Hurricanes are devastating disasters that often visit the U.S. from June to November each year. They affect everything, from public infrastructures to private homes and businesses, leading to billions of dollars in direct property damage.
It’s often difficult and overwhelming to deal with catastrophic losses all on your own, so make sure to contact a local company that can help with restoration and repairs right away. Safety comes first, however, so follow these tips immediately after a hurricane passes.
Practice safe cleanup
- Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary sightseeing to prevent hampering rescue activities.
- Stay away from fallen powerlines, damaged buildings, broken branches, and other debris.
- Do not drink or use tap water to prepare food unless you're sure it has not been contaminated.
- Throw out spoiled food. If your refrigerator's temperature gets beyond 40 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two hours, don't eat anything taken from it.
- Refrain from driving unless it's necessary. Do not drive over floodwater and damaged roads and bridges.
- Do not enter floodwater unless it's essential, and wear proper protective gear to prevent getting in contact with harmful germs.
Contact your insurance company and perform documentation.
- Document the damage by taking photos or videos for a smoother insurance claim process.
- Keep all receipts, credit card slips, and other proofs of out-of-pocket expenses in a waterproof, resealable plastic bag.
- Document all contact with the insurance company.
- Create copies of estimates for property evaluations and repairs.
Never use water-damaged equipment.
- Have a licensed electrician check your electrical systems to safely restore power and to utilize or dispose of affected equipment.
Prevent explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Gas leaks are possible after a disaster happens. It's dangerous to repair a gas leak on your own, so contact a utility provider for safety.
- When using battery-operated flashlights, turn them on outside your property to prevent igniting a gas leak.
- Keep generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from any opening, such as windows and doors, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Install roof tarps and board-ups.
- While waiting for repairs or while the reconstruction is going on, emergency roof tarping and board-up services will protect your property from further damage and unwanted visitors.
- In addition, immediately safeguarding your property will prevent voiding your homeowners insurance claim later on.
Contact a Reliable Storm Damage Restoration Company in Roswell, GA
ServiceMaster Roswell has always been available to provide residential and commercial storm damage restoration in Roswell, Georgia, and the surrounding areas.
Our Emergency Response Team is available at (770) 787-4777 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may also send us a message online.
- Locally owned and operated with national resources
- Trusted firm in Roswell, GA
- Over 30 years of experience
- Licensed, certified, and fully bonded technicians
Don’t know what to do next? We do. Visit our office at 373 S Atlanta St., Roswell, GA 30075.
