As Hurricane Helene bears down on Atlanta, residents are understandably focused on staying safe. However, once the storm passes, dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially when property damage is involved. This guide outlines the immediate steps you should take to control property damage and expedite the restoration process after Hurricane Helene, ensuring that your home or business can return to normal as quickly as possible.
At Paces Restoration, with over 25 years of professional experience, we’ve assisted countless homeowners in Atlanta recover after storms like Hurricane Helene. Here’s our expert guide to property damage control.
1. Prioritize Safety First
Before you begin assessing the damage after Hurricane Helene, it’s crucial to ensure the safety of yourself and your family. Floodwaters, downed power lines, and structural damage can all pose significant hazards after a hurricane.
- Check for visible hazards: Avoid wading through standing water, especially if electrical lines are nearby. If you smell gas or see downed wires, evacuate immediately and call 911.
- Turn off utilities: If it is safe, turn off electricity, gas, and water to prevent additional damage or risk of fire or electrocution.
- Avoid dangerous debris: Broken glass, nails, and unstable structures are common after hurricanes. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes if you need to navigate debris.
2. Document the Damage for Insurance
Once it is safe to re-enter your property, documenting the damage is essential for your insurance claim. Accurate and thorough documentation can help streamline the claim process, allowing restoration work to begin more quickly.
- Take photos and videos: Capture images and videos of all affected areas, including water damage, roof damage, broken windows, and any structural issues. This visual evidence will be crucial for your insurance claim.
- Make a detailed list: Note down all damaged or destroyed items, including furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. If possible, record the purchase date and value of each item.
- Don’t start repairs yet: While it’s tempting to start fixing things right away, wait until the insurance adjuster has inspected the property. Making permanent repairs beforehand could complicate your claim.
3. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Your next step should be to notify your insurance company about the damage. Be prepared to provide them with the documentation you gathered and answer any questions they may have about the extent of the destruction.
- Report the damage quickly: The sooner you contact your insurance provider, the sooner an adjuster can be assigned to assess the situation.
- Ask about temporary repairs: In some cases, your insurance policy may cover temporary repairs to prevent further damage, such as tarping a roof or boarding up windows. Confirm what is permissible before proceeding.
- Understand your policy: Familiarize yourself with what your insurance covers, including whether flood, wind, or water damage is included in your policy.
4. Mitigate Further Damage
While waiting for your insurance adjuster and restoration professionals, there are steps you can take to prevent additional property damage. This is especially important as secondary issues, like mold, can develop rapidly.
- Cover exposed areas: Use tarps or plywood to cover any holes in your roof, walls, or windows to keep out water and animals.
- Dry out the area: If water has entered your home, remove it as soon as possible using buckets, pumps, or wet/dry vacuums. Open doors and windows to promote ventilation and use fans and dehumidifiers to start the drying process.
- Prevent mold growth: Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours in damp environments. Remove wet materials, like carpets or drywall, to prevent mold spores from spreading.
5. Call a Professional Restoration Company
Once your insurance company has assessed the damage, it’s time to bring in a professional restoration team to handle the repairs. At Paces Restoration, we specialize in storm recovery and have a 24/7 emergency response team ready to help you recover from Hurricane Helene.
- Fast and reliable service: We understand the urgency of getting your property back to normal. Our team responds promptly, with specialized tools and techniques to address water, wind, and structural damage.
- Insurance collaboration: We work closely with your insurance provider to ensure the restoration process goes smoothly, helping you get the maximum coverage for your repairs.
- Tailored restoration solutions: Every home and business is unique, and so is the damage after a hurricane. We create custom restoration plans to suit your property’s needs, ensuring that all aspects of the damage are addressed efficiently.
6. Stay Informed About Future Safety Measures
After recovering from a hurricane, it’s wise to take precautions to protect your property from future storms. Use this experience as an opportunity to evaluate your home’s vulnerabilities and take action to fortify it.
- Install storm shutters: If you live in a hurricane-prone area, consider installing shutters or impact-resistant windows.
- Elevate appliances and electrical systems: Elevating appliances and electrical outlets can reduce the risk of future flood damage.
- Secure outdoor items: Ensure that outdoor furniture, grills, and other items are anchored down or easily stored to prevent them from becoming projectiles during a storm.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with property damage after Hurricane Helene can be stressful, but by following the right steps, you can protect your home and expedite the recovery process. From emergency response to full-scale restoration, our goal at Paces Restoration is to restore your property and peace of mind as quickly as possible.
We’re here to help you through every stage of the recovery process. Whether you experience storm damage or simply need advice, our team is available 24/7 to provide the support and expertise you need. In the event of an active emergency or if individuals are in immediate danger, please dial 911 for urgent assistance. Your safety and well-being are our top priority.
