Weathering the Storm: Storm Damage Clean-up

It seems that every day there are more reports of storms causing serious damage in one city after another. Whether the culprit is lightning, wind, ice or water, here are several tips of what to expect with storm damage and how to complete the clean-up process with ease.

Lightning and wind usually harm trees, power lines, loose shingles on roofs, and siding. Once the storm has subsided, clean-up can commence. In the best-case scenario, the only casualties are with landscaping. Often trees lose leaves and limbs that must be chopped up for disposal. Although it may seem like a hassle, with the proper safety gear, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and a few hours, all debris can be cleared. It may be best to contact the local sanitation company to ensure the most environment friendly way to dispose of such wastes.

Ice damage can also be immense. It is common to see entire trees break to pieces under the weight of the ice. Frozen pipes may burst causing serious plumbing issues. As the ice begins to melt, weak spots in the roof can give way and leaks often begin. Flooding can also present serious problems and can easily fry electrical lines, ruin carpets and drywall, and cause mold problems. Since it may take a week or more for all of the damage to manifest, it is best to keep record of all issues as time passes. Once the ice has subsided, losses can be totaled.

For large problems, it is recommended to have several professionals assess the damage instead of just choosing the first name in the phone book. Make sure to ask each for a detailed bid itemizing the necessary hours of labor and materials to complete the job and the price for each. Clarify any questions with the contractor before work is begun and make sure to have a written and signed agreement for price. Do not forget to obtain proof from the chosen contractor that the company is fully licensed and insured in order to avoid any legal problems if injuries occur.

Homeowners must keep in contact with their insurance company in order to receive the full benefits of their insurance policy. Many companies require due notice of all damage and will dispatch an agent to assess the situation for the claim before repair work begins. If the damage is severe and presents possibilities of immediate further damage, most agents will approve repair work without assessment.

Knowing what to expect and keeping track of all recovery efforts will help the process run smoothly.