By Allen Brown
It's a balmy afternoon in Florida. You're enjoying a leisurely walk along the beach, toes in the sand, when suddenly your phone buzzes with an alert. A hurricane is heading straight for your town.
Fast forward a few days, and the storm has passed, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Your damaged house, which was once once pristine, looks like it's been through a blender. Roof shingles are scattered across the yard, windows are shattered, and the living room is flooded.
As you stand in front of the wreckage, you can't help but feel overwhelmed. But fear not! We're here to help
Read on to find out how to manage a hurricane-damaged house in Florida.
Stay safe
When dealing with a hurricane-damaged house, your top priority should always be safety. As you return to your home, do so with caution and vigilance. Follow local authorities' guidance and only enter the property once it has been declared safe.
Upon arrival, inspect your surroundings for immediate hazards like downed power lines, gas leaks, and instability. These can pose significant risks, and it's crucial to address them promptly and avoid areas where these dangers are present.
Document the damage
You'll need to document the damage to your home for your storm damage insurance.
As soon as it is safe to enter your property, begin by taking comprehensive photographs and videos of all affected areas. Capture both wide shots and close-ups to illustrate the extent of the damage.
Pay special attention to structural issues, such as roof damage, broken windows, and compromised walls, as well as interior problems like water damage, mold growth, and damaged personal belongings.
If the damage is too bad, you might want to start searching for "sell my Orlando house."
Prevent further damage
Preventing further damage to your hurricane-affected home is a crucial step in the recovery process.
If your home has been flooded, it's essential to remove standing water as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, and dehumidifiers to dry out affected areas. Opening all your windows and doors ventilates the space and speeds up the drying process.
Another key aspect of preventing further damage is to turn off utilities if you suspect any damage to electrical, gas, or water lines. This can prevent fires, gas leaks, and water damage.
Hire professional Florida storm damage repair
Professional contractors bring the expertise and equipment necessary to handle everything from structural repairs to water damage remediation, ensuring your home is restored to its pre-storm condition efficiently and safely.
Professional storm damage repair services will typically conduct a thorough inspection of your storm-damaged property to assess the full extent of the damage.
They can find problems that may not be immediately apparent, such as hidden water damage, mold growth, or structural weaknesses. This comprehensive assessment is crucial for creating an effective repair plan.
Moving forward with a damaged house: Now you know
There are a lot of hurricane recovery steps you need to take when you have a damaged house. With this guide, you should be in better shape.
Do you want more home repair tips? Read through some of our other amazing posts ASAP.
