Storms are scary to witness, and the more frightening part about natural disasters is that they can happen anytime. No matter how much you protect your house, it can come under direct impact. However, you can still salvage your home from copious water brought by hail storms.
So since you’re dealing with water, time is of the essence, as it can quickly soak your furniture, clothing and get in between the walls.
But, if you contact the right emergency disaster restoration professionals like techson.com, you can save your house effectively.
Always ensure while you’re recovering your home, you’re keeping yourself safe. Water damage can also expose naked wires, and in your hustle to get work done, you may get hurt. So with safety in mind, here’s how you can help your house from storm damage:
Table of Contents
1) Assess The Damage
During the storms, the level of impact varies from one home to another. You need to know how badly your home is damaged. For instance, is it completely submerged in water, or is the damage manageable? It would help if you tried documenting what you see, even taking pictures.
The purpose of assessing the damage is to inform your insurance company, as they may require the evidence. Besides, not only will you save yourself money, but insurance is also very useful in emergencies.
2) Hire A Professional
You cannot do everything on your own in such a situation and require a water damage advisor to help you assess and rectify the damage. These professionals can ensure that they remove water-soaked items right away. They can also guide you on how to pump water out of your house.
As a result, you save your home from further damage and even mold. Remember, mold can be a nightmare as it can rot your house. It softens the structure and makes it weak to support the pillars of your house.
You may have to renovate your home entirely because of mold. So the sooner you look into hiring a professional, the better. Luckily, during storms, these professionals are very active.
3) Wear Protective Gear
Before entering your house, wear protective gear, such as a rubber insulator, to clear the area. It will protect you from getting an electric current, as there is also a chance that the electric current flowing through your house is of a high voltage.
So, ensure no one goes into the house without protection. You should turn off the main power supply to interrupt the flow. Also, ensure that there is no gas leakage if the storm damages the stove or the heater.
You may need to get a professional to check for possible leaks too. It is also a good idea to get a gas mask as you clean the house. You never know if there is a leakage in the house, and you can inhale toxic fumes.
4) Begin The Restoration Process Right Away
Water is an immensely damaging medium, and so you need to start the restoration process right away. You cannot wait longer than two days. However, the longer you prolong the process, the more water will damage your house. You will need to investigate which items are primarily dry and usable.
You may also need to remove your flooring, especially if it’s wood. Drywalls have insulation between them, and water can soak the insulation thoroughly. Water seepage encourages mildew and molds. Furniture may get damaged depending on water damage. Therefore, start the process right away.
5) Dry Wet Spots
Before you start the process of drying, you may need to pump your house. Pumping gets excess water out of the house. So you’re left behind with set spots and small puddles. It would help if you tried your heating and air conditioning fixed to help you speed up the drying process.
Fan out all of the areas with too much water, and only when there are damp spots left can you mop the area. You can also open the windows and air out the space. If you notice mold and mildew, don’t attempt the cleaning process on your own. It can spread if not dealt with wisely, so you should leave the job for professionals to clear the space.
6) Prevent Mold Growth
Mold can develop almost immediately, and once it begins the process of growing, it gets difficult to remove. If you remove items surrounding mold, you reduce the risk of spreading mold. Suppose you try to clear mold through scraping.
Not only does mold look bad it also smells terrible. Your house also starts to rot in areas where there is mold. If you live in a humid area, the chances of mold propagating are very high. The best way to check for mold is between dark and damp places. If the material is also spongy, there is a chance there is mold.
7) Clear The Wreckage
Storms can damage the windows, furniture, and appliances, and some of them need replacement. There may be too much glass and structural damage that needs remedying. So you may need to address that right away. Don’t attempt the clearing process on your own but hire help.
That will ensure that you’re doing any heavy lifting on your own and hurt yourself further. There is also a chance that a tree may have smashed through your house. Depending on where you live and how many trees are surrounding you.
8) Review Your House
When you’re sure you’ve taken care of everything, make sure you go through your house again. When you’re happy with the repair work, start the renovation.
You may need to repaint and buy new furniture. If you feel your house requires extensive work, move out for a while. If your car is damaged, you may want to check with your car insurance and try to secure a replacement. A professional can also help you review your house to make sure it is ready for a move-in.
9) Move Back
The last stage of your uplifting process is moving back. If you have children and pets, you need to make sure the house is ready for them. Don’t attempt a move-back process if you’re mid-cleaning.
You should also not let your animal or children near any wreckage or help. Also, if your house went through repairs, make sure the paint has dried before you go back. If you feel another storm is harboring in your area, find temporary shelter.
Wrap Up
Storms can bring an influx of water. Water damage, unlike other disasters, is messy to clean. You need a professional to help you clean and survey the area. Water cleaning also brings mold and wreckage into your house, so you need to be thorough about cleaning.
Once you successfully pump water out of your home, you need to dry the water spots in your house. Don’t forget to document the damage and check your insurance plan. Once you’re sure that you have taken care of your home, start the renovation. With everything in place, invite your family back.
