Hurricane Season 2020: What To Do After The Storm
Staff
Now that we’re in the middle of hurricane season, it’s important to know both how to prepare for a storm and what to do immediately after you’ve been hit. Keep in mind that just because the storm has passed doesn’t mean there is no danger. After a hurricane, you may have to deal with debris, flooding, and property damage. Here are some essential tips for post-hurricane first steps:
- If you were required to evacuate, do not return home until the authorities deem it safe.
- Avoid any hazards such as downed trees, power lines, etc, and report them to the relevant authorities.
- Avoid walking or standing in any floodwaters as they may pose a risk of electrocution. If possible, turn off the electricity in your home at the breaker box prior to entering the home, especially if there’s a lot of standing water.
- If your home is still uninhabitable, board up the windows and doors to prevent vandalism while repairs are scheduled/conducted.
- Inspect your house for gas leaks. If you suspect a leak or there’s a broken gas line, stay away from the house until the utility company has a chance to inspect and resolve it.
- Carefully document any damage by taking multiple photos of your property. Contact your insurance adjuster but avoid making permanent changes until they’ve had a chance to review the damage. In the interim, conduct whatever temporary repairs are required to prevent any further damage (e.g putting a tarp over a destroyed roof).
- Keep a record of all expenses incurred (bills and receipts) in the cleanup process.
- Make an inventory of damaged items. Include a description of the item, name of the manufacturer, brand name, age, as well as the place and date of purchase, if known. Include photographs, videotapes, or personal property inventories you may already have available.
The period after a hurricane/storm can be an extremely stressful one. At H2O Drying Solutions, we work with a number of insurance companies, we offer quick service to help you deal with emergencies, and we serve both North Carolina and South Carolina. Call H20 Drying Solutions at (877) 251-1751.
