Storm Damage Strikes in Midtown Mobile – What Now?
On the night of November 29 and the morning of November 30, 2022, a furious storm caused damage across Southern Mississippi and Southwest Alabama. In Mobile County, the storm damage was heavily focused in the Midtown area with trees fallen and limbs down. A couple living on Ellinor Street told FOX10 News they had just gotten out of bed during Wednesday morning’s storms when a tree crashed right on top of their home, one limb ripped straight through the living room ceiling and rain poured into both the living room and bedroom. The family had already been doing renovations, and the severe damage caused by the storm has set them further back on their plans for a dream home.
So what do you need to do if this happens to you? In this article, we will explore what you need to do if your home has been damaged by a storm.
Damage from Storms
As a homeowner, dealing with damage caused by a storm can be overwhelming. From the initial assessment to the paperwork involved in insurance claims, it can seem like an uphill battle. But while storms can cause significant destruction to your property, there are steps that can help lessen the stress and impact of storm damage. Knowing what to do if your home is damaged by a storm is essential for protecting your property and ensuring its restoration.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Assessing storm damage to your home can be a daunting task, but it is important to do a thorough evaluation of the extent of the damage. Knowing how to assess storm damage is a critical step in getting your home back into shape after a storm.
To begin assessing the storm damage after a severe storm, you should first inspect your property outside for any visible signs of destruction. Look for broken branches or debris that may have been blown around or onto your home or yard as well as any missing shingles. If you notice any damage from fallen trees, do not attempt to move them until they are inspected by an expert first. Besides the obvious signs of destruction, we suggest using binoculars to further inspect your home’s exterior from ground level for any missing or broken shingles or siding, dents in metal flashing, damaged gutters and downspouts, broken windows or doors, and water stains on walls. It’s also important to check for structural integrity issues in your home or property as these should be addressed immediately.
After evaluating the exterior of your home, move inside and look for water spots on ceilings and walls, which could indicate roof leaks or flooding. You will want to carefully go through each room in your home looking for any signs of water infiltration or structural damage. Pay particular attention to basements that may have been flooded by heavy rains; check for warped floors and drywall that have been contaminated with mold or mildew.
Once you understand the extent of damage caused by the storm, you can begin determining what items are salvageable and which need replacement or repair.
Step 2: Document Everything
When severe storms strike, it’s important to document everything for insurance purposes. Documenting storm damage can be a daunting task, but with the right steps and processes in place, you can easily make sure all of your losses are accurately recorded so that you can receive the proper reimbursement from your insurer.
To start, take photos or videos of the damage as soon as possible after the storm has passed. This will provide evidence of what happened before clean-up begins. Make sure to record any visible damage from multiple angles in case something is missed initially. Keep a list of damaged property for future reference if needed. Gathering receipts and any other paperwork associated with items damaged by the storm is also necessary. When filing an insurance claim, later on, having these documents on hand will help prove ownership and aid in determining compensation amounts.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Provider
When dealing with the aftermath of storm damage, contacting your insurance provider is essential. Knowing how to properly reach out for assistance can help you get the coverage and repairs you need quickly and easily.
The first step to contacting your insurance provider is to find their customer service department. Most providers have a customer service number listed on their website or phone application that will connect you directly with a representative. When calling, be prepared with basic information such as your policy number, the date of the storm damage, and any other pertinent information that might be requested. You may also need to provide photos or documentation related to the storm damage in order for them to assess your claim.
Your insurance provider may also have an online portal where you can submit claims or ask questions about filing claims related to storm damage.
Step 4: Make Temporary Repairs
Storms can take a toll on your home, causing damage that needs to be addressed right away. Making temporary repairs until you can have the damage professionally assessed and repaired is necessary to protect your home and keep out further damage from outside elements. With the right supplies and a few simple steps, you can make some quick and easy repairs that will ensure that your home is safe until a professional can assess the damage.
