Winter Storm Damage 101: What To Do After A Storm

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

As we have seen the unprecedented winter storm damages in Texas, it is clear that severe winter storms can occur at any time and can cause an immense amount of harm to your home.  Heavy snow or ice can cause flooding and powerful winds can cause roof damage and downed trees.  Some post-damage can create safety and health hazards as well, so having a plan to deal with the damage will help you to be ready to take steps immediately following the storm.  

• Take Safety Precautions

• Photograph the Damage

• Contact Your Insurance Company

• Contact Local Restoration Company

Take Safety Precautions

Heavy snow and rain can create physical hazards such as collapsed roofing materials, window damage, collapsed walls, or standing water in the basement or home interior. In addition, moisture can soak into furniture, carpeting, and building materials making the perfect environment for mold growth that can cause health effects. Shut off the main gas line if you smell gas. Beware of broken glass, exposed nails, and other sharp objects on the property. Contact your local SERVPRO Bethesda/Potomac and SERVPRO of SERVPRO of Chevy Chase / Silver Springto help do basic tasks to secure your property and make it safe to use. If necessary, arrange for an alternative place for you and your family to live while your property is being restored to safe living conditions.

Photograph the Damage

If it is safe to move around your property, use your cellphone or a camera to photograph the damage so that you will have a record for your insurance company. This action will ensure that you are fully compensated.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance agent to notify them about the damage to your home immediately. The company will send out an adjuster to determine the extent of the damage so that payment for repairs can be made.

Your Restoration Company

• Whether it is a business or residence, the restoration company will come to your property and their trained experts will do a thorough examination of the interior and exterior of your building. This will help them discover the level of the damage. In many cases, the restoration company will discuss the renovation plans with you and your insurance adjuster.
• When everything is agreed upon, the work begins. Depending on what type of damage is present, this will determine the type of equipment the professional will use. In the case of flooding, they will use specialized pumps and vacuums to remove water from the affected areas.
• Generators will be brought in to operate their dehumidifiers and air movers so mold and mildew do not have a chance to make matters worse. Using customized cleaners, the specialist will then disinfect hard surfaces and shampoo salvageable carpets as well as apply deodorant to combat any odors.

We hope that this guideline will help as we are navigating thought this though weather in Montgomery County. On behalf of our SERVPRO staff, we wish all fellow Texans health and safety during this time.