First, you should always make safety a priority when dealing with storm damage. Safety should be a priority when dealing with storm damage. If the storm has caused power outages, make sure you have flashlights in your house and keep fire extinguishers on hand. If you are dealing with flooding, make sure you are not stepping into contaminated water. If possible, use sandbags to help minimize the damage from flooding. These safety precautions will help you to manage the storm damage and keep your family safe.

Documenting storm damage is important for both insurance claims and repairs. Make sure you take photos of all the damages to your home and list them in detail. This can help you and your insurance agent when filing a claim, allowing you to better understand the damages and receive the best possible settlement. Documenting your damages also can help you when hiring a contractor to repair your home. If you receive multiple bids, you can use the photos and documentation to help you select a contractor. This will help you to make the best decision on repairs and help you avoid fraudulent contractors.

As soon as you experience storm damage, you need to contact your insurance company. The sooner you report the damage, the better your chances are of receiving a claim settlement. If you wait too long to file a claim, it can affect your settlement and cause you to miss certain deadlines for reporting damages. Your insurance company will also need time to investigate the damage and get in contact with contractors to begin repairs. The sooner you report your damages, the sooner you can receive a settlement and start repairs which will help you to avoid costly interest on your home loan and protect your family’s quality of life.

Once you have filed your insurance claim and received a settlement, you can start hiring a contractor to repair your home. However, you need to make sure you are hiring a contractor that you can trust and that they are the right contractor for the job. When hiring a contractor, ask for references and check them beforehand. You also can check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if the contractor has any complaints against them. Choosing the right contractor for the job at hand may require some research, but it is essential to restoring your damaged home. For example, hiring a contractor who specializes in tree service in Portland will not be the right choice for a flooded basement.

Finally, you need to be sure to regularly monitor the progress of repairs. Make sure you have regular communication with the contractor and ask them to provide you with an updated timeline for repairs. It can be easy to get caught up in the moment and forget about the repairs on your home. However, it is important to stay on top of repairs and make sure they are being completed as expected. Regularly monitoring the progress of repairs can help you to identify potential issues further down the road. It will also help you to stay on track with your timeline and make sure repairs are finished as soon as possible.

Storms can be a scary and stressful experience, but they don't have to put your life on pause altogether. By following these five steps, you can minimize the negative effects storm damage has on your home and your well-being. Be sure to keep these tips in mind the next time a storm heads your way so you can keep your family safe and sound.