Flood Restoration Tips: What to Do After a Storm

For those who live in an area that could be affected by a storm, there is a risk of water damage to the home, especially if it is in a flood zone. Flood restoration can be overwhelming. The following is a guide to help homeowners through the storm cleanup process.

Make an insurance claim

One of the first things you should do after safely returning home is to file a claim with the insurance company. They will want an overview of the property damage. The insurance company, depending on the level of destruction, should get back in touch within a few days.

Have an insurance adjuster look at the damage

After filing a claim, be sure to have an adjuster visit the property to assess the problems. They will determine if the problems were caused by wind or water. This decision will greatly affect what the agency will cover. For example, if a homeowner does not have flood insurance as part of their policy and the problems were caused by water invading the home, they may have to fight to get flood restoration damage covered. This is because the insurance company may try to say that the water in the house was the result of a flood instead of flood water.

Document all damage

Before doing any repairs, be sure to document all the destruction done to the property. This includes the destruction of furniture, floors, walls, ceilings, etc. Also, if the water has risen significantly, be sure to make a note so things like the electrical system can be checked as well. Take photos and video of any structural destruction, as well as any content that has been affected.

Take steps to prevent further damage

Water damage can continue to cause problems as it settles. After making an insurance claim, it is important to make temporary home repairs to avoid further problems. If the roof is compromised, cover the area with a tarp or some type of sturdy cover. Broken windows and doors should be covered with plywood. If it is too dangerous to make these temporary repairs, hire a service. Be sure to save receipts for this job to recover costs.

Keep undamaged doors and windows open as often as possible to ventilate the air and allow the house to dry out. This is crucial to prevent mold growth.

Schedule permanent repairs

Once everything has been assessed, the next step is to start scheduling the repair job. If the area was hit hard by a storm, it might be necessary to wait. Also, be sure to work with a reputable contractor. After a crisis like a storm, fake contractors show up and try to take advantage of vulnerable storm victims. This often results in poor quality work that will need to be replaced.

Storm and flood restoration can be significant and overwhelming. Taking everything step by step will help ease the process. Be sure to keep in constant contact with the insurer and do not make any permanent repairs until all evaluations have been completed.