In 2022, extreme weather in the United States caused damages worth $165 billion, as reported by The Guardian. Dealing with the aftermath of a storm can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to cleaning up the destruction left around your house. It’s important to act quickly and safely to minimize further damage to your property and prevent any potential hazards to yourself and your family.
In this post, we will go over some tips on how to deal with the destruction left around your house after a storm.
Assess the Damage
The first step in dealing with storm damage is to assess the extent of the destruction. This will give you a clear idea of what needs to be done to start the cleanup process. Take a walk around your property, paying close attention to the roof, windows, doors, and any other structures that may have been damaged. Also, check for any fallen trees, limbs, or debris.
While reporting on the recent storms in California, NBC News highlighted that it’ll take a lot of time to fix the damages caused by them. This conclusion was reached by assessing the damages. You, too, have to do the same, although not in such an extensive manner.
Safety First
When dealing with storm damage, safety should be your top priority. Be mindful of any potential hazards, such as live electrical wires, broken glass, or unstable structures. If you come across any of these hazards, leave the area immediately and contact your local authorities for assistance.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
If your property has been damaged, it’s important to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Your insurance company will be able to guide you through the process of filing a claim and getting the necessary repairs done. Make sure to take plenty of photos and document any damage, as this will help with the claims process.
Clean Up Debris
Once you have assessed the damage and contacted your insurance provider, it’s time to start cleaning up the debris left around your house. This can be a challenging task, but it’s important to remove any fallen trees, limbs, or other debris as quickly as possible to prevent any further damage to your property. If you’re unable to remove the debris yourself, consider hiring a professional tree removal service.
Hire a professional tree service company for services like tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, etc. These companies offer quality service and quick response, meaning the professionals working at these companies will be at your property and get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Repair Damaged Structures
If any structures around your house have been damaged, such as your roof or windows, it’s important to repair them as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. If you’re unsure about how to make the repairs, consider hiring a professional contractor to get the job done.
Protect Your Home from Further Damage
Once you’ve assessed the damage and started the cleanup process, it’s important to protect your home from further damage. This may involve covering any broken windows or doors with plastic sheeting or boarding them up, as well as removing any damaged trees or limbs that may pose a threat.
Take Precautions to Prevent Mold
Storm damage can often lead to moisture buildup inside your home, which can result in mold growth. To prevent mold from growing, it’s important to dry out your home as quickly as possible. Open windows and doors to increase airflow, and consider using a dehumidifier to remove any excess moisture.
Get Help When You Need It
Dealing with the aftermath of a storm can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve suffered significant damage to your property. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. Contact your insurance provider, family, friends, or a professional contractor to get the support you need to get through the cleanup process.
CapRadio reported that the weather in California is likely to get worse as more storms are likely to hit in the near future. It’s likely that storms of similar intensity will hit other parts of the U.S. as well. Thus, you need to prepare yourself accordingly.
Dealing with the destruction left around your house after a storm can be a challenging and emotional process, but it’s important to act quickly and safely to minimize further damage to your property and prevent any potential hazards to yourself and your family.
By following the tips outlined in this post, you’ll be able to get through the cleanup process with ease and get your home back to its pre-storm condition as soon as possible.
