What to Do After a Hurricane: 10 Critical Steps for Homeowners
Hurricanes can cause extensive damage to homes and entire cities, causing power outages, water shortages, major flooding, and more. And as climate change progresses, disasters will get worse and more frequent, leading to more damage and costly repairs. This will likely be exacerbated as homeowners continue moving to disaster-prone areas at a record rate.
But what do you do after a hurricane, and how do you protect your home in the future?
If your home was recently hit by a hurricane, it’s important to start the recovery as soon as possible to avoid further damage and help get your life on track. So, whether you live in a house in Tampa, FL, or an apartment in Corpus Christi, TX, read on for 10 critical steps you need to know after a hurricane hits.
1. Ensure your safety
The immediate aftermath of a hurricane is often filled with chaos and uncertainty. If you were told to evacuate, only return once you’re given the all-clear. If you sheltered in place, wait for official guidance that the storm has passed.
Once it’s safe to do so, your primary concern should be to ensure your safety and that of others around you. Inspect your home and surrounding areas and check for hazards such as downed power lines, polluted water, or gas leaks; these are critical dangers that you should immediately report to authorities. If your home has sustained substantial damage, don’t attempt to re-enter and instead find temporary shelter until it’s been deemed safe by professionals.
2. Contact your insurance company
Once you’re in a safe location, reach out to your homeowners’ insurance provider to report any damage to your house. It’s important to note that standard homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. Coverage for flood damage requires a separate flood insurance policy, often provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Begin the claims process as quickly as you can; the sooner you file your claim, the sooner your recovery can begin. Just remember that wait times may be long after major disasters. When you get in contact, insurance companies will guide you through the required steps. Remember to have your policy number and relevant personal information ready. This isn’t a step to rush, despite the urgency of the situation.
3. Document damage
For insurance and recovery purposes, it’s important to document damage to your home and belongings. Use a camera or your phone to take clear photos and videos, covering all angles of rooms and belongings to ensure that you don’t miss anything. Include both close-ups and wider shots to provide context.
It’s also essential not to just document the areas with the most visible damage. Cover all areas of your property, including interior rooms, exterior structures, the roof, basement, garage, and outdoor areas, and more. Sometimes, damage might not be apparent right away, but can manifest later on. This comprehensive documentation will prove invaluable when dealing with your insurance company, contractors, and remediation specialists.
Lastly, never throw away an item that was damaged unless it’s an active hazard. If you do, you’re unlikely to get reimbursement for it.
4. Secure temporary accommodation
If your home is uninhabitable due to extensive damage, it will likely be necessary to secure temporary accommodation for you and your family. Many homeowners’ insurance policies include “Loss of Use” or “Additional Living Expenses” coverage for covered events, which can assist with costs related to temporary housing. You can also reach out to local disaster relief organizations for aid, who often provide temporary shelter during emergencies.
5. Check for utility disruptions
After a hurricane, it’s common for utilities to be disrupted. This includes water, electricity, and gas. Check all these services in your home. If you find that they’re unavailable or not working correctly, contact your utility providers to report these issues. Keep in mind that restoration times can vary depending on the severity of the storm and the extent of damage in your area. In case you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, evacuate your property immediately and inform the gas company. Remember, safety comes first.
6. Begin clean up and salvage
Once you’ve ensured safety and contacted your insurance company, it’s time to start the clean-up process. Before you begin, make sure to wear protective gear to avoid injury while sorting through debris. Salvage what you can, but be mindful of water-logged or mold-prone items, as these can pose health risks if not handled appropriately. It’s crucial to remain patient during this process, as it can be time-consuming and emotionally challenging.
7. Mitigate further damage
To protect your home from additional damage in the immediate hours and days following the hurricane, cover broken windows and holes in your roof with tarps or plywood. Your insurance company may require this effort as part of your policy agreement, and in some cases, they may cover the cost of these temporary fixes. This step is crucial in maintaining the structural integrity of your home and preventing further deterioration.
Make sure to take photos of the damage before you begin any repairs, otherwise your insurance may not cover it.
8. Hire professional help
Dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane can be overwhelming, so it can be useful to hire professionals to help navigate the recovery process. From helping with insurance to repairing your home, they can dramatically improve your recover. Here are a few professionals to consider contacting:
- Public adjusters: Adjusters can advocate for you with insurance companies to ensure you get the claim settlement you deserve.
- Structural engineers: These experts can assess the structural integrity of your home after a disaster, checking for unseen damage that could potentially lead to more serious issues down the line.
- Water and mold remediation specialists: Flooding often accompanies hurricanes. If your home was flooded, you should have a specialist inspect it for mold. These specialists can effectively remove water and mold and treat areas to prevent further mold from developing.
- Contractors: Disaster recovery contractors can aid in restoring your home to its pre-disaster condition. They can be especially helpful if you’ve made temporary repairs and need something more permanent.
9. Address emotional wellbeing
It’s crucial to take care of your emotional health, especially following a disaster. Hurricanes can cause substantial emotional distress, which may make it difficult to return to normal life. Consider talking with a mental health professional, counselor, or community support groups that can provide emotional and psychological aid. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness – it’s a necessary step towards healing and recovery.
10. Prepare for the future
After you’ve weathered a hurricane, it’s a good time to revisit your preparedness strategy. Make sure your insurance coverage is adequate, and get flood insurance if you don’t already. It’s also essential to create a comprehensive evacuation plan and consider making improvements to prepare your house for future hurricanes. Being prepared can greatly reduce the impact of a future disaster and provide peace of mind.
What to do after a hurricane: final thoughts
In the aftermath of a hurricane, facing the recovery process can feel like an insurmountable task. However, it’s important to remember that there are resources and professionals ready to assist you in navigating this challenging time. While the journey towards recovery may seem daunting, with the right resources and support, you can restore normalcy to your life and home. And remember, never neglect your emotional and mental health during and after a disaster. Reach out to your community, support networks, and professionals if needed to take care of yourself and your loved ones.
As the world continues to experience the effects of climate change, these measures aren’t just optional, but essential. By being proactive and informed, you can not only navigate recovery but also better prepare yourself for future events.
This guide should not replace professional advice or guidance. Always seek help from certified professionals for issues related to structural integrity and safety, and follow all official guidance before, during, and after a major weather event.
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