Severe storms can cause severe damage, especially where your home is concerned. The cleanup process after the anxiety and worry of a storm passing can be just as overwhelming as the storm itself. When you take the right steps, you can quickly and safely restore your house to its pre-storm condition, especially if you have the help of your insurance company at your side.
From assessing any structural damage, to dealing with water and debris, there is a lot to do once a storm has passed through. We’ve put together some top tips for you to be able to clear up your house after a storm and re secure your property so that you feel safe once again.
Re-Secure Your Home
Nobody likes a storm hitting their house, and after a storm, one of the first steps is to take the time to secure your home. High winds, rain, and even flying debris can cause damage to your doors, roof, and even your windows. You have to address the vulnerabilities immediately so that you can keep everything that’s left as safe as possible. It’s vital that you assess the cost to replace exterior doors as quickly as you can, especially if the door frame or the structure of the property has been damaged. You may have to board up any openings or temporarily replace the damaged doors in the meantime but while you wait to get them fixed. Any holes or gaps in the structure of your home needs to be covered so that nothing else can get in.
Check for Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most common consequences of a storm, and it’s never easy to deal with. Most storms come with heavy rainfall and flooding, so after you ensure that your home is secure, focus on addressing any water damage. Start with checks for leaks in the roof, around your windows, and even under your doors. Water that is standing inside the house can lead to mold growth so you address it right away by getting a sump pump or a wet dry vacuum. Removing the standing water from floors and services can make all the difference to how quickly your home recovers after a storm.
Inspect and Clean Out Debris from Your Property
If the storm has lovingly dropped debris inside your house or three or windows, you need to come up with a plan to get rid of it. Branches, leaves, and even larger objects like trees or roofing materials can be landed in your garden and even inside your house. It’s important that you suit up and begin with the most hazardous items first, such as tree branches that could have fallen on the property. You must not do this alone, and you should speak to a professional tree removal service. They will have the equipment to safely remove the debris without causing any additional damage to your home.
Assess Structural Damage and Evaluate the Roof
The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts during a storm. The rain can cause damage to the shingles or tiles, and if you’re unlucky it can even rip the roof off. Once it’s safe to inspect it, look for any visible damage to the roof from the ground. If you spot any damage, you need to call a roofing company to come and do an assessment and potentially even a replacement.
Tend to Landscaping and External Structures
Is your shed still standing? If the storm has caused any damage to your landscaping or any external structures such as fences, sheds, or patios, assess the extent of the damage and determine whether you need to remove those external structures lest they become even more of a hazard. Make sure that you safely remove any branches and trim back any damaged plants. If there’s any fences or external structures, inspect them for damage so that you can sort it out. The majority of these types of repairs should be done by a contractor, but you can get rid of the smaller debris yourself.
Check Your Electrical System and Appliances
Checking the electrical systems and appliances is something that should be done with incredible care after a storm. Storms can cause power surges, damage to electrical lines, and floods. If there was any flooding or a sign of water intrusion around in the outlets or electrical panels, you should avoid turning on any lights or appliances until you’ve ensured the safety. Even if the electrical system itself appears to be intact, check each appliance or system and make sure that you switch off the electricity at the mains.
Focus on Health and Safety Hazards
After a storm it’s tempting to get stuck straight into cleanup. During cleanup however, you have to prioritise your health and your safety. Wearing protective gear such as gloves, sturdy boots, and safety glasses will protect you from sharp objects, broken glass or debris. You have to also make sure that your house is safe to return to and if not, stay somewhere else while the cleanup is happening. It’s always a better idea to err on the side of caution and contact professionals for assistance when necessary. This is where the insurance company should come in.
File Insurance Claims and Document Damage
Once you have fully secured your home, and you’ve assessed the damage, you need to start the insurance claim process. This is a tedious process, but it’s going to help you to provide information and provide your insurance provider so that you can get a payout to help to fund the home being fixed again. Your insurance provider will be able to process your claim and ensure that you receive the coverage that you’re entitled to. They often require an inventory of damaged property, so it’s a good idea to keep detailed lists of anything that needs to be replaced or repaired.
Start the Repair Process and Hire Professionals as Needed
Once you’ve got your payout from insurance, you can start moving through the repair process and engage with contractors to help you. Some things you could probably do yourself, such as moving some of the smaller debris like we discussed earlier, but structural repairs and electrical work should be left with the professionals. Make sure that you get multiple estimates before you proceed with any major repairs so that you can ensure that you’re getting a fair price.
Prepare for Future Storms
After the cleanup and when you feel safe again, it’s start time now to start preparing for any future storms. Installing storm shutters or reinforced doors is one way to do it, but clearing your gutters out, securing loose items outside, and considering flood barriers if you are in a flood prone area are all good places to begin. Keep an emergency kit stocked with essentials such as flashlights, batteries, and non variable foods, and try and get a generator sorted so that you have something to keep your electricity going. When you put those preventative measures in place now, you can reduce the impact on future storms.
It’s important that you take a methodical approach when it comes to restoring your home after a storm. You need your house to be safe for you and your family, and with a little time and effort, you can get your house back to its pre-storm condition. Tighten up those insurance claims for the future.
