Severe storms can potentially result in severe damage to your home, whether from heavy rain, strong winds, or other sources of harm. However, dealing with storm damage appropriately can make a major difference in both your personal safety and ensuring you get a good payout from your homeowners insurance. Here are five safety hints you should follow when you are dealing with storm damage:
- Do not enter your home unless you are sure it is safe to do so
- If your home has been significantly damaged as a result of a major storm, to the point where you were forced to leave, it may not be safe to re-enter right away. That is why you should make sure to avoid entering your home until you are certain it is safe to do so. Otherwise, you could place yourself or your family at increased risk of harm.
- Beware flooding, and make sure to use protective gear
- Flood waters, whether the result of the storm itself or from a broken pipe, are potentially quite dangerous. They may conceal electrical wires, which may carry a current and electrocute you the moment you make contact with the water, or they may be contaminated with toxic chemicals. If you must enter an area with flood waters, make sure you are wearing appropriate protective gear to guard against electrocution or potential toxins.
- Shut off the electricity and gas if you are able
- Provided you are able to do so, you should shut off any electricity or gas to your home if it has suffered significant storm damage. This can help avoid the risk of accidental harm to you and your family, and reduces the risk of a fire from exposed wires or a gas leak. However, you should only do this if you can access the shutoffs for these utilities without placing yourself in harm’s way.
- Throw out items damaged by water
- Once the storm is over and you are ready to assess damage, make sure to record all items damaged by the storm, and throw out anything too waterlogged to save. This is because many items damaged by water can quickly grow mold, which can be dangerous to you and your family. While this may mean disposing of things you consider precious, it is better than placing your loved ones at risk.
- Make sure to have your home remediated
- You should make sure to have your home remediated after suffering significant storm damage, particularly if you suffered water damage. Mold and mildew can set in quickly otherwise, and normal cleaning will not prevent it from appearing. If you fail to remediate your home, you may suffer from mold problems long afterwards.
Anytime your home or other dwelling has been ruined or severely damaged, it is essential that you protect your property and the interest of your investment by enlisting the services of a Rubin and Rosen public adjuster. We can provide the assistance you need by helping you to work through the entire insurance process. If you want to make a property insurance claim and need assistance to obtain fair compensation for your losses, please give us a call at 718-376-6800 or visit our contact page.