Whether you were affected by hurricane season or a regular storm, the devastation of your home being damaged is never a good feeling. Unfortunately, destructive storms are becoming more and more common. You may feel overwhelmed by the damage done to your home. This is why knowing what to do after a storm damages your home is important. Here’s what to do if your home is damaged in a storm.
1. Prioritize Your Safety
The aftermath of a storm of any kind can be a threat to your safety. Your immediate reaction is probably to inspect what was damaged, but heading into the destruction could cause injuries even after the storm passes. It’s common to have damage like broken glass, exposed nails, or unstable areas to walk on. There may be caving-in roofs or collapsed walls, too.
Don’t take unnecessary risks while inspecting your property – it can be done later. Keep an eye out for power lines, standing water, and gas line issues. These are things that go overlooked and potentially can cause harm. Consider evacuating your family temporarily if your home is unstable.
2. Assess and Take Photos of the Damage
After the storm has passed and it’s safe to move around your home, now is the time to inspect the area for damage. This is a tricky step because it can be emotional to see the damage done to the meaningful things in your home. It’s important to take photos of the damage before you contact your insurance company so you can provide the necessary evidence for your claim.
Grab your camera and capture the damage on the interior and exterior. Make sure your pictures are detailed, and take time to review each room. Be sure to include evidence of the following:
Broken windows and doors
Basement floods
Holes or leaks in the roof
Loose, broken, or missing shingles
Dents on vents and gutters
Moisture damage
Exposed power lines
Damaged or broken appliances and furniture
Loss or destruction of personal items
3. Call Your Insurance Agent
Once you have gathered all your photos, you can contact your insurance company. Share the pictures with them and stay in contact until the claim is resolved. They will be able to let you know about the damage they cover. Ensure you discuss the damage and review the photos together.
4. Look for Disaster Assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assists homeowners affected by storm damage. You can get temporary housing and meals for your family during this difficult time. If your area is declared a storm disaster area, you can get low-cost loans to start the repairs on your home.
Even if you have good insurance, you can still qualify for assistance. All that’s required is to complete some extra paperwork to get the loans.
5. Stop Further Damage
Now that you know all the damage in your home, it’s time to patch up the various areas to prevent further harm to your house. You can start by covering broken windows or throwing a tarp over a leaking roof. Remove debris sitting in your yard or on top of your home.
Find ways to prevent the damage from getting worse or anything hazardous from befalling your and your family's health. Your insurance agent will help you make contact with professionals who will get your home back in shape.
6. Stay Organized
Make sure you keep documentation of the receipts you accumulate while getting your home fixed. This is an excellent way to keep track of materials, labor, and additional expenses. It’s vital since you can avoid any issues and ensure you receive fair reimbursements.
The Takeaway
Navigating storm damage can be an emotional time. When you’re prepared and have a plan, it can make the process more bearable and let you get back to living in your precious home with your family in no time.
