What Steps Should You Take Immediately After a Storm in the Twin Cities?
In the aftermath of a storm, homeowners in the Twin Cities are often left with damage to their properties. Knowing what steps to take immediately can help prevent further issues and ensure a smoother recovery process.
The right actions, from contacting the appropriate professionals to documenting the damage, are critical to protecting your home and your financial interests.
Knowing who to call first is one of the most important steps after discovering storm damage.
By understanding the immediate steps and common mistakes to avoid, you can protect your home from additional damage and ensure a swift recovery.
In this article, the Acreage Restoration pros explore each step in more detail to guide you through the process after a storm.
Who Should You Call First After Discovering Storm Damage?
Your safety should be the top priority, so assess whether any dangerous situations need immediate attention before making your calls.
After discovering damage, your first call should typically be to your insurance company. Most homeowners’ insurance policies require that the damage is reported promptly to begin the claims process.
Your insurer can guide you through the necessary steps, including arranging an adjuster to assess the damage and advise on coverage. Failure to notify your insurance company promptly can sometimes result in claim delays or denials.
In some cases, particularly if the damage is severe and involves structural issues, you may also need to immediately contact a professional storm damage restoration service.
Lastly, contacting local authorities or utility companies may be necessary if storm damage has caused downed power lines, gas leaks, or other hazardous conditions.
How Can You Safely Assess Storm Damage to Your Home?
Safety is critical when assessing storm damage. Before inspecting your home, ensure that there are no immediate hazards, such as downed power lines or gas leaks, that could put you in danger.
If such hazards are present, immediately contact emergency services or your utility company. If the area is safe, begin by inspecting the exterior of your home and checking for roof damage, fallen trees, or broken windows.
Avoid climbing onto the roof if it appears unstable or slippery when assessing it. Instead, use binoculars or a camera with zoom capabilities to examine potential damage closely. If necessary, call a professional roof inspector to assess more extensive damage.
For interior damage, be on the lookout for water stains on ceilings and walls, which may indicate a leaky roof or damaged windows.
Take detailed photos and notes of the damage, including windows, siding, and doors. This documentation will be essential for filing an insurance claim and will also help contractors estimate the cost of repairs.
Always prioritize your safety during this process, and don’t attempt to perform repairs yourself unless you are confident in the structure's safety.
What are the Risks of Delaying Repairs After Storm Damage?
Delaying repairs after storm damage can lead to a range of long-term issues. Water intrusion, for example, is a common problem that can worsen over time if not addressed immediately.
Moisture can seep into your walls, roof, or foundation, leading to mold growth, wood rot, or structural damage. These issues are not only expensive to repair but can also create health risks, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Another risk of delaying repairs is the potential for further damage in subsequent weather events. For instance, a damaged roof or broken windows left unrepaired can lead to leaks and even more extensive damage during the next storm.
Your insurance company can also reduce coverage or deny claims if it determines that your inaction made the damage worse.
Additionally, delays can increase the cost of repairs. Issues that could have been addressed with minor fixes might escalate into major repair projects if not dealt with promptly. Acting quickly ensures that you limit the extent of the damage and prevent future problems.
How to Secure a Damaged Roof Temporarily
Securing a damaged roof temporarily is crucial in preventing further damage, especially if heavy rain or wind is expected. The most common way to secure a damaged roof is by using a tarp.
Before installing, first ensure the area is safe to work on. Use a ladder only if the area is stable and the roof is not slippery or too damaged to walk on.
Once you’ve accessed the roof, use 2x4s or sandbags to securely hold the tarp in place. Ensure the tarp covers the damaged area and extends a few feet beyond it to provide full coverage.
If you're unsure how to secure the roof safely, it's best to contact a professional to handle the temporary fix. Companies specializing in storm damage restoration, such as Acreage Restoration, offer emergency tarping services that protect your home until permanent repairs can be arranged.
In some cases, if the damage is minimal, you may also be able to patch smaller holes with roofing cement or sealant. However, these are temporary solutions and should only be used until a professional can assess the damage and perform a full repair.
What Documentation is Needed for Storm Damage Repairs?
Proper documentation is key when dealing with storm damage repairs, particularly when filing insurance claims. Start by taking photos and videos of all visible damage inside and outside your home. Capture wide shots that show the extent of the damage as well as close-ups for detail.
Make sure to document any personal belongings that were damaged as well.
In addition to photos and videos, keep a detailed written record of everything you notice, including the date and time the damage occurred and any temporary repairs you performed. If you had professionals assess or fix parts of the damage, retain their invoices and receipts.
This documentation will support your insurance claim and provide a clear record for contractors when they assess the scope of repairs needed.
Finally, keep copies of all correspondence with your insurance company and contractors. This includes emails, claim forms, and any paperwork related to the repair process.
Get Expert Storm Damage Repair Services
At Acreage Restoration, we understand the importance of swift and effective action after storm damage in the Twin Cities. From contacting the right professionals to securing temporary fixes for your roof, every step matters to prevent further damage to your home.
Our team is well-equipped to handle emergency repairs, and we’re dedicated to guiding you through the process from start to finish.
When storm damage strikes, Acreage Restoration offers expert repair services and a comprehensive approach to restoring your home efficiently. Whether you need help assessing damage, filing an insurance claim, or temporarily securing your roof, we’re here to help.
If you need professional storm damage repair or have questions about the restoration process, contact us today. You can reach us at 612-401-5911 or visit our contact page to get the support you need after a storm.