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Safe Storm Damage Cleanup: Expert Tips for Home Restoration After a Storm

storm damage cleanup

Dealing with storm damage is overwhelming, more often than not. Severe storms can leave your home in need of urgent repairs and cleanup, and most homeowners are not sure where to start.

RAM Restoration prepared a thorough guide packed with tips for storm damage cleanup, property damage assessment, and insurance claim filing.

Whether you’re dealing with floodwater removal, mold prevention, or storm debris cleanup, we made sure to provide comprehensive advice that will help you navigate the process efficiently and safely.

Safety Measures to Take Before Starting Storm Damage Cleanup and Repair

While you might be tempted to run inside your home to save your possessions, safety should be your priority. Here are immediate safety measures you should take to prevent injuries as you begin the storm damage cleanup process:

  • Wear protective gear: Hard hats, goggles, gloves, and sturdy boots are your best friends when dealing with storm damage repairs.
  • Watch out for electrical hazards: Stay away from downed power lines and wires. If possible, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse. Make sure to never touch any wires or electrical equipment if the ground is wet.
  • Beware of structural damage and instability: Inspect the exterior of your home for structural damage such as cracks, weakened support beams, or shifting foundations. Assume your roof, floors, and stairs are unsafe until inspected.
  • Be prepared for fires: Gas leaks and damaged electrical wiring are the main causes of fires after a home is damaged by a storm. Make sure to always keep at least two fire extinguishers nearby during the after storm cleanup of your home.
  • Prevent injuries: To prevent any injuries, make sure not to move any bulky objects on your own. Also, remember to take frequent breaks and drink water regularly.
  • Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: If you intend to use any gasoline-powered devices while carrying out storm damage repairs, make sure to keep them outdoors at all times. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, poisonous gas commonly released by gasoline-powered pumps, generators, and pressure washers.

Storm Damage Repair Assessment: Step-by-Step Guide for Assessing the Damage to Your Property

If you’d like your storm damage repairs to be efficient, you first need to assess your property. Here is what you should pay attention to:

  1. Damaged shingles: Check out if there are any pitted and bruised shingles due to hail damage.
  2. Lifted or missing shingles: Sometimes, storms do not only damage but they completely dislodge shingles, leaving parts of your roof exposed.
  3. Damaged gutters: Check if there are any bent, dented, or detached gutters as they can lead to water damage.
  4. Shattered panes: Severe storms often damage window panes due to strong winds or flying debris.
  5. Broken window frames: Just like panes, your window frames may be broken, so make sure to inspect them as well.
  6. Cracks and holes: Look for any cracks and holes in the exterior of your home.
  7. Cracked tiles: Examine roof or floor tiles for cracks, as they can also be easily damaged by hail or flying debris.
  8. Dented siding: Check your home’s siding for any dents and dings.
  9. Chipping and discoloration: Although this may not be a major concern, the sides of your house may be discolored, or the paint may crack.
  10. Attic water damage: Make sure to check your roof and attic thoroughly. If you’re missing any shingles, water will likely start seeping into your attic.
  11. Wall and ceilings: Have a look at your walls and ceilings. If you notice any dark spots or new water stains, you may be dealing with roof leaks.
  12. Basement leaks: Basements often flood after heavy rains, so make sure to check for any water marks or water damage.
  13. Check essential systems: Inspect your HVAC units, electrical wiring, and plumbing for any signs of damage.

Once you assess the damage to your home, you’ll need to document everything to file insurance claims. Take clear photos and videos of all the damage you find. Capture both wide shots and close-ups.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage. Ask for instructions on what to expect during the claims process and how to proceed with storm damage cleanup and repairs.

The majority of insurance policies cover storm damage repairs. It is recommended to hire professional storm cleanup contractors, as they will not only handle the repairs more efficiently but also have experience working with insurance claims.

Some contractors and companies offer emergency storm cleanup services, and they are available 24/7 for emergencies. If your home is severely damaged, make sure to find a company that can help you right away.

Storm Damage Cleanup Tips and Restoration Advice

Okay, now you’re ready for the toughest part – cleaning and storm damage restoration.

We recommend that you start by identifying hazardous materials such as chemicals, batteries, and electronics and then separate them for proper disposal. Doing so will prevent further contamination and ensure a safe storm damage cleanup process.

Also, you’ll want to tackle your roof right away if it was damaged. Use a heavy-duty tarp to cover exposed areas to prevent further damage. This is only a temporary measure until you hire a storm restoration company or a contractor who can carry out professional repairs.

After these initial steps, you should work on clearing debris, removing floodwater, preventing mold growth, and disinfecting your home in general.

Clearing Debris after Storm Damage

When clearing debris, it’s important to work from the top down and from the outside in so you don’t get trapped or cause further damage. If you have to deal with large debris, such as trees, make sure to wear protective gear and use properly maintained tools such as chainsaws or pruning shears.

Storm tree cleanup should begin with removing smaller branches and progress to larger ones. Avoid working near power lines. If the trees are too large, it is recommended to hire storm cleanup contractors, as they have all the expertise and tools needed for a safe storm damage tree clean up.

