What to do in the event of storm damage

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East explains what homeowners and businesses should do in the event of storm damage.

Understanding what to do after a storm can significantly alter the course of events, especially if your roof or any part of your home is damaged. Storm damage often leads to water damage that can affect your home's furnishings, rugs, and other properties.

But while recovering from storm damage might be difficult, you can find solace in the knowledge that many people have gone through similar situations.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East, a storm damage restoration company in South Side, Corpus Christi, TX, have outlined the following steps to take after storm damage.

1. Safety first

The aftermath of a storm can result in additional significant threats and injuries, regardless of whether your home was seriously wind-damaged, struck by lightning, or even flooded. Making sure you and your loved ones are secure and safe is the first thing you need to do. You can assess your property and take pictures of the damage at a later, safer time. So don't take any extra risks.

Be alert to potential dangers, including downed power lines, broken windows, cracked walls, flooding or standing water, and even gas line issues. Also, watch out for other sharp objects such as displaced screws, nails, broken glass, and other items frequently found in storm damage. If your home's roof is shaky or a section of a wall has collapsed, you may want to evacuate or make plans for a temporary residence for you and your family.

2. Examine and record the damages

Once you feel it is secure enough to move about your house, it's time to evaluate the entire area and determine the extent of the damage. While seeing your home destroyed can be very traumatic, you must take pictures of the damage to show as proof to your insurance provider.

Take the time to thoroughly inspect each room and every area of your property (provided it's safe to do so) and note both significant and minor faults.

3. Get in touch with your insurance provider or company

It's essential to contact your insurance provider and inform them about the storm damage, especially if your home insurance offers such. Typically, the insurance company will send an evaluator to inspect the damage or evidence of such and determine the amount the insurer will pay to cover repairs. 

4. Throw out the debris when it's safe

You can start clearing up the storm's debris after you're sure the storm has passed. Clear any debris from your deck, patio, detached buildings, garden, and gutters to keep the water away from your home's foundation and make sure your downspouts are functioning correctly.

5. Make short-term repairs to reduce property damage

If a portion of the roof directly above the living space suffers substantial damage, water leaks may cause interior property damage. To stop more inside damage, be sure you place a bucket under any leaks and move any valuables from the vicinity. While simple repairs can be made immediately, more significant damages need to be waterproofed using a strapped tarping technique.

6. Contact an experienced water damage professional

If your home was flooded as a result of the storm, then it's essential to hire a storm repair company to restore it back to its original state. Storm damage restoration companies like SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East are equipped with the right tools to remove any moisture in your home to prevent structural and property damage. They will clear away any standing water, dry your walls, ceiling, and other structures, and restore any affected belongings to their original state.

Hiring a water damage specialist is also the best way to prevent mold from developing in your home after storm damage.

Get professional storm damage services in Flour Bluff, Corpus Christi, TX

Call SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East if storm damage affects the interior of your home, office, facility, or structure. They are equipped to prevent structure damage, clear up debris, and remove fallen trees to protect your yard. They also offer roof tarping, board-ups, and building stabilization to make your home or business habitable.

SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East has the expertise and experience necessary to respond to your tragedy quickly and effectively. Their team of water damage technicians is always available 24/7 to meet your needs.

Call them at (361) 985-6444 to get a free quote.