Palm Beach County is a beautiful locale in South Florida that is desirable to live in year round or seasonally. The only downside is that this tropical paradise is prone to severe thunderstorms, hail, tropical storms and hurricanes. High winds, heavy rains and flooding often result in homes and businesses sustaining minor and major storm damage. Some damage is easily cleaned up and repaired while major damage requires extensive restoration to make it liveable again.
First, Make Sure Everyone Is Safe After The Storm
When disaster strikes, the most important step is staying safe whether you are at home or work. Human life comes first before any structure. Once you know your family or employees are safe and uninjured, you can try to see what’s damaged and what can be secured as long as no power lines are down. Proceed with caution as there may be broken glass, exposed nails and debris everywhere. If possible, once the storm or hurricane passes, try to minimize further water damage by tarping your roof or covering broken doors and windows.
Document Storm The Damage
Before calling the insurance company, document the damages to your house or place of business. To make sure you receive full compensation, photograph the interior and exterior damage including possessions. Take care to avoid injury as you move through the property. Record any or all of the following:
- Fire damage
- Water or moisture damage
- Mold growth
- Damaged personal property
- Lifted or lost shingles
- Missing or damaged exterior siding
- Broken or damaged windows and doors
- Damaged or broken appliances including your A/C
- Interior flooding
Call Your Insurance Agent To Report The Storm Damage
Inform your property insurance company of the disaster the weather caused at your home or commercial property. They’ll send out an adjuster to look over everything that happened due to the severe weather and then let you know what exactly your policy will cover.
Have the Damages Repaired Quickly By Licensed Professionals
To minimize further damage from water and mold, contact an experienced hurricane damage restoration company to begin the cleanup and repair process. If you delay, mold will be able to get a foothold in your home or business and cause an unhealthy, unsafe environment. Don’t try to make the repairs yourself. Fallen trees, roof damage or other structural issues may appear to be superficial and easily repaired but the damage can actually be quite extensive. Improper repairs may lead to mold growth and other structural issues that could have been avoided by hiring a professional restoration company.
Why a Trained Disaster Restoration Provider is Needed for Storm Damage Clean-up
It’s essential that your home or office is repaired properly and safely not only to secure your home but to ensure the insurance company will cover damages. Hiring a wind storm restoration contractor immediately will stop the possibility of more damage occurring and remove opportunities for mold and mildew to grow. Professionals are well-versed in how to handle this type of restoration and they have the right equipment to get the job done quickly so you can get back to normal life or business.