Storm Damage Repair
5 Steps to Take After Storm Damage
Storm Damage Repair
Storms are very common in the US. They result in heavy losses and while there is no way to prevent or correctly predict storms, you can reduce the damage by taking the right steps at the right time and controlling storm damage. Here are five steps to take after a storm:
Take Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Your first step should be to ensure everyone’s safety. Start by moving out of the house, especially if it’s flooded and not in a condition to live in. This is because stormwater is unsafe and can cause contamination. This means you and your loved ones could get exposed to illnesses. Thus, move out and find a safe place to live.
Also, make sure to cut power. The risk of electric shocks is very high during rains or storms. You should cut it off so you can move around freely. Furthermore, stay away from ‘unsafe’ areas such as wet furniture. Water can do serious damage and also weaken the structure of your house, often leaving it inhabitable. Your best bet is to leave the property until it has been restored or repaired.
Check Your Property for Signs of Storm Damage
Once your house is ‘safe’ enough, pick up a phone or camera and start recording damage. Inspect corners that you can and take photos as you will have to share this information with your insurance provider and storm damage repair company.
Some of the most commonly reported damages include missing or damaged shingles, destroyed exterior siding, broken windows, flooded basements, destroyed doors, broken electronics, and furniture damage. You have to be very careful when inspecting your property as some areas may be ‘unsafe’ to check.
Get In Touch With Your Insurance Provider
Your insurance company can provide financial aid so get in touch and document your losses. You will need to submit photos and supporting documents in order to get reimbursed. Hence, make sure to keep all relevant documents including costs of temporary living expenses such as hotel receipts. Furthermore, you may need receipts from your storm damage repair company.
Most companies will not reimburse you right away and will perform checks before approving a request. Thus, you will have to go ahead with the repairs and pay from your own pocket. But, rest assured the company will reimburse you if you submit all the required documents and have insurance that covers storm water damage.
The company will provide you a list of documents needed and the timeline to complete the process. Moreover, it may send a representative to inspect your property and review the steps you have taken to reduce further damage.
Hire a Storm Damage Restoration Company
You must hire the services of a storm damage repair company. In fact, it might be a good idea to take this step in the beginning as hiring the services of a storm damage restoration company comes with several benefits.
Firstly, they’ll take steps to reduce further damage, thus the burden will be minimal. Secondly, they’ll inspect the area on your behalf and make a list of damaged items. Moreover, they’ll even handle the insurance company on your behalf and allow you to be at ease. Get Del Mar can prove to be helpful, call us today to discuss your situation.
Start the Restoration Process
Once you have finalized a storm damage repair company, discuss the situation and find possible solutions. Some might go for temporary solutions and some might suggest long-term damage control. It is important that you choose the latter, especially if you can afford it, as temporary solutions are for the short term and you will eventually have to think of something else.
The entire process can take anywhere from a few days to a few months based on the size of your property and the nature of the damage. Storm damage is often combined with fire and water damage, which can make things even more complicated.
The restoration company will first remove water and ensure your property is safe to go back in. Furthermore, it will identify mold and take steps to remove it. Lastly, it may repair or replace damaged shingles, doors, windows, etc.
Storm damage can be serious. Waste no time and get in touch with a storm damage repair company to start the restoration process. Call xxx-xxxx-xxxx to know more.
