There have been several hurricanes that have affected the United States in recent years. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused widespread damage in Texas and Louisiana. The storm was the costliest hurricane in American history, with damages estimated at $125 billion.
In 2018, Hurricane Florence caused significant flooding in North Carolina. The storm killed dozens of people and caused billions of dollars in damage. More recently, Hurricane Michael caused extensive damage in Florida and Alabama. The storm was the strongest hurricane ever to hit the continental United States. As climate change continues to generate more extreme weather events, it is crucial that we are prepared for future hurricanes.
A hurricane can be devastating to an area, causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. The high winds and flooding associated with a hurricane can result in loss of life and widespread destruction.
In addition, a hurricane can cause long-term economic harm to a region as businesses are forced to close, and workers are displaced. It can also create environmental problems as contaminated water and debris are left behind in the storm’s aftermath. Finally, a hurricane can lead to social issues as families are separated and communities are disrupted. It can also lead to individual household problems such as repair.
It’s better to know what to do and never do it than not know what to do when it happens. This should be a principle you should follow especially if you’re living in a state that’s prone to hurricanes. Here’s what you need to know when repairing your home after a storm.
Assess the Damage
The first step is to assess the damage. It’s good to look around your home right now to see what it looks like before a hurricane. It’s a good benchmark that’ll remind you of what your home should look like after a hurricane.
Assessing the damage is all about checking the details. Make a list of the damage and take pictures or videos. This will help with insurance claims and repairs.
Remove Debris
The next step is to remove debris from your property. This includes branches, leaves, and other objects that the hurricane may have blown around.
Be careful when removing debris, as it can be dangerous. Wear gloves and goggles when working with debris to protect yourself from injuries.
If you have a lot of debris, you may want to hire a professional cleanup crew to help remove it. This is especially true if the debris is large or hazardous.
Protect Your Home
Once you have removed the debris from your property, it’s time to protect your home from further damage. If your home has been damaged by the hurricane, there are several things you can do to protect it from other harm.
Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage
If your home has sustained wind damage, you should cover any broken windows with plywood or storm shutters. This will prevent further damage from wind and rain. If your home has sustained water damage, you should take steps to dry out the area and prevent mold growth. You should also remove any wet carpet or furniture from your home to prevent mold growth.
If you have a lot of damage, you may want to hire a professional contractor to make repairs. This is especially true if the damage is extensive or if you are not comfortable making repairs yourself.
Check your pipes
Pipes can be considerably damaged when a storm hits, and it’s in your best interest to check them when you can. If your pipes are damaged, make temporary repairs using tape or a clamp. If you can’t make repairs, turn off your water supply until the pipes can be fixed.
Be careful when turning on your water supply after a hurricane. There may be contaminants in the water that can cause sickness. It’s best to wait until the water has been tested and cleared for use.
Hire a contractor for permanent repairs
If the damage to your home is too extensive for you to repair, you may want to hire a contractor. Contractors can be hired to do everything that needs to be done after a hurricane. A good tip for roofs is that if your roof is severely damaged, it’s better to hire a local commercial roof restoration service. They are much cheaper than any other roof service out there. Make sure to get their number before a hurricane hits your city.
Another tip is to shop around and get quotes from multiple contractors before hiring one. You should also ask for references and check them thoroughly.
These are just some of the things you need to do when repairing your home after a hurricane. Make sure you take care of yourself and your property in the aftermath of a storm. Stay safe!
File for insurance claims
Lastly, don’t forget to file for insurance claims. The average cost of storm repair is around $10,000. That’s a lot of money, and filing for insurance claims will help you cover the cost of repairs and the replacement of damaged items. Make sure to keep all receipts and documentation of the damage. This will come in handy when filing your claim.
When repairing your home after a hurricane, it’s important to take care of yourself and your property. Make a list of the damage and take pictures or videos. This will help with insurance claims and repairs. Remove debris from your property and protect your home from further damage. If you have a lot of damage, hire a professional contractor to make repairs. Check your pipes and hire a contractor for permanent repairs if necessary. Finally, file for insurance claims to cover the cost of repairs. By knowing these things, you’re ready for any storm that may hit your property.
