Hurricane Damage Restoration
When you’re unsure about the extent of damage caused by a hurricane, contact a hurricane damage restoration company. They can help you understand the types of problems that you should look for and provide you with the necessary assistance. After a hurricane hits, it is important to confirm the safety of your home or business before you leave. Often, a major hurricane will affect many homes and businesses in one area, so be alert to any hazards you may come across.
Storm damage caused by a hurricane
Hurricanes are dangerous natural disasters that cause property damage, and in particular, they can destroy homes and roads. Even minor damage caused by hurricanes can be devastating, so if you live in an area where a hurricane is likely to hit, it is important to know how to assess damage before the storm arrives. Wind speeds in hurricanes that are Category 1 will result in moderate property damage, and wind speeds of 130 to 156 mph can be deadly. Power lines may be down for days or weeks, and trees may be uprooted or snapped.
Hurricanes will cause major damage to coastal cities and towns, and their impacts can be felt for miles inland. Hurricanes can also cause massive damage to natural landscapes, including coastal forests, beaches, and river banks. Hurricanes may carry large boulders inland and cause flooding, but the wind strength of the storm is also a major cause of damage.
Common problems caused by a hurricane
One of the biggest problems after a hurricane is flooding. Flooding can lead to multiple problems, including malfunctioning appliances, leaky pipes, and backed up water. Floodwater can be extremely hazardous to the environment, and it can cause permanent damage to your home. The floodwater can also carry contaminants and toxins, making it important to properly clean up and disinfect any affected areas.
After a hurricane, it is important to conduct mold testing. Untreated mold growth may not be obvious right away, but it can cause significant health and structural problems. As such, mold testing is essential to a successful restoration of hurricane damage.
Steps to take to protect your home or business
As a homeowner or business owner, you can minimize the impact of a hurricane by taking steps to prepare your home or business ahead of time. For example, make sure that all outdoor landscaping is secure, and move lawn furniture and decorations indoors. Additionally, secure outdoor utilities. You may be able to raise them to higher locations, and consider adding gasoline powered pumps to keep your building safe from flooding.
If you are insured, you can contact your insurer to discuss the extent of your coverage. It is also a good idea to gather up recent appraisals, tax returns, and other documents that prove the value of your property. You may want to bring proof of address, and take pictures or videos of the damage. You should also save receipts from both pre and post-disaster expenses.
Finding a company to help with storm damage
If you’re experiencing storm damage, there are several steps you should take immediately. First of all, contact your insurance agent. Be sure to cover the damages caused by the storm, and list any valuable items in your vehicle. Next, find a company that is local and offers storm damage restoration. If possible, avoid hiring contractors who try to pressure you to pay for work before you’re completely satisfied. Get a written estimate before making any decision.
Whether you live in a large city or a small town, storm damage can leave your property in a mess. Storm damage can include blown-off roofs, water-damaged floors, walls, flooded basements, and broken windows. Regardless of the severity of the storm, the process of rebuilding can be very difficult. Fortunately, there are many companies that specialize in storm damage restoration.
Preparing for a hurricane
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, preparing for one is an important part of damage restoration. Hurricanes can cause widespread devastation and are costly to repair. Your preparedness will determine how quickly you recover. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
First, stock up on emergency supplies. You should have a three to seven-day supply of water and food. You should also have supplies for your pets. Prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, and epi-pens are important items to keep on hand. You should also pack emergency flashlights, batteries, and extra batteries, and a fire extinguisher. If you live in a coastal area, you should also make sure your gas tank is full.
Dealing with flood water after a hurricane
Floods and water inundations are the worst part of many natural disasters. Flooding can be just a few inches deep enough to submerge entire buildings. It occurs when rivers, streams, lakes and oceans become clogged by excessive rain or snow melt. In coastal areas, it may also occur because of broken water containment systems or wind patterns that shift the water from the oceans to the shore.
Several bacteria that thrive in floodwaters can cause illness in humans. Legionella bacteria is one of them. This bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and pneumonia. Other bacterial diseases can result in skin infections, wounds, and poisoning. To protect yourself and your home, it is important to wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves. Also, have your water supply checked for contamination.
Mold growth after a hurricane
Mold growth after a hurricane can be a serious issue for homes and businesses. It can ruin building materials and cause health risks. It grows on many different materials and can spread very quickly. If it is not treated immediately, it can destroy the growing material and even adjacent materials. In severe cases, it can even be deadly.
If your home or business is affected by a hurricane, you should consider hiring a professional for mold remediation. A licensed and experienced professional will be able to identify the types of mold and help you get rid of it. Additionally, you should hire a contractor that has experience in dealing with this issue. Make sure they have liability insurance and have plenty of references.