What to Do if a Storm Damages Your House
Major storms in North Carolina can have you scrambling to search for “water damage restoration near me.” Thunderstorms and hurricanes can cause flooding and leaks that ruin flooring, insulation, drywall and other elements of a home. If a storm damages your house beyond simple DIY repairs, what should you do?
First, assess whether your home is safe to stay in. If not, make arrangements to stay elsewhere until your home can be repaired. Don’t remain in your house if there is structural damage, standing water, downed wires or damaged gas lines.
After everyone is in a safe place, then you can take time to further assess the damage. Take photos and videos to document as much as you can, both inside and out. Don’t enter the house if you have any doubts about its structural integrity. Watch out for broken glass, exposed nails and screws or splintered wood. Stay away if there is a gas leak or wires down.
Next, call your insurance company and tell them what happened. The agent will guide you through the claims process. They’ll also send out an adjuster to survey the situation. Be sure you’re present when they visit, so you can discuss the damage with them and answer their questions. If you have a flood insurance policy, contact that agency as well if needed.
Don’t make permanent repairs or improvements until the insurance adjuster has seen and documented the damage. Call a North Carolina disaster restoration company to help you protect your home by putting tarps over holes in the roof, covering broken windows and doors, cleaning up debris, and removing standing water and mud. Keep all receipts to help with your insurance reimbursement.
In the case of a major event such as a hurricane, you may be able to get assistance from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They may help with temporary housing, meals and other assistance.
NC Disaster Services has the experience, skills and dedication to quickly clean up and repair storm and water damage in Carteret, Craven, Lenior and Onslow counties in eastern North Carolina. We’re available 24/7 to help you recover from storms, floods, major water leaks and more.
If storm damage in eastern North Carolina has you searching for “water damage restoration near me,” save yourself some time and call NC Disaster Services at 252-725-8979.
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