When a natural storm hits your home or business, it can difficult both emotionally and physically to process the next steps and handle what needs to follow. Even if the damage sustained was relatively mild, it can still be tough to handle the experience especially if others in your community were harder hit. There is no kind of storm damage that is off limits to any property either. Fire/ electrical, water and mold are all liable to cause damage that can range from mild to severe. Etiquette to follow can be confusing as well. Between power outages, flooding and debris, navigating through roadways can be tricky on the road back to normalcy.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
The most important thing to remember when dealing with a storm at any point, is to stay safe. No items are worth more than your life or those of your family or employees. It is best to keep updated with the local news regarding conditions in the area before venturing out. When outside, be aware of your surroundings. Be careful of fallen power lines and trees or other debris. Avoid standing water as it can house hidden hazards such as sinkholes, sharp objects or contamination. If the power is out and/ or it is dark, be sure to keep a flashlight with you in order to see accurately.
Review & Assess Damages
Once the storm has passed and it is safe to do so, one of the first things you should do is review and assess damages, both inside and outside. Take a thorough walk around your property and note damages done to the structure, such as loose or missing shingles, gutter and siding integrity, roof leaks or broken windows. Inside, you should consider the dangers that you may not be able to easily see, such as loose floorboards or sharp protruding objects. If you sustained water damage inside, make an inventory of what has been affected and try to dry out as much as you can until professional help arrives. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures as well.
Prevent Further Damage
If water has entered inside through a roof leak, it may be necessary to protect your roof and the interior contents from further damage. Whether it is a tarp or other temporary roofing, a professional storm damage restoration company can easily apply this to your roof for protection. Many insurance companies even require this in order to fully exhaust your policy as it demonstrates that you’ve taken the proper precautions to safeguard what remains. You may also need to examine entryways such as doors or windows and board them up as well if they have been compromised.
Cleaning up after a storm can be stressful and difficult, especially if you’ve sustained loss but it can also be a cathartic or useful occasion to improve your property for the better. Building back stronger can help to prevent against future damage or upgrade the interior, which can be a help with resale value. A professional restoration company can help with any of your needs if storm damage has affected your home or business. Not only do they have the experience, manpower and equipment to handle the process, but can also handle the different kinds of restoration in relation to the reconstruction.
For more info or to schedule a consultation contact us today at 800.922.4410
