Crucial Steps To Take After A Storm Hits Your Home

 In the past years, many Americans have experienced brutal weather situations that have caused severe damage to their homes. For example, hurricane damage is most common in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. On average, storm damage can cost about $9,800, which can cause a serious dent in your finances. Figuring out your next steps after a storm damages your home can be overwhelming if you don't know your first steps toward a solution. Fortunately, with careful planning, these tips can help you return your home to a state of normalcy.

1. Remain Alert After Storm Damage

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It is best to stay safe and sound during heavy storms. But even after the storm dies, you must continue to be alert, especially since the aftermath of a storm can increase injury risks. It also leaves you glass, exposed wires and nails, and weak walls that can easily collapse, making your home a dangerous place to be. It's also prudent to stay away from power lines that fell due to the storm. Most of them are extremely dangerous and still have electricity in them. Instead, alert emergency services when you see a downed power line in your neighborhood. You must also be on the lookout for gas smell and shut off valves to prevent explosions or gas inhalations.

2. Contact Your Insurance Agent

Once the storm passes and you've taken photos of the damage around your home, you must contact your insurance agent as quickly as possible and file a claim. It's also good to review your insurance policy to know what damages it covers. Many homeowners' insurance policies don't cover weather damage, but you can purchase new policies that cover all these circumstances. Nonetheless, you must contact you insurance agent and share your pictures with them and any required documentations they might need. Once you do, your insurance company will assess your damage and make an offer. It would be best to get legal help to help you throughout the process to ensure you get the best deal possible.

3. Prevent Further Damages

When a storm damages your home, it can expose you to further damage in the home and create many problems. Broken windows and doors can make way for pests to invade your home. Therefore, ensure that you cover all broken windows and doors with a tarp or plywood until you seek professional help. If your home is in extremely poor condition, it would be better to move out. You can choose to live at a nearby hotel to move in temporarily with family or friends until your home is safe to live in again.

Living in areas prone to extreme-weather conditions can put your home at risk of getting severely damaged when the weather becomes bad. Ensure that you opt for an insurance policy that covers bad weather damage to protect your home and assets. With these tips, you should get your home back in shape.