Hurricane season is officially over, but that doesn’t mean the danger has passed. Even if you don’t live in an area prone to hurricanes, the severe weather can still wreak havoc on your home and property.
The most recent, Hurricane Ian, was a powerful tropical cyclone that caused significant damage and loss of life. It was the first major hurricane of the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season, and it became the second-costliest in United States history at $100 billion (USD).
Are you dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian? or any other sort of natural disaster, here are some steps to take:
Inspect Your Property
If trees or limbs are on top of your house after a hurricane, you should remove them as soon as possible. Check for structural damage, including broken windows and doors, cracks in walls and ceilings, collapsed chimneys, and other signs of structural weakness. Use all the resources you can get your hands on and if you see any signs of damage, contact a contractor immediately.
Assess the Damage
It’s important to keep an eye on your property after a storm to spot any problems before they get worse. A tree limb could fall anytime and cause serious damage if it lands on your roof or hits power lines overhead.
You should also check for mold growth inside the house if there were floodwaters during or after the storm. You may need professional help if there’s extensive mold growth or if it was caused by sewage backup or standing water in your basement or crawl space.
Stay Away From Downed Power Lines
Keep at least 25 feet away from any downed power lines you come across until utility workers arrive. It’s important if the wires are arcing or sparking because touching them could cause electrocution or serious burns. If you can’t walk away from the area without passing under or through the wires, call 911 immediately and wait for help to arrive before trying to move farther away from them yourself.
Get Temporary Shelter if Necessary
If your home is uninhabitable and you don’t have a place nearby where family members can stay while repairs are being made, consider renting a hotel room for a few days or staying with friends who live nearby until the storm has passed. Remember that once services have been restored, hotels may be able to offer discounted rates for evacuees from disaster areas like those impacted by hurricanes or tornadoes. Learn more
Take Photos
If applicable, take and save photos of the damage to your home and possessions, including the front door and garage. You can also take pictures of trees that have fallen on your property or cars in the driveway. These will help your insurance company estimate the amount of damage you suffered.
Contact Your Insurance Company as Soon as Possible
Contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible after the storm. Some companies will require you to file a claim before they send out an adjuster, but most should be able to send someone out within 24 hours of your call.
If you’re unsure what type of coverage you have and how much it might pay for repairs, talk with an independent insurance agent who can help you understand the different types of policies and their limitations.
Take Care of Yourself
The damage caused by a hurricane can be devastating. Taking care of yourself and your family first is important if you have been affected by a hurricane. Once you have taken care of yourselves, You can then go on to assess the damage and start cleaning up.
