What to Do If Your Home Was Damaged in a Storm: A Step-by-Step Guide

When a storm hits, it can leave behind more than just fallen branches and flooded streets. It can also cause significant damage to your home, leaving you with the daunting task of cleaning up and rebuilding. Knowing the right steps to take immediately after the storm can make a significant difference in how quickly you can recover. Here’s a step-by-step guide from the experts at Final Touch Construction on what to do if your home has been damaged in a storm.

1. Ensure Safety First
The most important thing to do after a storm is to ensure the safety of you and your family. Before you assess the damage:

Check for Immediate Hazards: Look out for downed power lines, gas leaks, or unstable structures. If you suspect any of these, evacuate the area immediately and contact emergency services.

Avoid Standing Water: Floodwater can be contaminated with sewage or chemicals. It can also hide sharp debris or downed electrical wires, so avoid walking or driving through it.

Use Caution with Electricity: If your home has been flooded, turn off the electricity at the main breaker—if it’s safe to do so—to avoid the risk of electrocution.

2. Document the Damage
Once it’s safe, begin documenting the damage to your home. This is a critical step for insurance purposes.

Take Photos and Videos: Capture clear, detailed images and videos of all affected areas. Include both the exterior and interior of your home, focusing on structural damage, broken windows, damaged roofs, and any water damage.

Make a Detailed Inventory: List all damaged items, including furniture, electronics, and personal belongings. If possible, find receipts or other proof of purchase for high-value items.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company
After documenting the damage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

Report the Damage: Provide your insurer with the details of the damage and the documentation you’ve collected. The sooner you report the damage, the sooner the claims process can begin.

Understand Your Policy: Review your homeowners' insurance policy to understand what is covered. Be aware that certain types of damage, such as flooding, may require separate coverage.

Schedule an Adjuster: Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage. Be present during this visit to point out all areas of concern.

4. Prevent Further Damage
While waiting for repairs, take steps to prevent further damage to your home.

Make Temporary Repairs: Cover broken windows with plastic or plywood, and place tarps over damaged roofs. These temporary fixes can prevent water from entering your home and causing additional damage.

Keep Receipts: Save receipts for any materials or labor used for temporary repairs. Your insurance company may reimburse you for these expenses.

Secure Your Home: If your home is uninhabitable, secure it against theft or vandalism by locking doors and windows and boarding up any entry points.

5. Start the Cleanup Process
After your home has been secured and documented, begin the cleanup process.

Remove Debris: Clear away fallen branches, damaged furniture, and other debris. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and masks, to avoid injury and exposure to harmful materials.

Dry Out Your Home: If your home has been flooded, start drying it out as soon as possible. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and wet/dry vacuums to remove moisture. Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours, so time is of the essence.

Work with Professionals: For extensive damage, it may be best to hire professionals, like Final Touch Construction, for cleanup and repairs. They have the expertise and equipment to handle tasks like mold remediation, structural repairs, and electrical work.

6. Stay Organized Throughout the Process
Recovering from storm damage can be a lengthy process. Staying organized will help you keep track of important information and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

Keep a Record: Maintain a file with all your documentation, including photos, videos, receipts, and correspondence with your insurance company.

Follow Up: Regularly check in with your insurance company, contractors, and other involved parties to ensure the process is moving forward.

Plan for the Future: Consider taking steps to make your home more resilient against future storms, such as installing storm shutters, reinforcing your roof, or investing in flood insurance.

Dealing with storm damage can be overwhelming, but following these steps can help you navigate the process more smoothly. From ensuring your safety to managing the insurance claims process, being proactive and organized will put you on the path to recovery. Remember, while the damage may be significant, your home can be repaired, and taking these steps will help you get there as quickly and efficiently as possible. Ready to get repairs underway? Reach out to Final Touch Construction for peace of mind with all your storm damage needs.