Recovering From Storm Damage

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

A Severe & Damaging Storm can Happen at Anytime

Storm Damage – What Steps to Take Immediately

Take These Steps if Your Home Suffers Storm Damage

Storm damage, from Texas Storms, can occur spontaneously and can cause extensive damage to your home. Heavy rains can result in flooding, while high winds produce roof damage and downed trees.  After storms safety and health hazards abound.  Having a plan, or a strategy to deal with the potential damage will help in the readiness to take steps immediately after the storm.

Safety Precautions are a Must

Physical hazards, from high winds and rain, including collapsed or blown roofing materials, broken windows, crumpled walls or standing water.  Moisture soaked furniture, carpeting, and building materials are the ideal breeding environment for mold and the resulting health effects. When inspecting your home at night, use a flashlight instead of a candle (or anything with an open flame). This will alleviate the risk of a fire or explosion from a damaged gas line.  Immediately shut off the main gas line, especially if the smell of gas is in the air. Be careful of broken glass, unprotected nails, and other protruding objects. Always assume that downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Stay at least 10 feet away and alert the police and utility company.

Contact a SERVPRO of Northeast Collin County / Greenville at (972)548-6044 with planning questions.  We can provide the basic tasks and information to secure your property and make it safe until we can get there. If necessary, begin the process of arranging housing alternative for you and your family to live while your property is being restored to a safe living condition.

Steps to Take After Storm Damage

Photograph the Damage – take more pictures than you think you will need.  You need extensive documentation. Only if it’s safe to move around your property.  You can use your cellphone or a camera to photograph the damage.  The photographs will be a record for your insurance company, allowing for full compensation.

Contact Your Insurance Company – Reach out to your insurance agent to notify them about the damage immediately. This will start the paperwork and the insurance company can schedule an adjustor to determine the extent of the damage so that payment for repairs can be made.

Federal Disaster Assistance – If the damage is extensive, consider federal disaster assistance. The federal government may have declared the area, affected by the storm, as a disaster area.  This designation makes the area eligible for low-cost loans to assist in property restoration.

When a storm-related disaster occurs, an overwhelming feeling may come over you, but these steps will alleviate some of the stress.  You can and will get back to normal. At SERVPRO of Northeast Collin County / Greenville, we provide 24-hour emergency disaster service and storm damage restoration. We specialize in the stabilization and restoration of homes and businesses that have suffered small or large loss from water, flood, wind, storm, fire damage, and smoke disaster.  (972)548-6044

After Rising Flood Waters – What to Do

After Rising Flood Waters, What Do I Do?

You watched as the rain and wind persisted and the water rose, eventually inundating your home with water.  You may or may not have had to evacuate.  This is a devastating situation and knowing what to do after the water has receded is difficult and often confusing.  At SERVPRO of Northeast Collin County / Greenville, we are here to make things easier and provide some valuable information.  We understand your stress and we hope this information helps.  Just in case you have more questions after reading this, call us at (972)548-6044.

We recommend taking the following steps with the utmost precaution and be safety conscious at all times:

Upon Returning to Your Home

• Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter tank.
• Do not enter your home after it has flooded until local building officials have inspected it for safety.
• Wear sturdy shoes. The most common injury following a disaster is cut feet.
• Use ONLY battery-powered lighting. Flammable material may result in flash fires.
• Keep a keen eye out for fire hazards.
• Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave your home.
• Report broken utility lines immediately to the appropriate authorities.
• Check for electrical system damage (sparks, broken or frayed wires, or the smell of burning insulation). Turn off the main circuit breaker only if it can be reached without stepping in water.
• Evaluate walls, floors, doors, windows, and ceilings for the potential of a collapse risk.
• Let the home air out to remove foul odors or escaping gas.
• Pictures, Pictures, Take a lot of pictures of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Collin County / Greenville (972)548-6044