What to do After Storm Damage

Recovering from storm damage can be a challenging journey, but with the right strategies and guidance, it is possible to restore your home and move forward.

7 Simple Steps to Recover from Storm Damage

Safety first

The first priority is to make sure your family is safe. After the storm, inspect your property and take photos for your insurance company. Don’t take any unnecessary risks; wait until it is safer.

Examples of potentially hazardous situations include downed power lines, broken windows, roof damage, standing water or flooding, gas line problems, and collapsed walls. It is also important to be cautious of exposed nails, broken glass, displaced screws, and other sharp objects that may pose a danger due to storm damage.

It may be advisable to relocate your loved ones to a safer area, especially if your home has experienced roof damage.

Evaluate and Record the Damage to Your Property

After determining the safety of your home, it is necessary to evaluate the extent of the damage caused by the storm, high winds, or flooding. This can be a highly emotional experience as you observe the harm done to your property, but it is essential to document the damage through photographs before reaching out to your insurance provider.

To ensure your insurance claim is properly supported, it is essential to gather evidence of the damage to your home. Please use your smartphone or camera to capture both exterior and interior damage.

Due to potential structural damage, it is advisable to inspect your home cautiously. Take your time to thoroughly document each room with detailed photographs, ensuring that the areas you visit are secure.

During the inspection, it is important to document both minor and major issues like these.

• Leaks or holes in the roof may occur due to missing, loose, or broken shingles, vents, and gutters.
• Broken doors and windows
• Basement flooding
• Fire damage
• Moisture damage
• Exposed power lines
• Furniture and appliances that are broken or damaged, particularly due to water damage.
• Homeowners insurance policies typically provide coverage for personal property up to a certain limit, which includes protection against destruction or loss of personal items.

Taking pictures of your property or house before a storm can help facilitate the insurance claim process. By providing visual evidence, your insurance company can quickly assess any storm-related damage without questioning whether it was pre-existing. Therefore, it is advisable to photograph the current condition of your home when a storm is imminent.

Reach Out to Your Insurance Company or Agent

After documenting the structural damage to your home, it is important to promptly notify your insurance agent or company. Engage in a discussion regarding the storm’s impact and present the accompanying photographic evidence. Your insurance agent will guide you through the claim filing process by furnishing you with a claim number and a roster of emergency service providers.

Insurance companies send claims adjusters to evaluate the damage and determine the cost of repairs after you file a claim. It is important for you to be present at the property when the adjuster arrives to address any concerns and ensure an accurate estimate.

Once your deductibles are met, the adjuster will provide you with information about the extent and cost of the damage covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. It is important to note that flood damage is typically not included in standard homeowners’ insurance policies. Therefore, if your property experiences flooding, you will need to reach out to a flood insurance company. Homeowners who do not have flood insurance will be responsible for covering the costs of repairs themselves.

Get in Touch with Your Mortgage Financing Company

It is important to reach out to the company that manages your monthly mortgage payments and discuss available relief options, as they may be different from your original mortgage lender. Additionally, be sure to file insurance claims.

If you are facing difficulties or impossibilities in making your monthly mortgage payments due to a disaster, it is advisable to contact your mortgage servicer. This will help you avoid the accumulation of late fees, which may negatively impact your credit score. You can inquire about mortgage forbearance, which will allow you to either stop making payments or make partial payments for a specific period. The typical duration of forbearance is six months, but it is possible to negotiate an extension with your mortgage servicer.

Seek out Disaster Assistance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers aid to homeowners affected by storms, providing assistance with temporary housing, family meals, repairs, and insurance claim filing.

If your area has been declared a storm disaster, individuals may be eligible for low-interest loans to assist with home rebuilding. Even without a comprehensive homeowner’s insurance policy, federal disaster assistance may still be available. The loan application process will require the submission of necessary documentation.

Take Steps to Prevent Additional Damage

After the storm surge and debris have settled, you can start cleaning up and making emergency repairs to prevent more damage. Ensure your safety during the cleanup process and avoid making permanent or extensive repairs until your insurance adjuster has evaluated the damage.

Please ensure that all debris is cleared from your deck, yard, patio, gutters, and roof. It is advisable to cover any broken windows and roof holes in order to prevent water and wind from entering your home, especially if there is storm damage.

Ensure that the downspouts are properly diverting water away from your property and its foundation. Eliminate any stagnant water to prevent the growth of mold, which can pose health risks to your family.

Make Sure to Keep the Receipts for All Repairs Made

Keep all receipts for materials and labor. This will help you get a fair reimbursement from your insurance company. It is important to stay organized and keep proper documentation for any insurance claim. This will prevent future problems.

