If you have had a storm recently, you may have noticed that your property has been damaged. You may have lost power for days, or even longer. You may have had water damage to your home or business. You may be unsure of what to do next.
You may be wondering what your insurance company will cover and what you can do to minimize your losses. You may be wondering how long it will take to get your home or business back to normal. Here are some tips on how to clean up after a storm.
Consider Hiring A Restoration Company
If you’re unsure of what to do, or how long it will take, consider hiring a restoration company. Restoration companies will assess the damage, determine the scope of the damage, and provide you with a detailed action plan. They will also provide you with the necessary equipment and materials to clean up after the storm.
Restoration companies will also help you prepare for the cleanup. They can install temporary electrical service and gas service if needed, and provide you with generators if your power has been out for days.
Restoration companies are also often able to provide you with temporary insurance coverage while they are cleaning up after the storm.
Prepare for Cleanup
Before you start cleaning up, make sure you have everything you need. Have plenty of water on hand to clean up with and plastic trash bags or tarps. You may also want to bring in extra buckets and rakes. If your power has been out for days, bring in a generator and fuel for it.
If you have any building materials that need to be put away, make sure you have plenty of space to store them. Consider storing them in your garage, basement, or attic so they are away from the floodwater that has contaminated the rest of your house. If there is a safe place where they can stay dry, that would be the best place for them.
Seal Off Damaged Areas
Once the storm has passed and it is safe to return to your home or business, you should try to seal off any damaged areas. This will help prevent further damage from occurring as a result of flooding or other weather-related damages. Begin by boarding up any windows or doors that were damaged during the storm. You should also cover any holes in the roof with a waterproof tarp. Additionally, you may want to cover any items that could be easily damaged by water or wind.
Next, you should assess the interior of your home or business. If you have any standing water, you will need to remove it as soon as possible. You may also need to remove damaged furniture and other items that were damaged in the storm. Be sure to wear protective clothing and gloves while cleaning up.
In addition to sealing off damaged areas, you should also try to dry out any areas that were exposed to moisture. If you have any wet carpets, you should remove them and allow them to dry outside. If you have any flooded areas, you should use fans or dehumidifiers to help dry the area. This will help prevent the growth of mold or mildew.
Removing Debris
Start by removing debris from the ground. If you have a big pile of debris that is not waterlogged, use a rake or shovel to remove it. Make sure to wear protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses, and wear long pants and long sleeves to protect you from any sharp objects or debris on the ground.
Remember that even small pieces of debris can be dangerous. Make sure you remove all the dangerous debris that you can see before moving on to other areas of your property. When digging through debris, use a shovel and pickaxes instead of your hands to avoid injury from sharp objects that might be hidden underneath the debris.
Inspect Structures
After a storm, it is important to inspect all of your structures for any physical damage caused by the storm. You should look for any cracks, broken windows, missing shingles, or any other signs of damage.
Additionally, it is important to check the interior of each structure for any water damage. If you find any water damage, you should take measures to mitigate it immediately by drying out the area and removing any wet objects. Furthermore, you should also check electrical wiring, overhead and room lighting, and plumbing to ensure that everything is functioning properly. Finally, it is important to inspect any outdoor structures such as fences, decks, and patios for any damage. By thoroughly inspecting all of your structures after a storm, you can ensure that your home and property remain safe and secure.
Storing and Recycling Materials
After inspecting your structures, make sure they are safe from further damage by storing them in areas that are dry and safe from water damage. Store any items that were damaged during the cleanup in another location away from your property so they do not contaminate the rest of your property. You can also recycle any materials that were damaged during the cleanup process. If needed, contact a recycling company for help with recycling items that were damaged during the cleanup process.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once the storm has passed and you have started the cleanup process, it is important to contact your insurance company. Your insurance company can help you assess the damage and provide resources to help with the cleanup process. They can also provide guidance on how to file a claim for any damage caused by the storm.
Your insurance company may provide coverage for items that were damaged or destroyed as a result of the storm. This can include coverage for structural damage, debris removal, and replacement of damaged items. Be sure to document any damage done to your property in order to provide to your insurance company. You should also take pictures of any damage for proof in case the insurance company needs it.
Your insurance company may also provide guidance on how to safely clean up your property after the storm. They can provide information on what safety precautions you should take while cleaning up, what materials you should use, and which companies to contact for help. They can also provide resources to help cover the costs of restoring any damage caused by the storm.
By contacting your insurance company after a storm, you can ensure that you are covered in the event of any damage. They can also provide resources and guidance to help you successfully clean up and restore your property.
In case of a storm, it is important to take all the precautions necessary to avoid property damage. By following these steps, you will be able to clean up your property after the storm without any problems.
Thanks to pacwestrestoration.com for consulting on this post.
