How Property Owners Can Prepare for the Challenges of Severe Weather and Storm Damage

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth offers practical tips that Keller, TX, homeowners can use to prepare for common storm damage challenges.

Locally owned and operated, SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth serves Keller, TX, and surrounding communities with water, fire, and storm damage restoration services. SERVPRO technicians are highly trained industry professionals who adhere to the highest IICRC standards.

Overcoming the Challenges of Storm Damage

Being inside a home when severe weather causes storm damage is a traumatic and potentially dangerous experience. Personal safety is a chief concern. If the damage was severe enough to require the evacuation of the structure and the threat of severe weather persists in the forecast, avoid re-entering the home until first responders or other professionals have given the green light. Staying at a friend’s house, a hotel or an emergency shelter is a minor inconvenience that ensures the safety of the family.

Damage assessment and property damage cleanup and restoration should follow closely on the heels of the disaster to prevent advanced secondary damage from the water intrusion. The following information is intended to provide homeowners with practical ways to protect and preserve the value of their property in different situations.

Tips on Insurance Coverage

Most homeowner policies cover most storm damage incidents, including severe damage. Certain factors come into play when determining the actual payout and what the homeowner must cover. Some of these factors include:

• Premium amounts
• Applicable deductibles
• Age of the home
• Condition of the structure
• Extent of the damage
• Current property values in the neighborhood

Clients in storm or flood damage disaster areas should not be targeted for rate increases since such catastrophic natural events may be classified as acts of God and, therefore, beyond human control. A pitfall to avoid is failing to file a claim in a timely fashion; delinquency may render a property owner ineligible for coverage in the future. In some instances, an entire neighborhood, planned community, or section of a municipality may face a rate increase following a disaster. Due diligence in claims filing can prevent a homeowner from paying higher premiums without receiving the benefits now.

When a storm damage disaster strikes, follow these steps:

1. As mentioned above, safety is always the top priority. Make sure everyone is safe and in a protected area of the home.
2. Hire a damage cleanup and restoration company to carry out emergency tarping and board-ups if needed. A dependable company will begin the cleanup and restoration process promptly.
3. Thoroughly document the damage. Take copious images and videos. Be mindful of the digital storage capacity of the phone or recording device to ensure the damage scene is adequately covered. If needed, upload images and video to the cloud for safe storage. These files can be link-shared with the insurance company. Save any receipts. Take an image of the receipt and upload it to a cloud file dedicated to disaster records. Note any repairs and maintenance performed on appliances prior to the storm damage disaster.
4. Reach out to the insurance company to immediately begin the claims process. A claims representative or adjuster will assess the situation. SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth can handle the entire claims process, reducing stress for the homeowner.

Types of Storms and Their Damage Patterns

Winter storms

Though winters are mild in Texas, winter storms can cause havoc. High winds can damage shingles or cause tree limbs to break off and puncture the roof resulting in potential water damage. This water damage can foster mold growth. In February 2021, a historic cold snap held much of Texas in its frigid grip of sub-zero temperatures, which led to frozen pipes, water damage, house fires, and many fatalities.

To successfully overcome these challenges, the homeowner should practice extreme caution. If roof damage is suspected, secure the services of a licensed, insured, and bonded roofing contractor to inspect the situation. Stay off the roof, and leave the inspection to a trained professional who has the appropriate safety equipment. Cold and wet can combine to form ice sheets on walkways, steps, and decks. Exercise extreme caution when venturing outside during sleet, ice, and snow. Every home should have a disaster readiness plan and a well-stocked cache of emergency supplies, including food, water, batteries, flashlights, a weather radio, blankets, matches, personal hygiene products, and first aid supplies.

Hail damage

Hail usually varies in size from .2 inches to about 1.75 inches, but a 6.4-inch hailstone landed in San Antonio in 2021. Signs of hail damage include dents and cracks in shingles. Roof vents and siding may have dents as well. These damages can result in hard-to-detect leaks. To overcome these challenging roof damages, contact a trusted professional with training in hail detection. Have the professional check siding, gutters, and downspouts for damage.

Lightning damage

A direct hit from a lightning bolt can cause extensive structural damage, including fires. Cable, telephone lines, appliances, wiring, and satellite dishes can sustain catastrophic damage in a lightning strike. In the event of a strike, do not venture outside until the storm has subsided and everyone is safe. Bring in a reputable electrician to assess the situation. Be sure to contact the insurance company at the time of the incident to determine policy coverage.

Thunderstorm damage

Tornadic winds can turn a home into a pile of rubble, while torrential downpours can transform a cul-de-sac into a lakefront property. Flash-flooding from severe thunderstorms can damage baseboards, drywall, flooring, and a home’s foundation. If bulk water is not removed immediately, wet items can become contaminated with pathogens, and a mold infestation can break out.

To meet the challenges of a potential flash flood, relocate furniture to a safe location within the home. Move valuables, artwork, electronics, important documents, and keepsakes to a secure place in the home or a remote location if time and conditions permit. In the event of a tornado, retreat to a safe room within the structure. A preparation and response plan for severe weather can prepare a family to endure the worst and respond appropriately if the worst, a tornado, threatens the home or neighborhood.

Preparation is the key to overcoming the challenges presented by severe weather conditions. One of the most important pre-disaster preparations is pre-qualifying a reputable, proven storm damage restoration company. The professionals should be available 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays. A rapid response is crucial. SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth can arrive within an hour to any property damage disaster in Keller, TX, and the surrounding area.

For more information about Keller, TX, storm damage cleanup, email SERVPRO of Northeast Fort Worth at office@SERVPROnortheastftworth.com, or call the office at (817) 741-5737.