How to Safely Assess Storm Damage to Your Property

12/16/2024 (Permalink)

After a storm, property owners must check their homes for signs of damage or work with contractors who specialize in storm damage cleanup. It can be tempting to assume everything is alright after a storm, but if there are any leaks in your property, they should not be ignored—areas of properties that leak could potentially lead to worse problems like mold shortly. 

How To Assess Your Property For Storm Damage

First and foremost, safety should always be a priority. After a property is damaged due to a storm, you must be careful when walking through it. Any immediate hazards, like broken windows or structural damage, need to be handled first. You should also contact your insurance company after a storm damages your property. The best thing to do is hire a professional team of contractors to inspect your property professionally for signs of damage. This is best for your safety and insurance claims.  

Addressing Hidden Storm Damage

Obvious signs of damage, like broken windows or structural damage, are easy to notice, catalog, and address. Storms often leave invisible damage that you might overlook on your own. While you may have noticed all the damage, there might be more damage, especially regarding water damage. Water can get into your floors, siding, and insulation and lead to mold growth in the future. Working with contractors specializing in water damage cleanup is essential to check for these problems. 

Documenting Storm Damage For Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often require documentation about damage for insurance claims. Photographs and videos taken immediately after a storm of damage are a good place to start. A detailed inventory or list of items damaged due to the storm is also essential for your insurance company. Suppose your water damage cleanup team needs temporary repairs to prevent further damage. In that case, it is essential to keep a record of what repairs were made and the condition of those areas of your property before repairs are done. Finally, you should keep records of receipts from any contractors that help you mitigate the damage. 

Water Damage Cleanup Teams in Washington County, RI

Here at SERVPRO of Washington County, we specialize in helping property owners with storm damage cleanup. For many of our clients, this is their first time dealing with water damage, and the process can seem overwhelming. Our team helps keep things simple while also providing high-quality water damage cleanup.