“April showers” are occasionally a whole lot more than just a little bit of rain. Spring weather can include a broad range of weather actions, such as intense storms using powerful winds that may cause critical damage. Or — heavy rain that leads to over-the-ground flooding, or even flooding from streams and rivers.
Severe spring weather may thus result in costly storm damage restoration. Therefore, when the storm is over, it’s important to know what to do, and what NOT to do. If you’ve experienced storm damage of any size, follow these crucial storm damage restoration tips.
Insurance
- Take photos of the damage and show them to your insurance broker as soon as possible.
- Homeowners’ insurance normally covers sudden, accidental damage.
- Let’s say there was a thunderstorm with high winds, and your roof suffered damage and is currently leaking. Or, a tree falls onto your house and damages your roof. In such circumstances, your homeowners’ policy will generally cover the costs.
- But, some homeowners’ coverages may have windstorm and hail exclusions. That means your policy will not cover damage due to these perils. To learn about any exclusions on your policy, read your coverage or speak to your agent.
- Also, flooding from natural disasters is usually not covered. For that, you will need separate flood insurance that you can get from The National Flood Insurance Program.
First of all, make sure your security when checking for house damage. Watch out for fallen power lines, standing water which might be electrically charged, and wild animals.
Pipes
- Assess pipes inside and outside of your home (i.e., irrigation systems).
- Close to the water valves to toilets and sinks.
- If the sewer is backing up in the shower or beneath the bathroom, your primary sewer line might be obstructed or broken. Thus, don’t make the issue worse by utilizing different sinks or toilets. Call an expert for aid.
- Call an expert contractor. They possess the skills, tools, and equipment to do the job safely and properly following the storm and a damage restoration plan.
- Have them do a temporary “fix” to prevent rain from coming in before a permanent solution can be arranged.
Electric
- Appliances vulnerable to water should be disconnected from their power supply and serviced before being used.
- Check for frayed wires and await sparks.
- When you’ve got structural damage or see exposed wires, call an electrician. Keep the power off as there’s the potential for electrocution if you flip the power on yourself.
- Exterior breaker boxes are generally rain-tight but might not withstand a major storm. They could carry a charge from dropped or dangling utility wires.
- If a limb or tree has fallen on a power line near your house, switch off the power and call the utility company. Do not try to cut or clear fallen trees which are around power lines yourself!
Flooding
- For flooding problems, the best strategy would be to call a professional restoration firm. They have the necessary tools, qualified technicians, and knowledge to deal with flooding damage.
- In case you choose to do-it-yourself, take precautions and wear gloves, boots, eye protection, and a respirator.
- Minimize the harm by removing standing water.
- Use a vacuum just if it is a true wet-dry vacuum.
- Eliminate everything absorbent that has been contaminated by floodwater (carpeting, carpet padding, furniture, drapes, etc.).
- Use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the region.
- Throw away all medications, cosmetics, and meals, even canned goods, if they’ve been submerged in floodwaters.
- Check for hidden moisture behind wallboards, and extract damaged portions to avoid mold.
- Clean cabinets and floors by simply washing them with detergent, then disinfect them with a disinfectant in the grocery or hardware store.
- Remember, maintain a photographic (or video) stock of anything you must throw away. Protect your home from water damage, learn more here.
Automobiles
- Automobiles can easily be ruined by floodwaters, tree limbs, or falling debris.
- If a car is damaged, always notify your insurance agent.
- Cover windows that are broken in the event the car appears salvageable.
- List valuables in your car that have been lost or damaged.
Scam alert
Regrettably, storms and natural disasters bring out individuals who take advantage of this situation. However, by following a few practical tips, you can help protect yourself from another loss:
- Attempt to work with known or local contractors.
- Do not cover work until it’s completed and you’re happy. Purchase a check or credit card. When an offer is just good “now or never,” find someone else.
- Get written estimates for all proposed work which include proposed scopes and prices.
- Additionally, beware of charity scams that might utilize a storm to make their pleas for donations more plausible.
For professional flood repair services, contact PuroClean
Regardless of the conditions — damage from storms or flooding, fire, smoke, or mold, phone PuroClean. Our mitigation experts are standing by to provide storm damage restoration to return the house to a pre-loss condition. They’re well-trained and use the latest science. We can help you determine the full extent of the harm and execute services after industry standards and best practices.