Storms can strike unexpectedly, leaving behind a trail of damage to your home and property. Whether you’ve experienced high winds, heavy rain, hail, or even flooding, storm damage can affect your home in many ways. As a homeowner, it’s crucial to know how to respond swiftly and effectively. Acting quickly can prevent further damage, reduce repair costs, and speed up the recovery process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps you should take if your home faces storm damage and explain how professional storm damage restoration services can help you restore your home.
What should I do if my house has storm damage?
When a storm hits, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the damage. However, staying calm and following the right steps will help you protect your home and belongings. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Ensure Safety First - The priority is always the safety of you and your family. If you’ve sustained significant damage to your home, it’s essential to assess whether it’s safe to stay inside. In the case of severe structural damage or flooding, evacuate the premises immediately.
- Check for structural issues such as sagging ceilings, broken windows, or compromised walls that may pose a risk of collapse.
- Turn off electricity if there is any risk of water entering electrical systems. This will help prevent electrocution hazards.
- Avoid standing water as it may contain dangerous debris or contaminants, especially if the storm involved flooding.
2. Assess the Damage - Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety, start assessing the visible damage. Documenting the damage with photos and notes will be crucial for insurance claims later. Be sure to take clear pictures of all affected areas, both inside and outside your home. Walk around the exterior of your home, looking for the following common signs of storm damage:
- Roof damage - Missing shingles, cracked tiles, or punctures in the roof can lead to leaks inside the home.
- Broken windows and doors - Shattered windows allow rain and debris to enter, causing water damage inside.
- Siding damage - Strong winds and hail can dent or tear siding, leaving your home vulnerable to the elements.
- Flooding - Water damage from flooding can be widespread, particularly in lower areas of your home.
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider - After assessing the damage, it’s time to reach out to your homeowner’s insurance company. Most policies cover storm damage, including water, wind, and hail damage. However, it’s important to understand your policy and the steps involved in filing a claim.
- Report the damage immediately - Many insurance companies have strict timeframes for filing claims after a storm. Notify your insurer as soon as possible to start the claims process.
- Work with a claims adjuster - The insurance company may send an adjuster to assess the damage. Be sure to share the photos and notes you took during your assessment.
- Keep detailed records - Make sure to document all conversations with your insurer, including dates, names, and claim numbers. This will help avoid confusion during the claims process.
4. Make Temporary Repairs - While you should wait for a professional to come and assess the full extent of the damage, there are some temporary repairs you can make to prevent further harm. Temporary repairs can help limit additional damage, but keep in mind that you’ll need professional restoration services to properly restore your home.
- Cover leaks - If your roof is leaking, cover the area with a tarp to prevent water from getting inside. Use a sturdy, waterproof material and secure it tightly to the roof with ropes or nails.
- Board up windows - If windows have been broken or cracked, use plywood or heavy plastic to cover them and keep rain, debris, and pests out.
- Move belongings - If your home is flooded, move furniture and valuables away from the water. This can minimize the risk of further damage.
5. Call a Professional Storm Damage Restoration Service - One of the most important steps you can take is to contact a professional restoration service. While temporary repairs are helpful, they are not enough to fully restore your home. Storm damage can be complex, requiring specialized equipment and expertise to ensure the safety and integrity of your property. Professional storm damage restoration experts can:
- Remove water and moisture - If your home has been flooded or damaged by heavy rain, water extraction and drying are crucial to preventing mold growth and wood rot.
- Repair structural damage - Professionals can repair roofs, walls, windows, and foundations to restore your home to its pre-storm condition.
- Handle smoke and soot damage - If the storm included a fire or lightning strike, restoration experts will clean smoke and soot from walls, furniture, and air ducts.
- Provide full cleanup - Restoration services can remove debris, damaged materials, and hazardous substances from your home to make it safe and habitable again.
6. Consider Long-Term Prevention – Once the storm damage is repaired, it’s a good time to consider steps you can take to protect your home from future storms. Taking proactive measures can save you money and frustration down the road. Some suggestions include:
- Inspect your roof regularly - Have a professional inspect your roof at least once a year, especially before and after the storm season. Early detection of issues can prevent costly repairs.
- Maintain gutters and downspouts - Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and leak into your home. Clean gutters regularly to ensure proper water flow.
- Trim trees and shrubs - Overhanging branches or weak trees can fall during storms and cause significant damage. Trim trees regularly to reduce this risk.
- Upgrade windows and doors - Storm-proof windows and doors are a worthwhile investment in areas prone to high winds and hail.
Why Choose ServiceMaster by FrontLine for Storm Damage Restoration?
When your home faces storm damage, it’s important to work with a trusted and experienced restoration company. ServiceMaster by FrontLine specializes in comprehensive storm damage restoration services for homeowners in Shiprock, NM, and surrounding areas. Here’s why we’re your best choice:
- 24/7 Emergency Response - Storm damage can happen at any time, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency services. We’ll be there when you need us most, no matter the time or day.
- Comprehensive Restoration Services - From water extraction to structural repairs, we handle every aspect of storm damage restoration. Our team is trained to address all types of damage, ensuring your home is fully restored.
- Insurance Assistance - Navigating the insurance claims process can be overwhelming. We work closely with your insurance company to help ensure a smooth and efficient claims process, getting your home restored as quickly as possible.
- Locally Owned and Operated - As a locally owned business, we understand the unique needs of homeowners in Shiprock, NM. We’re dedicated to providing top-notch service to our neighbors in the community.
When your home faces storm damage, the most important thing you can do is act quickly. Ensuring the safety of your family, assessing the damage, contacting your insurance provider, and calling in professional restoration services are the first steps in getting your home back to normal. At ServiceMaster by FrontLine, we specialize in storm damage restoration services that will help restore your home to its pre-storm condition. If you’ve experienced storm damage, don’t wait—contact us today for immediate assistance. We’re here to help you get your home back to normal, fast.
