How to Deal With Storm Damage to Your Home | SERVPRO® of Houston County
5/28/2020 (Permalink)
Severe thunderstorms can cause serious damage to a household and are an alarming event. If
you sustain damage to your home from a storm, staying safe, preventing additional damage and
working with your insurance and restoration provider are all important keys to handling the
issue.
Here are some tips for dealing with storm damage to your home:
Prioritize your safety above all else. While you will want to inspect your home as quickly as
possible in the aftermath of a storm, remember that safety will always need to come first. Watch
out for common hazards such as shattered glass or splintered wood strewn across the ground,
and always assume that downed power lines are active and avoid them entirely. If you smell
gas or suspect a gas leak, shut off the main gas line and alert your provider right away.
Do an assessment and prevent additional damage. If it is safe to do so, perform an initial
assessment to see what the extent of the damage is. The roof is the most likely spot damage
can manifest, but broken windows, torn siding and damage to outdoor appliances are also
common. Be sure to board or tarp up any areas that are exposed to the elements to prevent
additional damage from occurring while you wait on your insurance company.
Alert your insurance provider. Every claim process is different, so getting in touch with your
insurance provider once you determine if you have damage is key. In some cases, you will not
be able to begin cleanup until after they send an adjuster out to you, so it is important you know
the policy in order to prevent the accidental nullification of your claim. If you are not sure if the damage repair will total more than your deductible, they can help you work through that and help you determine if pursuing a claim is worthwhile.
Work with a qualified restoration company. Unfortunately, scams are extremely common
following disasters. Individuals posing as contractors will often move through an area,
demanding deposits or personal information to start the restoration process. In order to be sure
you are not falling victim to these shady business practices, work with a company that is a
trusted restoration leader in your area instead.
If your home has been damaged in a storm, we are here for you. Contact us at any time to
report your damage and receive a rapid response.