Following a major storm, dealing with the damage can seem overwhelming. Unfortunately, failure to act properly and promptly can make matters worse. The following are the first few steps to take after the storm so you can mitigate damage and ensure that repairs can be completed promptly.

#1: Take photos of everything

First and foremost, walk through your property with a camera and take a photograph of your home from every angle. Make sure to get detailed photographs of all obvious damage, such as missing roof shingles, twisted siding, interior flooding, or tree damage. Your insurance agent may also send out an adjuster to take photographs, but depending on the scope of the storm it may be several days before they can arrive. This means some damage may already be under repair by the time the adjuster arrives, such as the removal of downed trees, so your photographs will be necessary to determine the true severity of the damages.

#2: Start the drying process

Flood damage is likely the worst damage, since it can lead to dangerous mold and rot if not addressed. As soon as possible following the storms, begin the water extraction process. You may need to use a shop-vac to begin the process as you await restoration services to arrive. Open windows and set up large fans to further speed drying. Anything that can be machine-dried, such as clothing, rugs, and curtains, should be washed and dried. Furniture and other items may need to be temporarily removed from the home and placed somewhere with better air circulation to further aid in drying.

#3: Make temporary repairs

After a large storm event you may not be able to have permanent repairs completed right away, simply because everyone else is also scheduling repairs. It's important to assess your damages and make sure temporary repairs are performed so further damage doesn't occur as you await the permanent fixes. For example, plan to have the roof tarped and any broken windows boarded. If you can't have a badly damaged tree removed right away, at least have the largest limbs cut off so they don't break off in the next storm. Many storm restoration services will send out crews to quickly perform temporary repairs so you can have peace of mind while you await more extensive work.

For more help, contact a storm restoration service in your area. They can help you determine the best course of action to take so you can save your home. 

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