5 Things to Check on Your Home After a Storm

8/11/2019

Homeowners understand that severe weather events, like storms, hurricanes, and blizzards are no laughing matter. Hurricane Florence caused $45 billion in property damage alone in North and South Carolina and Virginia.

Of course, your first and most important concern during storms should always be your family. But once the weather clears, it's time to see how much damage has been done to your property.

Here are five things you need to check on your home and property after a storm:

Check the Roof and Exterior
You need to establish whether your home's exterior is still solidly built. Check the roof for broken shingles, holes, and dents. Don't forget to check the gutters, downspouts, and exterior sidings as well. Take note of even the smallest cuts like these can lead to serious problems later on.
Examine Outdoor Structures
Examine outdoor structures like the fence, storage shed, or garage as soon as it's safe to do so. Patch up your fence immediately to ensure your home and family's safety. You should also check the shed or garage as soon as possible to prevent the contents inside from being damaged.
Look at the Attic, Basement, and Other Crawlspaces
Don't forget to give the attic, basement, and any crawlspaces a once over. These spaces are susceptible to water damage, rot, and mold growth. Any water that seeps inside your home can compromise its structural integrity and damage your valuables.
Inspect Ceilings, Doors, Floors, and Windows
A severe storm can easily cause damage to your home's windows, doors, and floors. Once the debris is clear from your home, inspect the interior for any physical damage, like cracks, leaks, water damage, warping, bulging, and broken glass.
Go Over Your Electronics
Your electronic appliances, like computers, TVs, and washing machines can easily be damaged by water leaks, falling objects, and power surges. Hopefully, you have unplugged these devices before the storm or have preventive measures, like surge protectors, in place. It's still prudent to go over your electronics and check that everything is functioning safely.

As a responsible homeowner, you need to avail the services of a good insurance company. A reliable insurer will make it easier to weather any storm. At Jacobs Insurance Solutions, we aim to make our client's life easier with policies that are tailored to their needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (817) 485-8989. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.

6 Comments

Kristofer Van Wagner link

8/22/2021 10:44:10 pm

I am grateful that this post shared that when looking to protect our home against a hurricane, it is important that we ensure to have the right door installed. The other day my wife mentioned she would like to have a hurricane-proof door installed. I will definitely be mindful with my choice of doors.

Property Restoration Services link

1/21/2022 03:05:59 am

Thank you for this informative post. It's really helpful. Yes, you are absolutely right when you said to inspection of the roofs and exterior siding because these can lead to serious problems later on. In such kind of situation you can hire the companies that provide property restoration services.

Flood Water Damage Restoration Companies link

2/9/2023 11:08:54 am

Your first and most important concern during storms should always be your family. But once the weather clears, it's time to see how much damage has been done to your property. I love this blog. I don’t know what I’d do without you and your great info! Thank you so much!

Dave Weilder link

5/10/2023 06:58:22 pm

I found your article on "5 Things to Check on Your Home After a Storm" to be quite informative. Storms can be quite destructive, and it's essential to be aware of the damage they can cause to your home.

Your tips on checking the roof, gutters, and downspouts were particularly useful. These areas are susceptible to damage during storms, and it's crucial to inspect them for any signs of wear and tear. The same applies to your windows and doors, which can also suffer damage during a storm.

You also rightly pointed out that it's essential to check for any water damage in your home after a storm. Water damage can be quite insidious and can lead to mold growth if left unchecked. Your tips on checking for water damage in the walls, ceiling, and floors are helpful.

In addition to the areas you mentioned, I would like to suggest that homeowners also check their electrical system for any damage after a storm. Power surges can cause electrical damage to your home, and it's important to have a professional inspect your electrical system for any issues.

Overall, your article provided some useful tips on what to check for after a storm. I will be sure to keep them in mind the next time a storm hits my area.

Thank you for sharing this informative piece.

Dave Hinson link

5/28/2023 09:26:55 pm

I recently read your blog post titled "5 Things to Check on Your Home After a Storm" and wanted to commend you on providing a comprehensive and informative guide for homeowners. Your article offers valuable insights and reminders on post-storm inspections, emphasizing the importance of assessing potential damages and taking necessary actions.

The five key areas you suggest checking after a storm are well-chosen and cover crucial aspects of home maintenance. From the roof to the exterior, interior, basement, and surroundings, your recommendations encompass all the important areas that may be affected by severe weather conditions.

I appreciate the detailed explanations and tips you provide for each area. The guidance on inspecting the roof for missing shingles, signs of leaks, or damage to gutters and downspouts is particularly helpful. Similarly, your suggestions to check for water intrusion, broken windows, and structural issues inside the home serve as a valuable reminder to prioritize safety and maintenance.

In addition, the inclusion of information on documenting damages and contacting insurance companies is vital. Many homeowners may overlook these steps in the immediate aftermath of a storm, but your guidance can help ensure a smoother claims process and facilitate necessary repairs.

The clarity and organization of your article make it easy for readers to follow along and understand the importance of each inspection point. The use of bullet points and concise explanations helps to convey the information effectively.

Overall, your blog post serves as a valuable resource for homeowners, providing them with a practical checklist for assessing their homes after a storm. By addressing key areas of concern and offering helpful tips, you empower readers to take proactive steps in safeguarding their property and seeking appropriate assistance.

Thank you for sharing this informative guide and for your commitment to educating homeowners on post-storm inspections. I look forward to reading more insightful content from Jacobs Insurance Solutions in the future.

Jacoby Johnson link

6/5/2023 07:32:54 pm

I recently had the opportunity to read your blog post on Jacobs Insurance Solutions, where you discuss the five things homeowners should check on their homes after a storm. I wanted to express my gratitude for sharing these valuable tips and insights.

Storms can wreak havoc on our homes, and your article provides practical guidance on post-storm assessments. Your emphasis on safety as the top priority is commendable. Encouraging homeowners to exercise caution and wait for the storm to pass before conducting inspections reflects a responsible approach to protecting both people and property.

Your five-point checklist, including the roof, gutters, windows, yard, and basement, covers essential areas that can be susceptible to damage during a storm. By highlighting these specific areas, you help homeowners prioritize their inspection efforts and identify potential issues that may require immediate attention.

The detailed explanations and visual aids you provide for each item on the checklist make it easy for readers to understand what to look for and how to assess any storm-related damage. Your advice on checking for missing or damaged shingles, inspecting gutters for clogs or detachment, examining windows for cracks or leaks, assessing tree damage in the yard, and evaluating the basement for signs of water intrusion are all crucial steps in post-storm assessments.

I appreciate that you emphasize the importance of documenting any damage through photographs or videos. This documentation serves as valuable evidence for insurance claims and can help streamline the claims process. Additionally, your recommendation to reach out to a trusted professional, such as a roofing contractor or insurance agent, for further assessment and guidance is sound advice that can save homeowners time, money, and potential headaches.

Thank you for sharing these insightful tips on what to check on a home after a storm. Your article provides a valuable resource for homeowners, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to assess storm-related damage and take appropriate action. I will certainly keep these points in mind and share your article with others who can benefit from this valuable information.

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