A severe storm can cause a lot of damage to your home. Not only is there the potential for physical damage, but storms can also cause water and sewage backups that can ruin your belongings and even create a health hazard. If you have experienced a storm that has caused extensive damage to your home, it is important to take the necessary steps to clean and restore your property safely. Below, we will discuss the best ways to clean up after a storm and how to get your home back to its pre-storm condition.
1. Assess the Damage
Before you begin the cleanup process, it is important to look at the damage’s extent. This will help you determine what needs to be done and how best to do it. If there is structural damage, it is important to have a professional assess the situation before proceeding with any cleanup. If possible, try to take photos or videos of the damage for your records. This can be helpful when filing insurance claims or making repairs.
When assessing the damage, it is important to keep safety in mind. If downed power lines or other hazards are present, do not attempt to clean up on your own. Call a professional with the experience and equipment necessary to handle the situation safely.
2. Retrieve Your Insurance Policies
Once you have assessed the damage, it is time to retrieve your insurance policies. This will help you determine what is covered and what needs to be paid out of pocket. It is important to read through your policies carefully to know any exclusions or limits. If you have any questions, contact your insurance agent for clarification.
Now that you know what is covered by insurance, you can create a list of damaged items. This list will be used when filing claims and making repairs. Be sure to include as much detail as possible, such as the item’s brand, model, serial number, and cost. If possible, take photos or video of the damage. This can help support your claim. Once you have gathered all the necessary information, it is time to contact your insurance company.
3. Start with the Biggest Items
Once you have contacted your insurance company, it is time to start the cleanup process. Begin with the biggest items first. This will make the process less overwhelming and allow you to tackle the smaller tasks later. For example, if tree limbs or other large debris need to be removed, get started on that immediately. The sooner you can remove the bigger items, the better.
If there is water damage, remove any wet carpeting or furniture. These items can be extremely heavy when wet, so it is important to have someone help you with this step. Once the big items have been removed, you can focus on cleaning up the smaller details.
4. Don’t Forget the Details
After removing the big items, it is time to start cleaning up the smaller details. This includes things like sweeping debris, cleaning surfaces, and disinfecting areas that may have come into contact with sewage or other contaminants.
Pay close attention to areas like door handles, light switches, and countertops where bacteria can easily spread. If possible, open windows and doors to allow fresh air into the space while you work.
5. Restoration
Once the cleaning process is complete, it is time to consider restoration. This may include repairing your homes, such as fixing holes in the walls or roof. If you have experienced extensive damage, it is important to have a professional assess the situation and provide an estimate for repairs.
The easiest way is to feed “restoration services near me” to Google or other search engines to get a list of service providers in your area. Companies in your area are most likely to do a great job because they understand the climate and what it takes to restore a home to its original condition.
In some cases, restoration may also involve replacing damaged items. For example, you must purchase new items if your carpeting or furniture has been ruined by water damage. The same is true for any electronics or appliances damaged by the storm.
Conclusion
Severe storms can cause a lot of damage to your home and property. It is important to be prepared ahead of time to know what to do in the event of a storm. Following the steps above, you can safely recover from a severe storm and get your home back to normal.
If you have any difficulties, contact a professional restoration company in your area. They will be able to assess the damage and provide you with an estimate for repairs.