While assessing the damage earlier, you may have noticed areas posing additional risks, such as damaged electrical wiring, fallen tree branches or trees, or broken windows that need boarding up before making any repairs. Next, inspect any damaged areas such as roofs or siding for signs of water penetration or structural instability. If you notice any leaks, seal them with caulking or waterproofing tape so that water does not continue to seep into your home. If there are objects near the damaged area that could cause more harm if moved, cover them with plastic sheeting to protect them from further weather exposure. Once you’ve secured any hazardous areas and protected them against further exposure, assess what materials you need for temporary repair and shop accordingly.
If you’re dealing with a fallen tree on your home, you’ll likely need to call the local tree removal crew and get an emergency tarp for your roof as soon as possible. Roof repair contractors can often provide you with emergency roof tarping services within 24 hours.
Step 5: Clean Up and Salvage What You Can
After a storm hits, it can be difficult to know where to begin with the clean-up and salvaging process, especially when your personal property is in question. No matter what, it’s important to prioritize your tasks and focus on the safety of yourself and others before attempting any repairs or restoration. Cleaning up and salvaging what you can after storm damage requires patience, organization, and careful decision-making.
It’s important to remember that safety comes first when cleaning up after major storms; take caution when handling any hazardous materials like broken glass or damaged electrical cords. If necessary, seek professional assistance from qualified technicians who are experienced in restoring or replacing any large or expensive items.
Step 6: Hire a Professional to Make Permanent Repairs
When a storm has caused extensive damage to your home, it can be overwhelming to know how to begin the repair process. Hiring a professional contractor is an effective way of ensuring that the permanent repairs are done correctly and safely. Before you hire someone to work on your home, there are several important steps you should take.
First, when you contact your insurer, you’ll likely receive an estimate for the repair costs associated with the damage. This estimate from your insurer will give you an idea as to what kind of budget you’ll need for hiring a contractor.
Second, obtain multiple bids from experienced contractors in your area who have experience repairing storm-damaged homes like yours. When looking for contractors, take the time to find ones that are licensed and insured. Ask them about their experience in dealing with storm damage repair and make sure they have references that you can contact. Inquire if they offer emergency services in case you need work done quickly after a storm strikes. Additionally, get estimates from at least three different contractors so you can compare prices and choose the one that best meets your needs.
Last but not least, schedule with the professional contractor of your choice to move forward with making the necessary repairs to your home.
Conclusion: Preparing for Future Storms
With an increasing number of storms hitting the United States in recent years, it’s important to be prepared for future ones. Preparation can help minimize storm damage and ensure your family’s safety. There are a few steps you can take to get ready for any potential storm that may come your way.
First, don’t wait until the last minute to gather supplies–be sure to stock up ahead of time on items such as flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food items, and other necessities. Make sure you have a plan in place in case you need to evacuate at a moment’s notice–have emergency contact information readily available and map out multiple possible routes from your home. Additionally, familiarize yourself with community resources such as shelters should you need them during an emergency situation.
As storms become more frequent and severe, it is important for homeowners to be prepared for the damage that a storm can cause. Financially planning ahead for repairs after a storm can help alleviate some of the stress associated with storm damage. Inspecting your property regularly and making any necessary repairs before a storm hits is an effective way to minimize the devastation from future storms.
In conclusion, recovering from storm damage can be a daunting, lengthy process. Taking the time to secure your property, assess the damage, and file an insurance claim is critical in beginning the recovery process. Additionally, finding a reliable contractor to help you make necessary repairs to your property will be essential in getting back to normal life as quickly as possible. Lastly, don’t forget to contact your local community for assistance if needed! With patience and persistence, recovering from storm damage does not have to be an overwhelming experience.
Still feeling overwhelmed? Revitalize Homebuyers can help!
Revitalize Homebuyers, LLC is the Fast and Reliable local real estate investment company buying houses on the Gulf Coast in Mississippi and Alabama. We buy houses in any condition, any time, ask us how!
Call us at (251) 319-7915 to talk with a live representative.