What to Do After a Storm Leaves Your Home Damaged | SERVPRO of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton
9/18/2023 (Permalink)
A storm can blow through and leave behind a wake of destruction so quickly it can feel like your head is spinning. Even if you were prepared for inclement weather, storms can barrel in stronger and faster then you could have imagined.
We all know Georgia weather can be all over the place, but spring and summer inevitably brings us plenty of rain, thunderstorms and even the occasional tornado. Our more southern counties can even see the tail end of tropical storms and hurricanes.
With the threat of thunderstorms an almost-daily thing in our warmer months, staying prepared can go a long way in preventing damage and protecting your family. But even when you were prepared and able to shelter safely, what do you do when the clouds roll out and your home is damaged?
Safety should always be the first priority as you decide on next steps. Take a deep breath and grab some shoes before you start assessing damages. As safely as you can, take a few steps to start a smooth recovery.
Once the initial threat of the storm is gone, you need to continue to keep a close eye out for any lingering lightning or heavy rain. Keep a way to get weather alerts nearby and charged in case another storm cloud rolls in and additional warnings are issued. Make sure you and your family members can get back to a safe sheltering location quickly.
If there is phone service, start calling you loved ones. If you don’t have cell service, text messaging may still work. You can also go and physically check on those around you. Avoid entering damaged buildings, but instead look for a safe and clear route to help anyone out. You can also work on clearing roadways if necessary to allow for emergency personnel to come in.
Take photos of your property and the damages, and call SERVPRO® of Dublin/Vidalia/Claxton. Our phone lines are open around the clock, so we can start your recovery the moment you call us.
As time passes and the storm continues to clear, the amount of work ahead of you will begin to become clear. Don’t let your guard down, though; you need to continue to watch for additional storms and to take other safety measures to avoid more disasters. Charge your cell phone if you are able or keep a battery-operated weather radio nearby, and wear proper shoes and other clothing to avoid stepping on loose nails, boards or anything else that can hurt you.
When our crew arrives at your property, preventing additional damages will be the first priority. Any part of your roof that has been damaged will be tarped, windows that are broken will be covered and any standing water will be removed. We want to ensure we can save as much of your property as possible. At SERVPRO, we work hand in hand with your insurance company to make your restoration process as easy as possible.
Depending on the amount of damages your property received, you may need to locate a safe place to stay for a while. Try to stay as calm as you can. Seeing your home damaged after a storm is devastating, but our professionals will work around the clock to make sure everything is put back together as fast as possible.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.