Getting Back to Normal Life Fast with a Storm Damage Restoration Service
Spring and summer often bring unpredictable weather and savage storms. Don't wait for storm damage to catch you by surprise. Hope for the best but always prepare for the worst and you will be able to return to normal life much faster with less stress.
Get to Know Your Storm Damage Restoration Service Before You Need Them
Getting moving as quickly as possible on storm damage restoration is critical to returning to normal life fast, which is why we highly recommend you get to know the storm damage restoration services near you before the storms come to wreak their havoc.
You can bet that the phones of damage restoration services will be running hot when damaging storms pass through an area.
You don't want to be caught at the back of the queue, so you should research restoration companies you can trust before you need them, rather than go through the stressful challenge of finding someone you can trust while your home is falling down around you. This way, you won't have to wait days for a service to attend to your property or deal with someone you don't know.
Make Sure Your Insurance is Up To Date
Always keep your insurance up to date and paid, and make sure you have coverage for storm damage. Many insurance companies like to play fast and loose with their terms, such as the difference between flood water damage from natural disasters or water damage caused by a storm because your roof is now laying in your neighbor's yard.
The type of damage your home can suffer will be defined in your policy. Your policy could include wind damage coverage but exclude hail storm damage. You don't want your claim rejected because of a technicality, so always go the extra mile in understanding your insurance contract and what type of damage it covers.
You will need to take photos of your damaged property for insurance purposes, but what if some of it washed away and is unrecoverable? Take photos of valuable items you can claim on insurance should they become lost or damaged during a storm before a disaster happens. This way, you won't have so many issues claiming everything you are owed.
Protect Your Important Documents
Documents are often lost or destroyed during storms, floods, and fires, which can create bottlenecks to putting your life back together. Store copies of your most important paperwork with friends or relatives you trust or invest in a fireproof and waterproof safe that will ensure vulnerable papers, documents, photos, and other valuable items make it through the storm unscathed.
How to Protect Yourself Against Different Types of Wind Damage
Much of the damage left in the wake of a storm is caused by the gale-force winds that accompany the driving rain. Wind damage accounts for almost 50% of the destruction in the lower 48 states in the U.S.
Storms produce straight-line winds, which are winds that blow straight across the ground. Any wind speed that exceeds 50-60 mph is considered a damaging wind, and they are more frequently produced by severe thunderstorms rather than tornadoes or hurricanes.
Storm winds may not be as intense as tornadoes or hurricanes, but they can still cause significant damage with flying debris, falling large trees and branches, and removing roofs. While you may not be able to get your home through the storm completely undamaged, there are things you can do to mitigate it.
Secure Your Outdoor Items
A lawn chair hurtling at 60 mph is a deadly weapon and will do severe damage to anything it collides with, especially windows and people. Protect your property and that of your neighbors by securing any loose outdoor items as soon as you receive a storm warning or see one approaching. Also, secure your storage shed and other outdoor structures as well.
Reinforce Vulnerable Areas
Garage doors often bear the brunt of storm damage due to high-pressure situations that can dislodge them from their tracks. Keep some strong braces by the garage door to reinforce it against strong winds, or consider replacing it with a stronger, more durable model.
Maintain Your Landscaping
Keep an eye on your garden and landscaping. Large old trees should be checked for dead branches and removed as necessary. Rake up your garden debris and dispose of it properly to minimize wind damage. Trees are at risk of getting blown over when wind speeds reach between 64 - 75 mph. Wind speeds over 75 mph are considered hurricane-force winds and are powerful enough to damage buildings on their own.
What to Do After the Storm
Survey the area for safety and check for fallen power lines, wild animals, and standing water that may be electrically charged.
Check the plumbing inside and outside your home and shut off the water supply. Don't drink tap water after a severe storm, especially if there has been flooding unless you have the all-clear from your local health department. Use bottled water or boil any water you plan to consume.
Examine your roof for damage, but don't risk your safety by climbing up onto the roof yourself. A professional storm damage restoration service will have the skills and tools to perform a thorough inspection safely.
If your roof is damaged and leaking, the storm damage restoration team will perform a temporary fix to prevent further damage to your home's interior.
Disconnect any appliances exposed to water and don't use them until they have been checked or you have replaced them with new ones. Call an electrician if you notice any exposed wires. Exterior breaker boxes are designed to take a beating but may become waterlogged during a severe storm. If you suspect there is moisture in your breaker box, always have it checked out by a qualified professional.
Storms regularly cause flooding; in which case you will need a professional storm restoration service to restore your property and any water-damaged furniture. Everything absorbent, like carpet, upholstered furniture, and drapes will need to be examined or discarded, depending on how long they were submerged. Throw out all your medications if they have gotten wet, and don't forget to take photos for insurance purposes.
Don't wait to find out whom you can work with after the fact. Get to know your storm damage restoration service now, so you know who you can call and trust to help you get your life back on track after disaster strikes.
Best Option Restoration - Thornton
(720) 620-3272
Water · Fire · Mold · Storm
BORestoration-Thornton.com
