After the Storm......

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac take some of the stress out of repairs after a storm. Call anytime-24/7/365

Knowing what steps to immediately take after storm damage can make a major difference. It impacts everything from your furniture, your floors, your insurance claim to even your vehicles.  Making the right decisions immediately afterwards can put your family, belongings and your wallet at risk.  As challenging as recovery can be after a disaster, you can take some solace in the fact that so many individuals have gone through similar experiences-you CAN get through this. Finding folks who can relate to your experience can makes finding the direction you need a little easier.

Once you know what to expect and learn all you can before a storm hits. This is the best way to be more prepared to restore things to normal as quickly as possible.

Steps to Take After Storm Damage:

Check Your Home for all Damage

Review and Assess the possible Damage

Contact Your Insurance Provider for next steps

Avoid Additional Damage

Choose the Right Contractor to Restore Your Home

Not all damage will be immediately obvious. Keep in mind there could be slippery areas, electrical lines broken and exposed, loose floor boards or ceiling tiles, etc.  This makes it more important that before you do a thorough walk-thru, follow all safety tips.

How to Stay Safe When Checking Your Home After Storm Damage:

Before going out, check the local news to make sure that your area has been determined safe.

Watch out for hazards such as broken glass and exposed nails.

Always assume that downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Stay at least 10 feet away and alert the police and utility company quickly.

Avoid standing water, particularly if there are nearby downed power lines.

Where possible, avoid checking for water or storm damage after dark.

 If you do so, carry a flashlight and be on the lookout for open flame. This will alleviate the risk of harm from a fire or explosion from a damaged gas line.

If you do smell gas such as carbon monoxide—or suspect a leak—shut off the main gas line, open the windows, and immediately go outside. Notify the gas company and the proper authorities of the situation and don’t return until it is deemed that your home is safe.

Review and Assess the Damage to Your Home:

Before you contact your insurance company to start a claim, you need to go take pictures of the damage. These pictures are often used to help the insurance adjusters access the damage safely. There are several areas of your home that are most vulnerable to storm damage.

Contact Your Insurance Provider:

If you have insurance, you should get compensation if your home or business is damaged by a storm. You need to document all the loss you’ve suffered as a result of the storm. Take photos of the damage before anything has been moved or removed. Also, always document any extra costs that you incur because of the damage.

Don’t forget to keep receipts for hotel costs and other temporary living expenses. This is all needed for your insurance claim.

Your insurer will usually coordinate the work to be done to restore your home, so make sure that you’re on top of knowing who is coming to your home and when.

Avoid Additional Home Damage Where Possible:

When the time comes to start fixing damage- begin with what you can fix yourself.

Often, the storm might not have damaged your home completely and it can be restored with simple repairs.  If you can properly repair some of the damage, you should get to it immediately as you seek professional repair services for the more complicated repairs.

Immediate repairs can also help prevent more damage. If water and wind are getting into your home (through a broken window for example) you should go ahead and board up the window as soon as possible-this will avoid further water damage.

If you don’t feel comfortable doing the job yourself, you may need a board-up service to secure your property. SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac works 24/7 and can be there day or night for emergency service.

Choose the Right Contractor to Restore Your Home:

It’s important to hire professionals that are trustworthy. A contractor that can help you recover your home is important and essential to make your world right again. Poor or incomplete restoration will leave you with an unhealthy home for your family.

A great restoration company can take that responsibility off of your shoulders. Simply choose the company, and they will handle all communications between contractors and insurance companies.

SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac has decades of experience with fire, water, trauma, pathogen, reconstruction, restoration and general cleanings. Call on us for your service needs.

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