What to Do if Your House Sustains Storm Damage
Storms are inevitable, but it can still be a frustrating experience to come home after work to find that your house has sustained storm damage. What do you do?
There are a few steps that you can take that will help you get everything under control as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn what they are.
Contact Your Home Insurance Company
Your insurance company will be able to help you assess the damage and determine the needed repairs. It’s important to take photos of the damage before any work, as this will be helpful in making your claim.
Once you have an estimate of the cost, you can begin making arrangements to have work done. If you have a good home insurance policy, they should cover the cost of repairs. You can read more here to learn more about home insurance, especially if you’re a new homeowner.
Take Inventory of the Damage
This will be helpful when filing an insurance claim and determining how extensive the damage is and what needs to be repaired or replaced. Be sure to document all of the damage, both inside and outside of the home. Take close-up shots as well as wide-angle shots.
It may also be helpful to make a list of all of the damaged items. If possible, take photographs of the damage for your records.
Make Arrangements To Stay Elsewhere
If your house sustains storm damage, the first thing you should do is assess the damage and determine if it is safe to stay in your home. If the damage is significant or if there is any risk of further damage, it is best to evacuate and find somewhere else to stay.
Find a safe place where you and your family can stay temporarily such as a friend or family member’s home, a hotel, or a shelter.
Make Temporary Repairs To Prevent Additional Damage
Making temporary repairs might include putting up plywood to cover broken windows, tarping a hole in the roof, or sandbagging around the perimeter of your home.
If you have any standing water, you will need to pump it out as soon as possible to prevent mold growth. If any of the walls or ceilings are damaged, you will need to patch them up to prevent further damage. You may also need to cover and seal any damaged windows or doors.
Once you have taken care of the immediate repairs, you can start cleaning up the debris.
Storm Damage Assessment and Action Plan
If your house sustains storm damage, the first thing you should do is assess the property damage. If the damage is minor, you can probably repair it yourself. However, if the damage is more serious, you should call a professional.
Regardless of the severity of the damage, you should always be ready for the action steps you need to take in order to keep you and your household safe and ready for anything. Follow our tips and you’ll be just fine.
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