What’s In This Articles

• Natural Disaster Clean Up: After a Typhoon
• Natural Disaster Clean Up: Things to Remember
• Tips For Cleaning After a Natural Disaster
• Conclusion

Natural Disaster Clean Up

Natural Disaster Clean Up: After a Typhoon

Natural disasters are never a good thing. They injure people and cause huge financial losses. The US is one of the most affected countries in the world and storms and typhoons are very common in US states. In fact, the average Atlantic hurricane season brings 14 named storms, 3 major hurricanes, and 7 hurricanes. These disasters can come without a warning and cause havoc. This is why it is important to have a natural disaster clean up plan and know exactly what to do if a disaster strikes.

Cleaning up after natural disasters like typhoons requires a great deal of work. You can’t afford to let things settle naturally as ignoring your property can worsen the situation.

It is necessary to start cleaning up as soon as safely possible because the more it is prolonged, the more the situation will worsen. A delay in cleaning up after a natural disaster can put you and your loved ones in danger. Moreover, delays can cause the spread of mold and mildew and increase the risk of water-borne diseases. Furthermore, typhoons can also cause harmful chemical exposures and possess hygiene risks.

While cleaning and repairs are the first things on many people’s minds, it’s important to be cautious because there are a million safety hazards lurking in the damage and debris left behind after a natural disaster. Given below are some safety measures to remember when working on a natural disaster clean up plan.

Natural Disaster Clean Up: Things to Remember

• Do not forget to wear protective gear, including gloves, bulky waterproof shoes, face masks (if required), etc. so that there is no risk of contamination. Moreover, some of these equipment can also protect against electrocution and other such dangers.
• Do not enter the building until it is declared safe to enter by the authorities.
• Make sure to carry proper equipment, such as flashlights, when you enter a damaged structure for any reason.
• Don’t leave any cuts untreated and cover them immediately after treatment to avoid infections.
• Be sure to bring insect repellent along with you to prevent the spread of diseases through mosquito bites.
• Keep generators and all sources of carbon monoxide in a properly ventilated area.
• Steering clear of all power lines. This is very important as live wires can result in the loss of lives.
• Stay away from all areas declared as “danger zones” by the authorities.
• Minimize the usage of electrical equipment to avoid any danger.
• If dealing with standing water, opt for wooden sticks and poles to clear the debris.
• If using ladders, find an even ground to place the ladder and exercise caution while climbing up.

Tips For Cleaning After a Natural Disaster

Remember to put your safety first and wait for the nod from your local authorities before starting with your natural disaster clean up plan. This is important even if your structure has not faced any damage because nearby properties may have sustained damage and could be at risk. Also, remember these tips:

• Scour everything in your home that has come into contact with contaminated water or other destructive elements. Make use of soap and cold water while doing so.
• Disinfect all surfaces and floors in your home right away.
• Replace broken furniture and disinfect and clean fabric, including curtains and carpets.
• Pump out stationary water from your basement. It might be a good idea to hire the services of a professional natural disaster recovery company like Get Del Mar as we have the tools needed to pump huge quantities of water.
• Get rid of all garbage.
• Ask for help and get volunteers when dealing with heavy objects.
• Report additional waste to the cleaning authorities.

Conclusion

We hope these measures and guidelines will help you out during the cleaning phase. Remember to take breaks between cleaning to restore your energy and not tire yourself out. It is best that you work with a professional and let them handle the job. It will reduce the risk and provide you with much-needed rest after a natural disaster. Get in touch with us today to know more about how we can help.

What’s In This Articles

• 5 Steps to Take After Storm Damage
• Take Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
• Check Your Property for Signs of Storm Damage
• Get In Touch With Your Insurance Provider
• Hire a Storm Damage Restoration Company
• Start the Restoration Process

Storm Damage Repair

5 Steps to Take After Storm Damage

Storms are very common in the US. They result in heavy losses and while there is no way to prevent or correctly predict storms, you can reduce the damage by taking the right steps at the right time and controlling storm damage. Here are five steps to take after a storm:

Take Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Your first step should be to ensure everyone’s safety. Start by moving out of the house, especially if it’s flooded and not in a condition to live in. This is because stormwater is unsafe and can cause contamination. This means you and your loved ones could get exposed to illnesses. Thus, move out and find a safe place to live.

Also, make sure to cut power. The risk of electric shocks is very high during rains or storms. You should cut it off so you can move around freely. Furthermore, stay away from ‘unsafe’ areas such as wet furniture. Water can do serious damage and also weaken the structure of your house, often leaving it inhabitable. Your best bet is to leave the property until it has been restored or repaired.

Check Your Property for Signs of Storm Damage

Once your house is ‘safe’ enough, pick up a phone or camera and start recording damage. Inspect corners that you can and take photos as you will have to share this information with your insurance provider and storm damage repair company.

Some of the most commonly reported damages include missing or damaged shingles, destroyed exterior siding, broken windows, flooded basements, destroyed doors, broken electronics, and furniture damage. You have to be very careful when inspecting your property as some areas may be ‘unsafe’ to check.

Get In Touch With Your Insurance Provider

Your insurance company can provide financial aid so get in touch and document your losses. You will need to submit photos and supporting documents in order to get reimbursed. Hence, make sure to keep all relevant documents including costs of temporary living expenses such as hotel receipts. Furthermore, you may need receipts from your storm damage repair company.

Most companies will not reimburse you right away and will perform checks before approving a request. Thus, you will have to go ahead with the repairs and pay from your own pocket. But, rest assured the company will reimburse you if you submit all the required documents and have insurance that covers storm water damage.

The company will provide you a list of documents needed and the timeline to complete the process. Moreover, it may send a representative to inspect your property and review the steps you have taken to reduce further damage.

Hire a Storm Damage Restoration Company

You must hire the services of a storm damage repair company. In fact, it might be a good idea to take this step in the beginning as hiring the services of a storm damage restoration company comes with several benefits.

Firstly, they’ll take steps to reduce further damage, thus the burden will be minimal. Secondly, they’ll inspect the area on your behalf and make a list of damaged items. Moreover, they’ll even handle the insurance company on your behalf and allow you to be at ease. Get Del Mar can prove to be helpful, call us today to discuss your situation.

Start the Restoration Process

Once you have finalized a storm damage repair company, discuss the situation and find possible solutions. Some might go for temporary solutions and some might suggest long-term damage control. It is important that you choose the latter, especially if you can afford it, as temporary solutions are for the short term and you will eventually have to think of something else.

The entire process can take anywhere from a few days to a few months based on the size of your property and the nature of the damage. Storm damage is often combined with fire and water damage, which can make things even more complicated.

The restoration company will first remove water and ensure your property is safe to go back in. Furthermore, it will identify mold and take steps to remove it. Lastly, it may repair or replace damaged shingles, doors, windows, etc.

Storm damage can be serious. Waste no time and get in touch with a storm damage repair company to start the restoration process. Call xxx-xxxx-xxxx to know more.