If you live in a coastal region of North Carolina or South Carolina, the threat that is posed by hurricanes is very real. Hurricane-force storms can cause a huge amount of damage, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. Therefore, it is important for homeowners who live in high-risk areas to have a plan in place before disaster strikes.
That’s where this guide comes in. Here, you’ll find helpful tips that will make it as easy as possible for you to stay calm and collected in the wake of a severe storm. Keep in mind that the steps that are outlined below aren’t just for hurricane victims – they can also be applied following serious thunderstorms or hailstorms in inland regions of the Carolinas.
Evaluate your home’s structural condition.
Once the storm passes and you are thinking about entering your residence to access the interior damage, the first thing you need to do is evaluate its structural condition. If it appears unsafe in any way – there is a hole in the roof, windows are missing, or beams appear to have broken, for example — do not enter the residence until a professional inspection has been completed.
Contact your homeowner’s insurance agency.
As soon as possible following the storm, it is important to contact your homeowner’s insurance agency to find out next steps. The agency undoubtedly has a process in place for how to handle natural disaster claims, and if you’ve never been through this process before, it is imperative to find out what you need to do next.
In this day and age, fortunately, many photos of the damage to your home and other necessary information can be uploaded via your insurance agency’s app. This eliminates the need to actually visit an agent, in many cases. Again, however, it is crucial to contact your homeowner’s insurance company to find out precisely what you need to do in your individual situation.
Contact your utility companies.
If it is apparent that you won’t be able to make bill payments on time, at least for the upcoming month, given the storm damage your home sustained, it is necessary to contact your utility companies to explain the situation. This is especially important if any of the companies you work with – such as your TV or internet provider – are not based in your local area and may not, therefore, be aware of the current conditions.
Inventory your belongings.
For both your own records and your insurance company’s records, it is smart to take inventory of all of your belongings following severe storm damage to your property. If you notice that anything is missing or damaged beyond repair, it is important to take photographs of the item (if it is present) or write a detailed description of it (if it is gone).
The team at Hatch Homes is here to assist Carolina homeowners following hurricanes and other bad storms. Give us a call at your earliest convenience if you need exterior renovation services of any kind. We are here to make the rebuilding process as easy as possible for you and your loved ones.