Storm surge from a hurricane can lead to significant water damage in homes, even if only a little bit of water is visible inside the home. Preparing for the storm, handling the storm itself properly, and taking the right steps after the storm can make a difference. Read below to know what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.
Check What the Insurance Policy Will Cover
Take some time at the beginning of the hurricane season to review the homeowner insurance policy and check what it does and does not cover. It may be a good idea to review the policy with a lawyer like Raizner Slania LLP to get a better understanding of what to expect in a storm. Having a lawyer to call after the storm can be important, too, if the insurance company doesn’t want to fully cover the damage.
Prepare the Property to Protect Against Water
There are numerous things that homeowners can do to help prevent water damage to the home. While flooding can still happen, this can help minimize the likelihood of water getting inside the home. It’s a good idea to start doing these tasks at the start of hurricane season to make sure the home is ready just in case.
Move Essential Items to Higher Ground
Any essential paperwork or sentimental items should be placed in waterproof containers and moved as high as possible inside the house. If it’s possible, it may be a good idea to remove these items from the home and keep them somewhere safer just in case the damage from the storm surge is severe. Waterproof and fireproof containers are perfect for essential documents like passports to keep them safe.
Work to Minimize Damages
During the storm, use towels to clean up water that gets inside and buckets to catch any water that comes through the ceilings. While it may seem futile if the water gets to be too much, if the water is minimal, this can help to limit the damage done to the house.
Create a List of What’s Damaged
After the storm, create a detailed and itemized list of everything that’s damaged or destroyed to provide to the insurance company. Homeowners who have an inventory list already will find it easier to create a list of what’s damaged and can get a larger amount of money to replace anything that’s destroyed. Many will need a yard waste dumpster following a storm to help dispose of the damage, whether it is damaged branches from a tree or broken roofing slats. Disposing of the damaged items can help in creating an itemized list for the insurance company.
Look Into Water Damage Restoration
Water damage restoration should be started as fast as possible after the hurricane has ended to reduce the growth of mold and other damage that can occur when the water isn’t removed quickly. Start removing water as soon as possible after the storm and drying out the home to speed up this process.
File an Insurance Claim
Start to file an insurance claim quickly after the storm ends so the full amount of damage can be assessed. Due to the number of claims after a hurricane and the specific wording on the policy, it may be necessary to work with a lawyer to get the full amount that is owed for restoration and replacements.
Hurricanes can cause significant damage, especially when the storm surge is high enough to push water into the home. If a home is damaged by water in a hurricane, it’s necessary to take the right steps to maximize the amount of money received from the insurance company.
