Storms can wreak havoc on homes, leaving behind significant damage that requires immediate attention. Whether it’s caused by high winds, heavy rain, hail, or fallen trees, storm damage can be devastating and overwhelming for homeowners. Knowing the proper steps to take after a storm hits is essential to protecting your property and starting the repair process quickly and efficiently.
While it’s natural to feel stressed or unsure of what to do after a storm, following these key steps will help you assess the situation, stay safe, and begin the storm damage repair process as smoothly as possible.
1. Ensure the Safety of Everyone
The first and most important step after any storm is to ensure that you and your family are safe. Storms can cause various hazards, from downed power lines to broken windows and structural damage. Before assessing your home for damage, make sure everyone is accounted for, and if your home has been severely affected, avoid entering it until authorities or professionals deem it safe.
In cases of severe structural damage, such as a collapsed roof or walls, it’s crucial to avoid going inside. Instead, call emergency services or a professional contractor to assess the safety of the building before you return.
What to do:
- Check on everyone’s safety first.
- Stay away from downed power lines, exposed electrical systems, or unstable structures.
- Call for emergency help if the house is severely damaged or unsafe to enter.
2. Assess the Damage Carefully
Once it’s safe to do so, begin assessing the damage to your home. Walk around the exterior and take note of any visible issues, such as broken windows, damaged siding, missing shingles, or downed trees. Take pictures or videos to document the damage, as these will be useful when filing insurance claims or working with a storm damage repair company.
It’s important to assess both the exterior and interior of your home. Leaks, water damage, and structural cracks can sometimes be hidden, so check your attic, ceilings, and walls for signs of damage. If you notice any issues that may compromise the integrity of your home, such as sagging ceilings or cracked beams, consult a professional for a thorough inspection.
What to do:
- Take photos and videos of all visible damage.
- Walk around the entire exterior of your home, noting any issues.
- Check the interior for signs of water damage or structural concerns.
3. Prevent Further Damage
After assessing the immediate damage, the next step is to prevent further damage from occurring. Storms often leave homes vulnerable to additional issues, such as leaks or wind damage. If your roof has been damaged, tarping overexposed areas can help keep rain from entering your home. If windows have broken, boarding them up or using plastic sheeting can prevent water from getting inside.
The goal at this stage is to stabilize the situation as much as possible. While professional repairs will eventually be necessary, taking temporary measures to prevent further harm can save you from additional costly repairs down the line.
What to do:
- Cover broken windows with boards or plastic to prevent rain from entering.
- Use tarps to cover damaged sections of the roof.
- Remove any debris, such as tree limbs, that could cause more damage.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
One of the most important steps after a storm is to get in touch with your homeowner’s insurance company to report the damage. The sooner you start the claims process, the faster you can receive the support you need for storm damage repair. Provide your insurance company with all the documentation you gathered, including photos and videos of the damage, along with a detailed description of what happened.
Your insurance company may send an adjuster to your property to assess the damage and determine the coverage available under your policy. Having detailed records of the damage will help ensure that you receive adequate compensation for the repairs.
What to do:
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Provide them with photos, videos, and a list of damages.
- Keep records of all communication with your insurance provider.
5. Choose a Storm Damage Repair Contractor
Once you’ve contacted your insurance company, it’s time to start thinking about hiring a reputable storm damage repair contractor. This step is crucial in ensuring that your home is repaired correctly and safely. Look for a contractor with experience in storm damage repair, as they will understand the specific needs and challenges that come with restoring a home after a major storm.
When choosing a contractor, it’s important to do your research. Check for reviews, request recommendations, and verify that they are properly licensed and insured. Avoid working with any contractors who offer immediate services without providing proper documentation or references, as storm damage can often attract fraudulent operators looking to take advantage of desperate homeowners.
What to do:
- Research contractors specializing in storm damage repair.
- Check for proper licensing, insurance, and reviews before hiring.
- Avoid working with any contractors who seem untrustworthy or overly eager.
6. Begin Temporary Repairs
While you wait for your contractor to begin the full restoration process, some temporary repairs may be necessary to prevent further damage. This can include things like patching up leaks, installing tarps, or securing windows and doors. Your storm damage repair contractor may assist with some of these temporary fixes, depending on the extent of the damage.
It’s also important to make sure your home remains livable during this time. If you need to stay elsewhere due to safety concerns or discomfort, keep your insurance company informed, as some policies cover temporary housing expenses.
What to do:
- Take care of any temporary repairs to prevent more damage.
- Work with your contractor to secure the property while you wait for full repairs.
- Keep your insurance provider informed if you need temporary housing.
7. Start the Full Restoration Process
Once the temporary fixes are in place, your contractor can begin the full restoration process. This can include repairing or replacing the roof, fixing broken windows, addressing water damage, and restoring any structural damage to the home. Depending on the severity of the storm damage, the restoration process can take time, but working with a trusted contractor ensures that everything is done safely and correctly.
Throughout the restoration process, communication with your contractor and insurance company is essential. Make sure to stay updated on the progress of the repairs and keep an open line of communication to address any concerns or additional issues that may arise.
What to do:
- Allow your contractor to start full storm damage repairs.
- Stay in regular communication with both your contractor and insurance provider.
- Monitor the progress of the repairs to ensure everything is being handled properly.
8. Prevent Future Storm Damage
Once your home has been restored, it’s a good idea to take preventative measures to protect your property from future storm damage. This may include trimming overhanging trees, installing storm shutters, reinforcing your roof, or even upgrading to impact-resistant windows. By taking these precautions, you can help reduce the chances of severe damage in the next storm.
Your storm damage repair contractor can often provide suggestions based on the specific vulnerabilities of your home, helping you better prepare for future weather events.
What to do:
- Trim trees and branches that could fall on your home during a storm.
- Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows for added protection.
- Consult with your contractor on further preventative measures you can take.
Conclusion
Dealing with storm damage can be stressful, but knowing the proper steps to take can make the repair process much smoother. By ensuring your safety, documenting the damage, contacting your insurance provider, and working with a qualified storm damage repair contractor, you can begin restoring your home as quickly and efficiently as possible. Following these steps will help ensure that your home is repaired properly and is better protected against future storms.