Managing Floodwater

Floodwater doesn’t pose a health risk if your skin comes in contact with it. If you have any open cuts or sores, try to protect them and keep them as clean as possible. Do keep in mind that you shouldn’t eat or drink anything that comes in contact with floodwater, as it can contain dangerous bacteria that can cause diseases.

The most efficient way to remove floodwater from home is by using pumps or wet vacuums. If you don’t have any of those, start by using buckets to extract as much water as possible. Then, use towels and mops to absorb the remaining moisture.

After all floodwater has been removed, it is recommended to dry out the area by using fans, dehumidifiers, or simply opening windows to improve airflow and prevent mold growth.

Preventing Mold Growth

The key to preventing mold is acting quickly. Ideally, you should clean out all the water and dry your home within 48 hours.

Thoroughly clean all wet surfaces and furniture with a mix of hot water and laundry or dish detergent. Any items that can’t be cleaned or dried quickly should be thrown away, such as mattresses for example.

If your walls have been contaminated with sewage or floodwater, make sure to remove and discard drywall and insulation.

Last but not least, don’t panic if you notice mold forming in your home! You can remove surface mold with a mix of 1 cup of household bleach with 1 gallon of water. But, if you suspect that mold has creeped in behind your walls, then we’d suggest professional mold removal services.

Storm Cleanup and Disinfection Tips

Even though it was mentioned before, any item inside your home that’s had contact with floodwater should be disinfected. Here’s how to disinfect your home properly:

The best DIY disinfectant is a bleach solution. Combine 1 cup bleach per gallon of water to clean all hard surfaces, such as countertops, floors, and walls. Always wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation when using bleach.

Steam cleaning is recommended for soft surfaces such as furniture and carpets if they aren’t too damaged. Steam is the only way to remove contaminants thoroughly.

Remember that anything that has been exposed to floodwater, including pillows, mattresses, toys, and even clothes, could carry germs. All salvageable clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothing, and everything else should be disinfected with steam or bleach.

Once you’re done cleaning, wash up with soap and water, especially if you were exposed to floodwater. If you start feeling weak, nauseous, or sick, seek medical attention immediately.

Storm Damage Restoration: Filing Insurance Claims & Hiring Storm Repair Contractors

Dealing with storm damage repairs and cleanup is tough. Also, adding the complexities of insurance claims to the mix can be slightly overwhelming. Here’s what you should do to ensure an efficient storm damage restoration process.

How to File an Insurance Claim Efficiently

As already mentioned, the first step is documenting the damage with clear photos and videos. You should contact your insurance company and provide them with the documentation as soon as possible.

Always keep records of communications with your insurer, including copies of all emails and text messages. This will ensure you get the coverage you need for your storm damage repairs.

Finding Reputable Storm Damage Repair Companies

Yes, you can definitely carry out some of the repairs yourself. But, there’s no need to do that, especially since your insurance likely covers the repairs.

Unfortunately, when disaster strikes, there are always fraudulent contractors looking to take advantage of homeowners in distress. To avoid scams, be cautious of door-to-door solicitors. Also, avoid contractors who demand full payment upfront. A reasonable down payment is not unusual, but the majority of the payment should be after the work is done.

Last but not least, get everything in writing. All agreements including the scope of work, timelines, and payment schedules should be in a written contract.

Here are some tips to ensure you’re working with reputable storm repair contractors:

  1. Check their credentials: Make sure that the contractor is licensed and insured.
  2. Read online reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to ensure you’re working with a reliable contractor.
  3. Get multiple estimates: Don’t settle for the first estimate you receive. Get at least three estimates to compare prices and services offered.
  4. Ask for references: A reputable contractor should provide references you can contact.

For severe damage, look for contractors offering emergency storm cleanup services. These professionals are available 24/7 and can start immediate repairs to prevent further damage. They are experienced in handling urgent situations and can secure your home quickly.

Choose RAM Restoration for Your Emergency Storm Damage Repairs

RAM Restoration stands out as a trusted name in storm damage restoration. With years of experience and a team of certified professionals, we offer comprehensive services that cover everything from initial assessment to complete restoration.

Our team is equipped to handle all aspects of storm damage cleanup, ensuring your home is safe and secure. We also have extensive experience in working with insurance claims, helping you navigate the process smoothly and efficiently.

Most importantly, we’re available 24/7 for emergencies with a 15-minute dispatch guarantee after your initial call. So, do not hesitate to contact us any time of the day!

Handling Storm Cleanup and Repairs: Key Takeaways

Handling storm damage can seem overwhelming, but with structured steps and expert help, it’s entirely manageable.

Always put safety first. Make sure to avoid any electrical hazards, as well as parts of your home that suffered structural damage.

Thoroughly document all the damage for your insurance company. Also, don’t forget to record copies of all conversations with your insurer.

Even though you can probably handle some basic repairs, opting for professional assistance will streamline the storm damage repair process. Also, storm damage repair contractors will not only provide restoration services, but also invaluable support with insurance claims.