WHAT HAPPENS DURING STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION

9/29/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage house

Step One: Ensure everyone is safe 

Severe storms can leave behind broken, disintegrated glass, roofs, ceilings, windows, and other hazards. It is critical that the first priority following a hurricane is ensuring that everyone is safe.

Generally, it’s your first time inspecting the property to assess the storm’s damage. While this is important, there are more critical precautions you must conduct.

First, confirm that there’s no threat of electrocution. This is more likely if flooding has occurred and down power lines are close to the property. If this is the case, stay away from the property until the power is cut.

If your roof appears unstable, evacuate from the house until professionals can inspect the structure. Actively watch out for things such as nails, sharp debris, and glass.

Most importantly, if the house smells of natural gas after the storm, notify the gas company immediately.

Ensuring everyone’s safety will always SERVPRO®? of Central Oklahoma City be the number one step that is a non-negotiable act after a storm’s passing.

Step Two: Guard the property

After taking the necessary safety precautions, your second step is to guard and secure the property.

Check for any broken windows, heavy leaks, and flooding. Board up any window that is still letting water in. Remove any valuable possessions that might be at risk. Remember, stagnant water is notorious for causing more severe problems. Also, water intrusion can lead to mold growth which can be life-threatening.

This step is overwhelming for most people. Reaching out to SERVPRO®? of Central Oklahoma City storm restoration team is your best option.

Step Three: Documentation of all storm damages 

After ensuring everyone is safe and the property is guarded, assessing the damage is the next step to storm damage restoration. This can be an emotional process but is vital for filing an insurance claim.

It is essential that documentation of all the storm’s damages is thorough. Taking pictures of both the exterior and interior of the property helps. Every photograph must be detailed.

If there are any major appliances or furniture that is broken, photograph them to help determine the replacement value. Documenting every damage to a property will make the insurance claims process more straightforward.

It is also vital to carefully inspect the property’s exterior as many damages can go unnoticed. Look for damage residing on roof shingles, siding, window frames, and outdoor HVAC units.

The documentation process may seem like a hassle and unnecessary, or even stressful, but it must be done to recover the correct amount of losses acquired.

Step Four: Partner with SERVPRO®? of Central Oklahoma City

Dealing with storm aftermath is challenging, not to mention the complicated procedure of processing your claims. When you hire SERVPRO®? of Central Oklahoma City we will assist the property’s damages accurately and aid in getting the property back to normal.

Working with a company with a strong reputation and positive public image is important. Ensure the organization has extensive knowledge regarding handling all types of damages that can arise because of a storm.