Checklist for Storm Damage Cleanup: 10 Certain Steps to Recovery

If a major storm has wreaked havoc on your home or business, you're probably feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. It's natural to feel this way when the aftermath is so chaotic. But there's so much to do! How will you know where to start? And how will you remember everything that needs done? The first thing you must do is call a professional storm damage restoration company such as Flood Professionals, Inc. to take care of all the damage to your property.

In this article, we want to help you take some of the guesswork out of figuring out what needs to be done by offering these 10 important steps for cleaning up your property after a major storm. We hope this informational article will make the process go more smoothly and ease the burden on you during this difficult time.

Certain Steps For Storm Damage Cleanup

It's time to go to work when the rain stops, the winds calm down, and the sky clear. As you begin the cleaning process, you want to ensure that the property is safe. Call your insurance provider right now and perform the following ten steps.

1. EVALUATE THE EXTERIOR DAMAGES OF YOUR HOUSE: Inspect the outside of your property and prioritize what needs to be done first. Inspect the windows, gutters, and downspouts as well as the roof. Examine the siding for any deterioration that might let moisture into the walls.
2. INSPECT THE PORCHES AND YARDS: Look for fallen tree branches that might be a hazard near electricity lines or endanger your home's roof and windows. Check decks, railings, and steps surrounding porches and patios, and secure any weak fences.
3. CHECK THE OUTSIDE CONNECTION: Examine the water, gas, and electric lines in your home. If you suspect a problem with a utility, call the city right once. Check if heavy outdoor equipment, such as the AC unit or the swimming pool's electrical system, is still operating safely.
4. CHECK FOR LEAKS IN THE ATTIC: Flashing and shingle issues may not be visible, so search for evidence of roof leaks within the attic. Wet insulation and wet patches on beams are unmistakable signs of a storm-damaged roof.
5. FOLLOW THE MOISTURE INSIDE: Following a heavy rain, moisture in the attic can migrate down into your home's structure and crawl spaces, allowing mold and mildew to form. Examine the walls and ceilings for discoloration, paying specific attention to electrical outlets and light fixtures. Begin drying wet sheetrock as soon as feasible.
6. TAKE PICTURES AND MAKE NOTES: Take photographs of everything on your storm damage cleanup checklist and make notes as well. Include repair estimates, replacement cost estimates, and cleaning supply invoices.
7. NOTHING SHOULD BE THROWN AWAY: Things that cannot be restored should not be discarded. In the yard, stack destroyed furniture, appliances, possessions, and samples of saturated sheetrock, carpet, and flooring. All of this assists to demonstrate to your adjuster the scope of your loss.
8. SECURE YOUR PROPERTY: Secure damaged doors and board up shattered windows to protect your property. Only a few insurance policies cover vandalism or extra storm damage that might have been avoided if the house had been secured.
9. BE PREPARED FOR THE ADJUSTER: Using your smartphone or tablet, organize your digital photographs, documents, and storm damage cleanup checklist. When the adjuster begins his examination, your information aids in ensuring a fair and accurate evaluation. Be patient as the examination process might take many hours.
10. CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED STORM DAMAGE CLEANUP COMPANY: Storm damage cleanup on flooded property necessitates the use of specialized equipment to guarantee that every inch is dry. If your home has been abandoned for an extended period of time, mold remediation may be required, since certain forms of mold may grow in a matter of hours. While you may help remove items that were not damaged by the storm, it is better to leave matters like assessing whether or not your carpet can be saved to a professional. The amount of destruction that even a short storm can cause is mind-boggling. However, it is feasible to clean it all up and salvage the majority of your stuff. You will get your property looking as good as new in no time if you keep safety in mind and work with a competent storm damage cleanup crew.

A Storm Damage Cleanup Company Serving Florida

Flood Professionals, Inc. has been one of Florida's most dependable storm damage cleanup businesses for over 30 years. We service a wide range of residential and commercial properties across Miami-Dade County, including Miami, Miami Beach, and Homestead. We take pleasure in offering dependable and skilled storm damage cleanup services suitable for almost any assignment. We will deal with your insurance providers directly, including direct invoicing, so you will not have to worry about payments. This helps to alleviate the tension and worry that often accompany storm damage cleanup and restoration projects.

Contact Flood Professionals, Inc. at 305-697-9080 today for 24 hour storm damage cleanup, fire damage restoration, or mold remediation along with any of our other services or get an instant quote from our website. Our storm damage restoration company will get to your Florida home or business in 30 to 60 minutes.

Learn more about 6 Steps for Proper Water Removal & Home Restoration here.