Storm Damage – Recommended Steps to Take

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Steps to Take Immediately After a Storm When You Experience Damage

Heavy/isolated storms may cause damage to your home and/or business causing some safety and health hazards to you or your loved ones.  Here are some strategies that can help you to deal with the damage immediately after the storm.

Heavy wind and rain can create physical hazards such as collapsed roofs, window damage, rain soaked walls or standing water in the basement of your business or home.

Once the storm passes when it is safe to do so, conduct a physical walk through of your building, home and/or property. 

Things to check:

• Do you smell any gas? If so, shut off the main gas line.
• Are there any downed power lines near your property? If so, stay away from the line and shut off your main breaker switch.  Contact your local electrical company. 
• Check for any signs of leaking from the roof or windows. Check your basement (if you have one) to see if you experienced any leaking/flooding.  Any type of moisture can soak into furniture, carpeting, and building materials and can make the perfect environment for mold growth that can cause health issues.
• Check your property for any broken glass, exposed nails, and other sharp objects that may have been scattered due to the storm.

In the unfortunate event your home or business suffers storm damage contact your insurance agent to notify them so they can start your claim.  Next, contact a reputable company like, SERVPRO® of Panhandle who will work seamlessly with your insurance company to help alleviate any hassles, which means less worry for you. Our employees work with insurance adjusters every day and help to ensure things are going according to plan and the job is properly documented. Being in business for over 19 years, whatever property and casualty insurance you or your company uses, odds are we have worked with them in the past.  If you need the job done right with less hassle for you, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO® of Panhandle 304-263-0640.

When a storm-related disaster strikes, it may seem overwhelming, but we hope these steps can help you to begin the process of restoring your home, your business and/or your life back to normal.