What do do after a storm

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Storms can create a number of potential damages

The Aftermath of a Storm

A storm is a violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds that are accompanied usually by thunder, rain, lightning, and snow. Instances of storms are on the rise, the latest being the IRMA hurricane that hit the eastern Caribbean coast. Hurricanes bring with them such issues like hurricane damage, ice damming, river flooding, tornadoes, snowstorms, flooding, and ice damage. Storm damages on properties and buildings can be as a result of flash floods, roof leaks, structure damages, and roof damage.

Forms of damages that accompany storms

• Wind damage
• Hurricane damage
• Water damage
• Ice dams
• Ice damages
• Roof damage
  
  

The process to restore your home after wind damage or flooding requires one to use the services of a restoration company that will ensure that the home restoration process is done professionally.

The following are the steps of storm remediation.

i. Emergency contact: In a storm restoration, the first step you should take is to ensure emergency contact to your local restoration company. Emergency contact should be made as soon as the storm subsides to initiate the process of restoration. Restoration companies provide their services on a 24/7 basis making it possible for you to get in touch with them at any time of the day. Among the information that you should relay to the restoration company includes the level of roof damage that could be determined by the presence of a roof leak. Roof leaks and ice dams call for a roof repair. You should also inform them of the level of floodwater and the amount of groundwater.

ii. Prioritize your health and safety first: Flooding disrupts power sources, which may cause electrocution to individuals. Immediately the restoration personnel is on the site, they should begin the process of storm remediation. The process depends on the levels of river flooding, wind damage, hail damage, levels of floodwater, and ice damage. Flood pumps can be used to get rid of floodwater and groundwater that has the risk of damaging your property. Blocking of broken water pipes and fixing frozen pipes is necessary for limiting water inflow. Inspecting the roof for roof leaks is also important since water damages may occur due to ice damming that provides natural water blockage.

iii. Documentation is necessary for a storm restoration process as it captures the extent of such issues as water damage, roof damage, hail damage, ice damage, and hurricane damage. Documented information on storm damage helps victims in filling their insurance claim forms. You should document the damages as soon as you are safe and the storm is over. Documentation of damages due to ice damage, hail damage, hurricane damages, and wind damages can be done through photographs and recorded videos.

iv. You should contact your insurance company agent: Contacting your insurance agent ensures that there is a formal inspection and documentation of damages. Insurance policies should cover all the costs of storm remediation. Such costs associated with storm damages include the cost of water restoration, home restoration, and storm restoration.

v. Seek Federal Disaster Assistance: When storms such as IRMA strike, they cause destruction and huge losses to businesses. The federal government assists victims of hurricane damage, wind damage, hail damage, river flooding, ice damming, and ice dams. Groundwater and flood water can also be very destructive. The federal government will come to your rescue by facilitating such remedies like roof repair, heating of frozen pipes, home restoration, water restoration, storm restoration, and purchase of flood pumps to combat flooding. Roof repair will fix minor roof leaks if they exist but a new roof may be needed if the damage is severe.

vi. Management of damages: This process involves addressing the various damages suffered such as roof damage, water damage, wind damage, hail damage, and hurricane damage that come in the form of storm damage. Heating up frozen pipes after ice damming and purchasing of flood pumps should be a priority. This stage is where elaborate home restoration steps are taken. Hail damage and ice damage are responsible for roof damage and you will need to carry out roof repairs. Ice damming leads to ice dams and frozen pipes that need heat up to restore the water supply. Ensure that during a water restoration process, you use dehumidifiers and flood pumps to eliminate groundwater and floodwater.

The success of home restoration will depend on the storm remediation steps taken to facilitate water restoration. You can avoid losses due to river flooding through compliance with early warning systems.