Pennsylvania is no stranger to summer storms. From heavy rains from a band of thunderstorms to destructive winds during hurricane season, this type of weather can cause severe damage to your property. Understanding what to do before a storm hits can help you with the repair process so you can restore things back to normal as quickly as possible. Not making the right decisions afterward can put your home, family, and wallet at risk. If you’ve experienced severe weather, follow these steps from the storm damage restoration experts at Restoration 1.
Steps to Take After Storm Damage
Severe weather can result in costly repairs. Insurance doesn’t always cover extensive storm damage or provide emergency relief during a catastrophic situation. If you know what repair steps to take, you can mitigate some of the damage, reduce stress, and ensure your home is restored to its pre-storm condition as soon as possible. Once the storm is over, it’s crucial to know what to do as well as what not to do. Below we highlight the most important steps to take after your property experiences storm damage.
Check Your Home for Damage
After the storm has passed, you should visually inspect the exterior of your home. Missing shingles or lost siding doesn’t immediately affect the structural integrity of your house. But dangers such as a fallen tree, extensive interior flooding, or collapsed walls can render your home uninhabitable. If these damages are present, it’s best to vacate your property and immediately call your insurance provider, the proper authorities, and a restoration company. Don’t return until your home has been deemed safe. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, immediately shut off the main gas line, open the windows, and go outside.
Review and Document the Damage
Before you contact your insurance company, it’s vital to document the damage. Photos and videos help the insurance adjuster assess the damage and also help the restoration company evaluate the scope of work and make plans for repair. Look for storm damage to your roof, gutters, windows, doors, siding, outdoor appliances, and interior flooding. The more documentation you provide, the faster the insurance claim process will go, and the quicker your home will be repaired.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
After you document the storm damage, contact your insurance company. When severe weather strikes, you should file a claim within 24 hours. Your provider will advise you on the next steps to take. The longer you wait, the slower the process will be, which could result in additional damage to your property. Remember to keep receipts for hotels or other temporary living expenses, as you’ll need these for your insurance claim. Your homeowner’s insurance provider will also provide you with a list of emergency restoration companies, like Restoration 1, to help you restore your home as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that some policies have windstorms, hail, and flooding from natural disasters exclusions.
Call a Professional Flood and Water Damage Restoration Company
It’s crucial to hire a trustworthy and reliable storm restoration company to help you restore your home. Don’t wait for your insurance company to process and approve your claim. As soon as you file, contact the experts at Restoration 1. Our team can take the responsibility off your shoulders. We have years of experience and the proper equipment to clean up and restore your home as fast as possible. Whether you’re facing minor damage or something more severe, know we are here to help.
The Flood and Water Damage Restoration Experts of Restoration 1
The storm damage restoration experts of Restoration 1 are here to support you when a disaster strikes your property. We specialize in restoring homes that have suffered extensive damage due to flooding, high winds, tropical storms, or hurricanes. We use the most advanced equipment combined with the latest technologies to ensure your home will be back up and running safely in no time. Contact us at (610) 890-4258 to learn more about our 24/7 emergency service and recovery options.