In the event of a disaster damaging your home, it is important to fully comprehend your homeowner’s policy. Additionally, it is advisable to reach out to your insurance company and ensure your contact information is up to date.

Emotional Impact of Disasters and How to Cope

The emotional impact of disasters and effective coping strategies are important areas to explore in the aftermath of storm damage. When storms hit, they can have a significant psychological impact on individuals and communities, causing fear, anxiety, sadness, and loss. It is crucial for people to find healthy ways to cope with these emotions and facilitate their recovery process.

One way to cope with the emotional impact of storm damage is by seeking support from family and friends. Connecting with loved ones can provide comfort and stability during difficult times. Additionally, reaching out to mental health professionals or support groups can offer valuable guidance and assistance.

Another coping strategy is ensuring that insurance policies cover potential structural damage caused by storms. Understanding the terms and conditions outlined by an insurance provider is essential for individuals seeking financial assistance after storm damage. This knowledge allows people to make informed decisions about their coverage options.

Restoring Your Home After Storm Damage

Restoring your home after experiencing the impact of a storm requires careful assessment and planning to ensure efficient and effective repairs. Here are some steps that can guide homeowners in restoring their homes after storm damage:

• Assess the damage: Take a close look at your entire property, both inside and out, to spot any visible signs of storm damage. This can include things like roof leaks, broken windows, or structural issues.
• Contact your insurance provider: Let your insurance company know the extent of the damage and start a claim. Give them detailed documentation, such as photos and descriptions of the damage.
• Hire a reputable contractor: Find a licensed contractor who specializes in storm damage restoration. They will have experience dealing with various types of damage, such as flood damage or power line issues.
• Coordinate with emergency service providers: If necessary, work with emergency service providers to address immediate safety concerns like downed power lines or hazardous materials.
• Repair and replace damaged components: Work closely with your contractor to fix or replace damaged roofing materials, windows, walls, and so on. Make sure to identify and address any additional damage as well.

How to Choose a Storm Damage Repair Contractor

When choosing a contractor for storm damage repair, homeowners should take into consideration factors such as licensing, experience in storm damage restoration, and the ability to address different types of damage. When faced with the aftermath of a storm, it is important to find a reputable contractor who can restore your home quickly and efficiently. Start by contacting your insurance agent to inform them about the extent of the damage and ask for recommendations for reliable contractors in your area.

When evaluating potential contractors, ask about their experience specifically in storm damage restoration. It is crucial that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle various types of damage caused by storms, including exterior damage like roof leaks or broken windows. Additionally, make sure they have access to emergency equipment and resources to mitigate further risks or prevent additional harm.

In addition to technical expertise, it is important to consider other practical aspects. Inquire about their payment policies and whether they require upfront payments or accept insurance claims directly. Reputable contractors should provide detailed estimates and receipts for materials used during repairs.

Navigating the Claims Process After Storm Damage

Navigating the claims process after experiencing storm-related damage involves understanding the steps involved in filing a claim with your insurance company. When dealing with storm damage, it is important to follow these steps:

• Start by documenting the damage. Take photographs and make a detailed list of all the damaged items and areas. This will provide evidence for your claim.
• Next, contact your insurance representative as soon as possible to initiate the claims process. Provide them with all necessary information, including details about the storm damage and any pre-existing damage.
• After that, obtain estimates from reputable contractors for the necessary repairs. Submit these estimates to your insurance company for review.
• Don’t forget to keep records of any expenses incurred due to storm damage, such as temporary accommodation or emergency services. These may be reimbursable by your insurance policy.
• Throughout the process, stay in touch with your insurance representative. Ask for updates on the progress of your claim and provide any additional information they require.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smoother claims process after experiencing storm-related damages.

It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your homeowners’ or flood insurance policies beforehand to understand what is covered in case of wind or moisture damage.

Protecting Your Property from Future Storms

Taking proactive measures to safeguard your property can be crucial in minimizing potential damage caused by future storms. By being prepared, you can reduce the risk of additional harm and ensure that you are adequately equipped for severe weather events.

One important consideration is having personal property coverage in place. This insurance protection will help cover the cost of repairing or replacing valuable items that may be damaged during a storm.

Apart from insurance coverage, it is essential to identify and address potential hazards on your property. This involves securing loose objects such as furniture or equipment that could become projectiles in strong winds. Regularly clearing gutters and downspouts can also prevent water accumulation and structural damage. Installing carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home is vital as well, given that severe weather events may increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Creating an accurate inventory of valuable belongings along with their estimated value is advisable to further protect your property. This will assist you in making an accurate claim estimate if necessary. Additionally, understanding federal disaster assistance programs available in your area can provide additional resources when recovering from storm damage.