Did you know that property damage due to natural disasters affects one in 10 homes in the United States? With climate change ramping up events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires, it is important to ensure that your home stays protected.
Have you ever wondered what to do if your home suffers from storm damage? Here are some steps that you can take to get back to normal as quickly as possible.
Table of Contents
1. Check for Flooding
Before you do anything in your house, you need to see if there is any flooding. Some of the most common signs of flooding include:
- water in the basement
- cracks in the foundation
- water stains on floors or walls
Try to rescue your valuables and take pictures of flooding if you can. You can use them later for any insurance claims.
2. Test Your Electricity
Once you determine the damage caused by flooding, you need to see if your electricity works. If your area reports that the power grid is out, do not try to turn on the electricity until instructed.
Storm damage repairs to your electric system may involve replacing outlets, rewiring, and replacing waterlogged appliances.
3. Examine the Roof
Your roof is one of the parts of your home that will get hit the hardest when it comes to storm damage. Take a look at your roof as soon as possible to see if there are any missing shingles, cracks, or leaks that warrant roof repair.
Even if you think you do not see the damage, sometimes water underneath the shingles can start to grow mold and mildew. This could cause major structural damage to your home.
4. File an Insurance Claim
If you have homeowner’s insurance or flood insurance, you need to file a claim and get the process started quickly. Whether you have hurricane damage or hail storm damage repair, your policy should reimburse you for many different situations.
Check with your insurance company to see what is required to file a claim. You will likely need as many pictures as possible and time to fill out the information. An insurance agent may also come to your home for an inspection.
5. Start Making Repairs
Lastly, you need to begin fixing up your home as soon as you can. Storm damage repair can be extensive, so it may be necessary to move your family or pets into a hotel or alternative home while you repair your house from storm damage.
Your insurance policy may help cover the cost of losing while major repairs occur on your property.
Diagnose and Fix Storm Damage Today
If your home suffers storm damage after a natural disaster, you should not have to feel overwhelmed or hopeless. With these tips, you can find out what is wrong and start to get your life back on track.
Would you like to learn more about how you can take care of your home and property? Take a look around our site for more advice to keep your house in great shape. Would you like to learn more about how you can take care of your home and property? Take a look around our site for more advice to keep your house in great shape.