Dealing with Storm Damage

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Dealing with wind or water damage to your home caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, or other severe storms can be both difficult and dangerous. Here are some tips on how keep you and your family safe and begin to get your life back together after the storm hits.

Staying Safe After a Storm

• Listen to the radio for advisories and other instructions.

• Do not venture outside until it has been declared safe to do so.

• Stay away from downed power lines and avoid standing water or metal objects near downed wires.

• Leave and do not enter buildings that have sustained structural damage.

• Stay away from damaged trees and dangling or broken limbs.

• Check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.

• Turn the gas off at the meter if you smell gas.

• Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.

• Do not attempt to drive through flooded streets or bridges.

• Avoid using candles or other open flames indoors.

• Make sure your sewer system is working before flushing toilets.

• Operate generators outdoors in the open away from windows and doors.

Cleaning Up After a Storm

• Be very careful climbing ladders or working on roofs.

• Use extreme caution if using a chainsaw to cut trees or branches.

• Cover leaking roofs before the next rain to prevent further water damage.

• Remove wet rugs and carpet from floors.
• Open windows and run fans if you have water damage inside your home.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Storm

• Document damage to your home before clean up with photos or video, and compile a written list of damaged items.

• Read your homeowner insurance policy thoroughly to see what is and isn’t covered before contacting the insurance company.

If you'd like more information on our we can help, don't hesitate calling us. We are available 24/7 for Emergency Services