Natural disasters come suddenly in our lives and sometimes cause a lot of damage. Hurricane is one such natural disaster that can cause a lot of damage to our homes and property. To deal with the damage caused by the storm, we need to take some important steps so that we can return to normal life as soon as possible. With the right information and preparation, we can face this difficult time in a better way. We should have a clear plan that helps us move forward.
After the storm, first of all we should take stock of our surroundings and see where the damage has occurred. This will help us understand what things we need to fix. It is also important that we take care of our and our family’s safety. It is very important to stay calm at this time so that we can take the right decision. We should also help our neighbors because each other’s support is very important in times of trouble.
It is very important to work by making a right plan to recover from the damage caused by the storm. For this, we should follow six important steps which will help us get out of this difficult time. With the help of these steps, we can bring our home and property back to normal condition as soon as possible. These steps also help in ensuring our safety. Efforts made in the right direction will help us return to normal life soon.
Immediately after the storm, the first thing to do is to check the safety of your home. Check the electrical wires and gas pipeline thoroughly. In case of any dangerous situation, contact emergency services for immediate help. Follow the safety instructions issued by the local administration. Pay attention to the advice of experts and work according to their instructions.
It is very important to turn off the water and electricity supply. This can prevent any major accident. Be careful of broken objects and fallen trees around your house. Never walk in water as it may contain electric current. Wear safety gloves before picking up dangerous objects.
Cover broken windows and doors immediately so that rainwater does not enter. Make arrangements to drain out the water accumulated inside the house so that the floor does not get damaged. Use waterproof sheets for temporary repairs. Do not go to rooms with weak walls and ceilings.
Keep children away from dangerous places and explain to them what to do. Gather all the family members at a safe place and plan ahead. Divide the work by forming small teams. Explain to everyone their responsibilities.
It is very important to prepare a complete report of the damage caused by the storm. Check the roof, walls and floor thoroughly. Note every small and big damage and take its pictures. Write the details of the damage in a diary. Also make a video recording which can be useful later.
Make a checklist to accurately estimate the damage. This will help you know which things need to be repaired. It is also important to show it to the insurance company. Make a list of work based on priority. Estimate the estimated time and cost for each work.
Also inspect the things outside the house like vehicle, garden and boundary wall. If a tree or a big branch has fallen somewhere, note it down. Also check if the roots of the trees are uprooted. Also talk to people nearby and get information about their losses.
Keep all important documents and valuables in a safe place. Make arrangements to separate and dry the items wet due to rain. Keep a list of valuable items. Keep the bill and warranty card safely along with the photo of the damage.
Inform your insurance company immediately and start the claim process. Give the insurance agent complete information about the loss and keep all the necessary documents ready. Always keep the insurance policy number and contact information with you. Keep a written record of all conversations.
Make photographs and videos of the damage before the insurance company surveyor arrives. This will ease the claim process and you will get proper compensation. Walk with the surveyor yourself and show all the damage. Draw their attention to every small and big damage.
Fill the claim form carefully and write all the necessary information correctly. Avoid any kind of mistake as this may delay the claim. Gather all the necessary documents before filling the form. Get the form checked by an experienced person. Stay in regular contact with the insurance company and keep getting information about the process. If any additional documents are asked for, provide them immediately. Note the time and date of each conversation. Also write down the names and designations of the company officials.
Contact a reliable contractor or mechanic who can do the repair work. Have them inspect the damage and get an estimate of the work. Talk to at least three different contractors. Make a decision only after looking at their previous work.
Prioritize the repair work and get the most important work done first. Give the highest importance to the repair of the roof and walls. Set a deadline and get the work done accordingly. Make a written contract before starting the work.
Before buying the material, know the market prices and choose good quality material. Do not get into trouble later by buying cheap material. Make sure to take the bill while purchasing the material. Ask about the guarantee of the material used in the repair.
Regularly monitor the work during the repair and take care of the quality. If any deficiency is seen, immediately inform the contractor. Also get the cleaning work done after the repair. Inspect thoroughly after the work is completed.
Clean the house thoroughly after the storm and sanitize it to prevent germs. Dispose of damaged items. Use the right kind of equipment for cleaning. Use disinfectant solution regularly.
Dry furniture and clothes in the sun and clean them. Use anti-fungal spray in damp places to prevent mildew. Wash and dry wet clothes as soon as possible. Wipe furniture thoroughly and keep it in the sun.
Clean the garden and surrounding area and remove debris. Fill up places where water accumulates so that mosquitoes do not breed. Level the garden soil. Collect and throw away broken twigs and leaves.
Use gloves and masks during cleaning and keep using sanitizer. Keep children away from dirty places. Wash hands thoroughly after cleaning. Contact a doctor in case of any allergy or skin irritation.
Strengthen the house to protect it from future storms. Cover the roof and walls with a special coating that protects against water. Strengthen the frames of windows and doors. Get waterproofing done on the outer walls.
Keep an emergency kit ready which should contain torch, batteries, medicines and other essential items. Keep copies of important documents in a safe place. Pack essential items in a waterproof bag. Tell all the family members about the things kept in the kit.
Keep getting weather information and take warnings seriously. Train family members to deal with emergency situations. Stay connected to the Meteorological Department’s website or app. Save the numbers of local emergency services.
Keep the insurance policy updated and ensure that all the essentials are covered. Keep a separate savings account which can be used in case of emergency. Renew the policy every year. Include new things in the scope of insurance.
It is very important to follow these six steps to recover from storm damage. With the help of these steps, you can return to normal life soon. These steps will help keep you safe. Complete every step with patience. The most important thing is that you be patient and take steps thoughtfully. Do not panic in an emergency and give utmost importance to safety. Help your neighbors and people in the community. Face the trouble unitedly.
To avoid such a situation in the future, prepare in advance and strengthen your home. Keep checking the house regularly and get the weak parts repaired. Keep getting information about the weather. Make safety measures a part of your daily routine.
Your first priority should be to check the safety. Immediately turn off the electricity and gas supply. Before going inside the house, assess the condition of the building from outside. Check for any dangerous conditions such as broken electrical wires or gas leaks. Gather your family members in a safe place and contact emergency services.
To prevent further damage, it is crucial to perform temporary repairs, such as covering broken windows or damaged roofs with tarps, and removing water to prevent mold growth. Always prioritize safety and consider professional assistance for extensive repairs.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage. Provide them with detailed documentation, including photos, videos, and a list of damaged items. Follow the insurer’s guidelines and keep records of all communications.
Restoring your home involves hiring reputable contractors for repairs, ensuring the work meets local building codes and safety standards. Regularly check the progress and communicate with your insurance company to cover the costs of restoration.