When Storms Strike: Your First Line of Defense in Safe Damage Assessment

When severe weather passes through your area, the immediate aftermath can feel overwhelming. Severe weather can happen anytime, in any part of the country, and storms cause an estimated $10 billion in property damage in the United States each year. While your first instinct might be to rush outside and survey the damage, taking a systematic approach to storm damage assessment is crucial for your safety and the success of any insurance claims.

Safety First: Before You Step Outside

Before doing anything else, make safety your top priority. Storms can leave behind more than just visible damage. A study of injuries after a tornado in Marion, Illinois, showed that 50 percent of the tornado-related injuries were suffered during rescue attempts, cleanup, and other post-tornado activities. Nearly a third of the injuries resulted from stepping on nails.

Before venturing outside, check the local news to make sure that your area is safe. Once authorities have given the all-clear, follow these essential safety precautions:

• Watch for downed power lines or exposed electrical wiring. Be alert for gas leaks. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call emergency services
• Check for structural damage that could cause a collapse
• Wear protective clothing like boots, gloves, and a mask when entering the home
• Beware of hazards: storms can leave dangerous debris like glass shards and exposed nails. Always wear sturdy shoes when stepping outside to inspect damages
• Steer clear of water bodies: post-storm, avoid areas with standing water. This includes flooded basements or accumulated water outdoors. Such water could be contaminated or electrified from downed power lines

Don’t take any chances. If your home feels unsafe, wait for first responders or trained professionals to assess the situation.

Conducting Your Initial Assessment

Once it’s safe to proceed, prioritize safety before you begin assessing your property. Wait for official announcements indicating that it’s safe to go outside. Check for hazards: look for downed power lines, unstable structures, or gas leaks before moving around your property.

During your walkthrough, focus on these key areas:

• Visually assess your roof by walking around the perimeter of your house and taking note of any visible storm damage
• Look for visible damage: take note of any visible damage to the roof, siding, windows, and foundation
• Check for water infiltration: inspect your basement and lower levels for signs of water entry, including water marks or pooling
• Check the roof for missing shingles, gutters for clogs, windows for cracks, and the foundation for water pooling

Documentation: Your Insurance Lifeline

Once it’s safe to enter your home, begin documenting the damage as thoroughly as possible. Take clear photos and videos of all affected areas, both inside and out. Be sure to capture a mix of wide-angle shots and close-ups to show the full extent of the damage.

Proper documentation is essential because according to the Insurance Information Institute, proper documentation can significantly speed up your claim and help avoid disputes. Remember these important guidelines:

• Avoid discarding anything before an insurance adjuster has reviewed the scene. While it’s okay to make temporary fixes for safety, avoid starting a full cleanup until documentation is complete, as this could erase evidence your insurer needs
• Document the loss you’ve suffered as a result of the storm. Take photos of the damage before anything has been moved or removed, and document any extra costs that you incur because of the damage
• Keep a list of notes and/or take pictures — this can potentially be helpful later for insurance purposes

Taking Immediate Action

The sooner you notify your insurance provider, the better. Most policies require prompt notice for storm damage claims. Call your insurer and explain the situation. The sooner you can begin the claims process after storm damage, the better. Quick action may speed up the overall recovery process, helping you get back to normal faster.

While waiting for professional assessment, as a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to minimize further damage. If the storm caused openings that allow wind or water to enter your home, it’s crucial to cover those areas with plywood or a tarp. Focus on securing your home and preventing further damage (e.g., tarp over a damaged roof) while awaiting a full assessment.

When to Call Professional Help

After a storm, it’s crucial to take immediate action to address storm damage and ensure safety. By following these essential post-storm safety measures, you can protect your property, mitigate further damage, and take the necessary steps to handle the aftermath effectively. Ensure personal safety: the safety of you and your family should be the top priority.

For Long Island residents, Green Light Tree Services stands ready to help with professional Storm Damage Cleanup. Green Light Tree Services in Suffolk County, NY provides top-notch tree services. They are the premier provider of tree services on Long Island, providing residential and commercial clients with top-quality tree removal and maintenance solutions.

Green Light Tree Services offers prompt storm damage cleanup and 24/7 emergency tree services, restoring your property’s safety and appearance. Their emergency response includes safe removal of fallen trees, securing partially fallen trees that could cause further damage, and clearing debris from driveways and walkways. They have the equipment and experience to handle dangerous situations safely, even in challenging weather conditions.

Understanding Different Types of Storm Damage

Assessing storm damage by storm type is essential because each type of storm may require specific assessment and repair methods. Hurricane damage often involves wind mitigation measures and water damage restoration. Tornado damage may require structural evaluation and rebuilding. Hail damage may necessitate roof repairs or replacements. Wind damage may require strengthening weak areas and sealing openings. Flood damage may necessitate water extraction, mold remediation, and structural repairs.

Hurricane-force winds, which are classified by meteorologists as 74 mph or greater, or gale-force winds, which are between 39-54 mph, can cause visible damage to your home’s roof. High winds can remove or tear shingles, leaving the underlayment, roof deck, or waterproofing material exposed to the elements. During less severe storms, sudden, sharp gusts of wind can lift and curl shingles. When shingles are installed, they’re purposefully overlapped to create a water-tight seal, and this lifting and curling can break this seal, potentially leaving your roof vulnerable to damage from wind-driven rain.

Avoiding Post-Storm Scams

In areas affected by severe storms, it’s common for disreputable contractors to go door-to-door offering fraudulent repair services. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true—usually, they are. Never pay in full or write a check before services are completed. Contractors who use high-pressure tactics, ask for large upfront payments, or claim they don’t need to be licensed are generally fraudulent.

When choosing a restoration company, look for established local businesses with proper licensing and insurance. Green Light Tree Services is a fully licensed and insured company committed to customer satisfaction and safety, with a team of experienced professionals you can count on. With over 17 years of experience, state-of-the-art equipment, and a highly trained team, Green Light Tree Services has been providing routine and emergency tree services to the citizens of Suffolk County, NY. They have the local knowledge, the best equipment, and a history of outstanding customer satisfaction.

Moving Forward After the Storm

Assessing and documenting storm damage can feel overwhelming, but taking a systematic approach will help you manage the process effectively. By ensuring safety, thoroughly documenting the damage, and communicating with your insurance company, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the aftermath of a storm. Stay proactive, and remember that taking these steps can significantly ease the recovery process.

Remember that knowing what to do in the wake of a severe storm or disaster may be just as important to you and your family as taking proper actions ahead of the storm. By following these essential first steps for safe storm damage assessment, you’re protecting both your family’s safety and your property’s future, setting the stage for a successful recovery and restoration process.