Natural disasters are out of our control. They can happen anytime, any day of the week. Whether it’s hurricanes, fires, or blizzards, insurance companies refer to these situations as acts of God or simply natural disasters. Many insurance companies help cover costs of damages from these events.
Don’t know what type of insurance policy you have? Examine your home insurance policy today to learn exactly what is covered.
When something happens to your home in one of these situations, it feels devastating. You might feel lost or unsure where to go, or how to go about restarting your life again. While the “next steps” will depend on the type of damage and disaster, there are still some basic ideas that everyone can use.
After a Hurricane/Thunderstorm
Any storm, hurricane or otherwise, can cause water damage if it has the right conditions. It can even cause fire damage in instances where lightning strikes or electrical shorts caused by power surges. Hurricanes and storms are usually expected, so you can plan ahead.
In the immediate aftermath, if there’s a power outage, try to use flashlights rather than candles, since they are a safer option. If there is any floodwater in any room, stay out of it and try to block off the room from others, including pets.
After a storm, inspect your home for water damage. If you find something suspicious, or even if you don’t find something but have concerns, consider calling in experts like IDC Fire and Water Restoration to inspect and make repairs if needed.
After a Fire
Once the fire is out and everyone is accounted for, wait until you have permission from the authorities to re-enter your home. Make sure you obtain a copy of the fire report from the fire department, as this will help with insurance claims and restoration.
As you walk through the areas affected by the fire, be sure to document any and all damage you see with photographs. Once you have reported the incident to all the proper places, you can begin the restoration process. Many places that work on water damage will also work on fire restoration, so be sure to do some research.
Prior to the restoration, clear out any important items that are salvageable from the damaged rooms. Let the authorities know the home will be vacated (if you are staying elsewhere) while the repairs are taking place.
After a Tornado
When everything is calm once again and you have treated any wounds, and are allowed to enter the house, take photographs of all the damage you see, big and small. Like before, the photographs are mainly for insurance claim purposes.
Utilities should be one of the first things you inspect. Check for the following:
- Gas leaks – If you suspect, smell, or hear gas leaking, leave the building immediately. Shut off the gas line, if you can.
- Electrical damage – Check for frayed or broken wires as well as sparks or burning smells. Turn off the main electricity if you find damage.
- Water or sewage leaks – If you think the water lines are damaged, don’t use the toilets or sinks. Call a plumber and/or your water company for help.
Conclusion
Accidents and disasters happen, whether or not we can predict them. It’s always better to be prepared, both before and after. Take preventative steps, like boarding up before a big storm, and using flame-resistant materials where you can. Get surge protectors for outlets to help with electrical shorts, and comb through your insurance policy as closely as possible so you know what you’re covered for.
These situations are rare, but you should always be prepared!
