Floods, fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters can occur at almost any time. In many cases, the disaster must run its course as first responders try to curtail the damage. Once the situation calms down, you can look over the damage and respond to it with recovery efforts. Consider these tips as your guide to an improved home after any disaster.
Drain the Water
If there’s any water associated with your disaster, start your recovery process by draining it out. Open up the doors, and force the water out with squeegees, shovels and other tools. Be mindful of your movements so that you don’t hurt yourself. Wearing galoshes and protective gear might be useful too. Any standing water creates health problems as bacteria and pests find the areas perfect for replication.
Remove Soiled Items
It’s a fact that many structural items are porous by nature. Carpet and drywall are good examples of materials that will soak up water, dirt and debris. These items must be entirely removed from the home. They cannot be repaired, dried or altered. Mold and mildew set in without removal processes. Many people perform this project on their own, or they contact professionals for major renovations.
Assess the Exterior
Natural disasters don’t isolate themselves to your home’s interior spaces either. Your property’s exterior is often impacted by the event. Power lines might be down. Stay away from any loose wires in your yard. The local authorities must replace wood poles when utility lines become damaged. If the utilities are in good shape, survey the rest of your yard. Document any damages to the lawn, porches or walkways for insurance purposes.
Contact Insurance Companies
Most homeowners have some form of insurance on their property. It’s time to contact them after a disaster. Claims adjusters visit the property so that they can determine a price that’s fair for your needs. Ideally, take photos of the property throughout the adjuster’s visit. Their repair estimate should match your photos. Discuss any discrepancies with the adjuster so that the work can be completed in a timely manner.
Don’t try to fix or repair the home all on your own. Professionals will be necessary in most cases. Be aware that any repairs will take some investment in the structure. Try to work with the professionals to come up with a reasonable plan that works for your budget. A professionally repaired home can stand for decades without any problems afterward.