Dealing With Storm Damage | SERVPRO of West Forsyth County
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Severe weather is a scary thing to deal with. Even when you were expecting it, the strength and severity of a storm can be much worse than you thought possible. Thunderstorms can blow in and out fast and create total destruction.
North Carolina in general has a variety of weather, but the spring months often bring severe storms, tornadoes and even the remnants of tropical storms and hurricanes that have moved into town from the coast. Strong thunderstorms and flooding rains are also possible throughout the year.
While being prepared before a storm can do a lot in protecting your home and your family, so can knowing what to do after a storm has left your property damaged. With safety as a priority, you can take a few steps to make sure your recovery goes smoothly.
As things begin to quiet down after a storm, it’s important to continue to be weather aware. Watch for lingering thunder and lightning, and keep a weather radio nearby in case another round of storms starts moving in. Make sure the path back to your shelter is clear so you can move to safety if another warning is issued.
Start sorting through what has happened by contacting your loved ones and checking in on everyone’s safety. If cell service isn’t working, send a few text messages before heading out to check on those around you.
Don’t go into any damaged buildings, but instead do what you can to identify who needs help and clear as much debris as possible. Make sure you clear anything out of the road you can to allow for emergency personnel to reach you.
As soon as you can safely do so, start taking photos of your own damage, and call SERVPRO® of West Forsyth County. We are right around the corner and available 24⁄7, so we are always ready to help.
As time begins to pass, the work that lies ahead of you will become more and more clear. You still need to stay very cautious of your surroundings. Wear protective clothing to avoid hazards like loose nails, and watch for trip hazards. Keep a close eye on the weather as well, and always be prepared to find shelter safely and quickly if another round of storms comes through.
When our team arrives at your property, they will make securing your home a priority. This may include tarping your roof or securing windows. We will also remove any standing water and start drying out anything that may have gotten wet during the storm. It’s our crew’s goal to save as much of your property as possible.
SERVPRO will work with your insurance company in order to make your claim process as smooth as possible. As the extent and severity of your damages comes to light, you may need to consider finding a safe place to house your family as work proceeds.
The most important part of the whole process is staying as calm as possible. Living through a severe storm is an awful experience, and seeing your home damaged can feel completely overwhelming. With a team of professionals working non-stop to put your home back together, you can take a deep breath and know that life will be back to normal fast.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.