claims.
A roofing company can provide you with a free estimate of the cost to repair the damage. All insurance companies will want you to get this estimate and then they will schedule an adjuster to work your case.
We have been serving North Georgia for over 20 years and we are experts in working with insurance companies.
Water Damage Restoration:
If your home has experienced flooding or water damage, act quickly to mitigate the harm.
Water damage can be one of the most devastating consequences of a storm. Acting swiftly to address water intrusion is crucial to prevent further destruction and minimize the risk of mold growth and structural issues.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to handle water damage restoration:
Document the Damage: As with any other type of storm damage, document the water damage by taking photographs or videos. Capture the extent of water accumulation, the affected areas, and any damaged belongings for insurance purposes.
Contact Water Damage Restoration Professionals: Reach out to reputable water damage restoration companies as soon as possible. These professionals have the expertise, equipment, and experience to handle water-related emergencies effectively.
Drying and Dehumidification: Affected areas need to be thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth and structural issues. Professionals use specialized drying equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers to expedite the drying process.
Salvaging Belongings and Contents: Any belongings in the area where the water is coming in need to be put up to prevent further damage to those items.
Conclusion:
Experiencing storm damage to your home can be a daunting and stressful situation. However, by prioritizing safety, taking prompt action, and enlisting professional help, you can efficiently navigate the recovery process.
Remember to document everything thoroughly for insurance purposes and seek support from local resources and organizations. With time and perseverance, you can restore your home and rebuild your life after the storm.
Contact Accurate Roofing Pros today and let our professional team take care of your roof repairs or replacement!
678-687-6413
