Water Damage Restoration after a Storm

The Steps to Take to Save your Home after a Disaster

water damage restoration
The weather in Florida is both temperamental and unpredictable; moments of sunshine suddenly give way to intense rain showers and lightning strikes. And in specific seasons, expect strong winds and flooding. As much as Florida is beloved as the sunshine state, it’s undeniable that the high heat and humidity are quite conducive to drastic storms. And lest we forget, hurricane season spells inevitable damage and destruction on an annual basis. Whether it’s intense winds knocking down trees into your property and home, lightning striking and damaging your house, or heavy rainfall that leads to over-the-ground flooding or even flooding from neighboring streams and rivers, it’s best to have a proactive plan. Additionally, have in mind a service like Classic Restoration for when no amount of planning can mitigate the fickleness of mother nature.  water damage restoration

Severe weather can thus result in costly storm damage repair. When the storm is over, it’s essential to know what to do and what to refrain from doing. If you’re new to handling storm damage or are looking at how to prepare yourself better, follow these storm-damage restoration guidelines

As a proactive measure, make sure your home is insured with a comprehensive policy

• Take photos of the damage done to your property. These will be used to verify your claim with your insurer.
• Home insurance generally covers sudden and accidental damage.
  • For example, should a thunderstorm with high winds damage your roof, resulting in leaks, you may be protected under your policy. Or, if a tree falls on your house and damages your roof. In these cases, your home insurance policy will usually cover the expenses.
• However, some homeowners’ policies may have specific exclusions, which means that your policy will not cover damages for variable risks. Find out what exclusions exist within your coverage, read your plan, or talk to your agent.
• Also, floods resulting from natural disasters are generally not covered. You’ll likely need separate flood insurance, which you can get from the National Flood Insurance Program.

Now for reactive measures; Assessing the extent of damage n

While you may be inclined to investigate the damage immediacalltoy after a storm, it’s imperative to ensure your safety when checking for damage around and to your home. Dangers like downed power lines pose a deadly threat as well as wildlife like snakes and alligators. If you can guarantee a lack of potential risks, you should perform some damage assessments around the home.

Plumbing Issues Resulting from a Storm

•  Begin by examining the pipes inside and outside your home.
• Turn off the water taps on toilets and sinks. If necessary, turn off all water to your house.
• Should there be sewage backing up in the shower or toilet, your main sewer line may have suffered either a clog or damage. Don’t exacerbate the problem by using other sinks or toilets. Call a professional for help. water damage restoration

Roofing Damage

•  Check your roof for any missing shingles, but don’t unnecessarily risk your life by climbing upon the roof.
• Contact a professional contractor to assess the damage. They’ll come with the skills, tools, and equipment to safely and correctly do the job following a storm damage restoration plan.
• Have them do a temporary “fix” to prevent the rain from coming in until a permanent solution can be found.

Electrical Dangers

• Disconnect all appliances from their power sources that were exposed to water. It may be prudent to have these appliances serviced before trying to use them.
• Be on the lookout for damaged wires; frayed wires will usually spark. Be cautious around electricity.
• In the case where there is structural damage or damaged and exposed wires, immediacalltoy contact an electrician. It’s imperative to shut off the power, or else you risk potential electrocution.
• While exterior breaker boxes are designed to be rain-tight, they may not be able to withstand a significant storm. In the case where you believe water could’ve entered the box, do not under any circumstances attempt to turn the power on. Once again, contact an electrician
• Should your property have metal fencing, avoid touching them even if you’re assessing the damage. It’s not uncommon for metal to become electrically charged from dangling powerlines.
• Turn off your power and call the utility company if a tree limb or anything else has fallen onto a nearby powerline. Under no circumstances are you advised to clear fallen tree debris around your power lines.

Addressing Flooding Problems 

• In instances of flooding damages, the best route is resorting to a professional restoration company. Restoration companies have the necessary tools, qualified technicians, and the knowledge to handle flooding.
• Minimize water damage with the following:
  • A pump or squeegee will help with removing standing water.
  • Use a vacuum only if it’s a real wet-dry vacuum.
  • Anything absorbent that has been contaminated by floodwater must be removed (items like carpets, drapes, furniture, etc. run the risk of developing harmful mold)
  • Air movers and dehumidifiers should be utilized to dry the area of lingering moisture.
  • If your medicines, cosmetics, foods, and even canned goods have been submerged in floodwaters, then they should be disposed of (potential health risks as floodwaters are heavily contaminated).
  • Wallboards are culprits for manifesting mold from trapped moisture left behind from flooding. Remove these damaged wall portions.
  • Given the dirtiness of floodwaters, use detergents and disinfectants to clean floors and cabinets.
  • Lastly, photographic evidence should document everything that had to be tossed as you can potentially recoup the cost from your insurance policy.

For professional flood repair services, contact Classic Restoration.

Regardless of the circumstances — damages from floods or storms, fire, or mold, call Classic Restoration. Their expertise and experience will go a long way in restoring your life and home back to normal. Don’t shoulder the burden alone; Classic Restoration is here to help.