4 Actions to Take After a Storm

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Most storms do little to no harm to your property. But every once and a while, the other shoe drops and a powerfully destructive storm rages through the Midwest and damage is inevitable. If your residential or commercial property suffers damage, then it should be addressed and repaired by storm damage restoration professionals, like the team at SERVPRO of Piatt/DeWitt Counties. But before a professional can get to you, you may need to take your own course of action.

1. Think Safety

Following a severe storm, you’ll reasonably be concerned about the status of your home or business. However, your main priority should be safety; yours, your family’s, and/or your employees.

While inspecting your property, look out for hazardous debris, such as nails and sharp, broken edges that may cause you injury. If there’s water damage or standing water present, DO NOT turn on the power or use any appliances.

If a tree has fallen into your building, then it’s advisable not to enter the property. Tree limbs can be a hazard, as they’re extremely heavy and may have left the building structurally unsound.

In general, if you feel unsafe, then trust your intuition and stay out of any damaged structures until the professionals at SERVPRO of Piatt/DeWitt Counties make it safe to enter again.

     2.  Assess the Damage

If it is safe to do so, carefully go through your property to see what damage has occurred. Start by inspecting the outside of the structure. To ensure your safety, evaluate the roof for any damage from the ground where you should be able to spot obvious damage, such as holes or missing shingles.

While inside, check for damaged building materials, leaks, and other signs of structural and/or water damage. Water stains on ceilings and walls can indicate a leaking roof, which will require repair or replacement.

As you inspect your property, take plenty of photos, videos and written documentation of the damage. This will be necessary evidence your insurance company will want when you’re filing claims for the damage.

    3.  Tarp the Roof

We strongly suggest that you wait for professionals to handle this as it can be dangerous. But if the storm has created a hole in your roof and it continues to rain or snow while waiting for help to arrive, then here’s what needs to be done if you have the ability and equipment:

• Clear any leaves, branches, and other debris off the roof first.
• Get a thick, high quality tarp. You’ll want to make sure it’s large enough to cover the damaged section and allow for a four-foot overhang.
• Nail the tarp to a 2×4, wrap it around the board, and then screw the board to the roof. This board serves as the anchor board.
• Then take more 2×4 boards and attach them to the roof perpendicular to the anchor board. When you screw the boards in, they should first go through the board, tarp, then roof.
• Finish by attaching the overhanging tarp to the roof eave, making sure it’s secure.

If you have broken windows or holes elsewhere, then use plywood to cover up those openings.

   4.  Get Storm Damage Restoration Help

If your property has been damaged in a storm, it’s important to get help immediately! Prompt action will prevent the damage from worsening and allow your property to be restored to its previous condition faster. SERVPRO of Piatt/DeWitt Counties is nearby and ready to respond 24/7 to any storm damage emergency. Our highly trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job, large or small, residential or commercial.