5 Things You Must Do Immediately After Storm Damage

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Storm damage can happen any time of year, (although during the winter, the effects of storm damage can be particularly brutal.) Your home may suffer roof damage that might ruin the structural integrity of your home and cause leaking. Strong winds might cause fragile trees to collapse.

At SERVPRO of Eatontown / Long Branch we’re committed to help keeping this community safe.  We understand how challenging it can be to deal with storm damage. As a leader in the restoration industry, we’ve been helping homes and businesses in this area for over 10 years. We have the advanced training and equipment needed to get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.

When you’re dealing with storm damage, it’s important to act quickly to minimize problems. Here are 5 things you should do immediately in the wake of storm damage:

Stay safe!

Winter storms can quickly create hazardous conditions, such as collapsing roofs or damage to your windows and/or walls.  Leaking can cause water damage that can ruin carpeting, furniture, and building materials, leading to an environment full of potential dangers.

While it can be tempting to want to rush in and save what you can – don’t forget that your first priority is to stay safe!

Be sure to shut off the main gas line if you smell gas, and be on the lookout for slippery surfaces, exposed nails, broken glass, and other possible hazards.  I you decide to enter the affected area, you’ll probably want to wear protective clothing and slip-resistant shoes. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may even be necessary to arrange an alternate place to be while your property is being restored.

Call Your Insurance Provider

Contact your insurance provider as soon as you can to notify them of the damage.  Your insurance company will send an adjuster to check on the state of the damage and determine payments for repairs.

SERVPRO of Eatontown / Long Branch will work with your insurance provider to help you process the claim. Just let us know when you call!

Take Photos

If it is safe to move around or near the affected area, try to photograph the damage so that you have an additional record of evidence for your insurance company. This can help make sure you will be fully compensated.

No fancy camera required – taking photos with your cellphone will be just fine.

Check if You Qualify for Federal Disaster Assistance

Depending on the severity of the storm, the federal government may have declared your property to qualify for disaster relief assistance.  You may be eligible for aid or a low-cost loan for restorations

Restore

When a severe storm hits, it’s a good idea to call for professional restoration services as quickly as you can. The longer standing water is left untreated and damage is not addressed, the more restoration work may be needed and the chance of cost increases may occur.