What Should You Do After a Storm?

A severe storm can change your life in the blink of an eye.  Everything that you’ve worked so hard for can be ruined by a complete devastating loss of your home or business.  Even if you’re lucky and don’t lose your entire home to a storm like a hurricane, you still may suffer major damage to your roofing structure.  This could leave your home and belongings exposed to the elements until repairs can be made.  

Recovering from an ordeal like this can be mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausting.  Take comfort in the fact that many have gone through similar situations and have come through the other side.  We’d like to help you be more prepared prior to possible storm damage and help provide basic tips of the first steps you should take after a major storm hits your home or business.

5 Tips for Moving Forward After Storm Damage

1. Proceed With Caution

  • Check the local news to make sure that your neighborhood is safe before you go outside.
  • Be vigilant for downed power lines, downed trees, broken glass and exposed nails.
  • ALWAYS ASSUME any downed power lines are live and dangerous. Stay a minimum of 10 feet away (preferably more) and your utility company and local police.
  • Avoid standing water altogether due to the possibility of downed power lines.
  • Wait until daylight before you go out to assess any damage sustained. If you must go out during darkness, make sure to carry a flashlight. Candles, torches, or other open flames risk fire or explosion from a damaged gas line.
  • Heavy winds and rain can create physical hazards such as collapsed roofing materials, window damage, collapsed walls or standing water in the basement or home interior.

 

If you smell gas or suspect a leak, shut off the main gas line, open the windows, and get outside immediately. Call your gas company and local police immediately and advise them of the situation.  DO NOT RETURN UNTIL your home or business has been deemed safe.

2. Assess and Catalog Your Damages

Take pictures of the damage before calling your insurance provider and starting a claim. These pictures are often used to help the adjuster access the damage.  At Advantage Roofing, we have certified insurance adjusters on staff, so we can be a second set of eyes for you as your work with your insurance adjuster on a claim.

Signs a storm may have damaged your roof:

  • Hole(s) in your roof
  • Broken or missing shingles
  • Leaking ceiling
  • Seams are split
  • Gutters filling with asphalt from shingles
  • Dented gutters, vents, or flashing

 

Windows and doors are also vulnerable to damage from flying debris and high winds. You should be looking for cracks and/or broken panes as well as damaged window frames. Keep a close eye out for glass shards which can cause lacerations and severe injury.  Board up any broken windows ASAP until they can be replaced.

If possible, remove any debris from your roof and gutters. Also, make sure downspouts are intact to continue to divert water away from your property.

Suffering flood damage can lead mold if left for too long, so make sure to check for mold growth and call a mold remediation expert immediately to tackle the problem before it quickly gets out of hand.

3. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Your homeowner’s insurance provider will instruct you on the next steps to take in making a claim and provide you with a claim number and a list of local emergency service providers you may decide to work with. The agent will help answer questions about your claims and determine if the damage will be covered by your plan.  Advantage Roofing has roofing contractors on staff with years of experience as certified insurance adjusters.  We can make sure your insurance company isn’t cutting corners on the repairs your roof may need.

4. Avoid Additional Damage To Your Home

Certain types of damage should be handled immediately if possible. If water and wind are getting into your home via broken windows, you should go ahead and board them up as quickly you’re able. This will prevent further damage to your property.  You may also have roofing tarp which you can use to cover over damaged spots in your roof until you can get your claim and repairs underway.

If you don’t feel comfortable taking on these tasks, a member of our staff can help.  Just call us or fill out our quote form.

5. Choose the Right Roofing Company in Tampa for Your Home Repairs

It’s important to hire a professional and trustworthy roofing contractor to help you with your damages.  It’s critical to address and remedy these damages ASAP to avoid additional damage to your home and reduce further risks to your family.

We’re here for your during this difficult time and will always treat you honestly, fairly, and with respect.