Surviving a hurricane or flood is a harrowing experience, especially if you are a homeowner. Not only do you have to worry about the safety and well being of your loved ones, but you have to wonder whether or not your house is still going to be standing when you return home after the storm.
As you continue reading this guide, you will learn what steps you ought to take following a hurricane or flood. Unfortunately for families throughout our North Carolina and South Carolina service area, hurricane damage is a way of life. Knowing what you need to do next time a major weather event strikes is one of the best ways to cope with a scary situation; instead of panicking, you will be able to take control.
Make sure you are cleared to return
The worst thing you can do after a hurricane or flood is return to your house too soon. Make sure the authorities in your region have cleared evacuees to go home before you head back to your residence. Otherwise, you run the risk of leading your family into danger.
Know how to contact the proper people
During your evacuation, take some time to figure out how to get in touch with the people who will be able to help you when you return home after the hurricane or flood is over. You will, for example, need to know how to contact your homeowner’s insurance company, your utility providers, a reputable local contractor, such as Hatch Homes, and perhaps, the local police if there is serious damage to your property.
Have an expert perform an inspection
While it is a good idea to take a look around your house on your own and make a list of issues you see, it is also imperative to have an expert perform an inspection as soon as possible. The odds are good that your insurance agency will be able to send someone to assess the damage you’re dealing with. You may also want to let the contractor you choose do his or her own inspection; contractors are trained to look for issues that other professionals simply might not see.
Remove water and ruined items
If you come home to water in your house following a hurricane or flood, you need to have it pumped out as soon as possible. The longer it sits, the more likely it is that mold will begin to grow and other problems will arise. You also need to make a point of throwing away any soft furnishings or other items that are water-logged beyond repair. Although this process can be stressful, it is the best way to give your family a safe and happy home in the long run.
The team at Hatch Homes lives and works in the Carolinas just like you, so we understand how devastating floods and hurricanes can be. We want you to know you can rely on us next time your home needs repairs following a damaging storm. We are all in this together!