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When a Florida storm hits, it can leave major damage long after the weather improves. From flooded basements to fire hazards caused by lightning strikes, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Whether it’s from water damage or smoke damage, quickly addressing these issues is crucial to minimizing long-term effects. Here’s a guide on what to do if your home experiences water or smoke damage after a storm.
1. Ensure Safety First
Before you do anything, make sure everyone in your household is safe. If there is active flooding or if you smell smoke or notice a fire hazard, evacuate immediately. Stay away from downed power lines, and do not enter flooded areas unless you are certain the water is not contaminated with sewage or other harmful substances.
2. Assess the Damage
Once you’re certain it’s safe to enter your home, begin assessing the extent of the damage. Start by noting areas with visible water damage or signs of smoke and soot. Pay attention to walls, ceilings, floors, and personal belongings, as these are most susceptible to water and smoke damage. If you can safely do so, start collecting evidence to best document the extent of your home’s damage, for insurance purposes.
3. Stop the Source of Damage
If the water damage is coming from a burst pipe, leaky roof, or broken window, try to stop the source of the damage if possible. For smoke or fire damage, ensure the fire has been fully extinguished before attempting to enter the area.
4. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Your next step should be to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Many policies cover water and fire damage, but the specifics will vary depending on the cause of the damage and your policy details. Provide your insurer with the documentation you’ve collected, such as photos and a list of damaged items. Your insurance holder will assist with the claims process and may send someone to assess the damage in person.
5. Call a Professional Restoration Service
Water and smoke damage can cause lasting issues if not addressed quickly. Mold growth, structural damage, and lingering odors are just a few problems that can arise. Hiring a professional restoration service, such as Shamrock Renewal of Northwest Florida, ensures that the damage is thoroughly cleaned and restored. Restoration specialists have the expertise and equipment to handle complex tasks such as:
- Textile Restoration: Cleaning and deodorizing clothing, linens, curtains, and upholstery damaged by smoke, fire, or water to restore items to pre-event condition
- Soft Goods Restoration: Restoring items such as shoes, handbags, stuffed animals, and outdoor gear
- Specialty Cleaning: Handling high-end, delicate fabrics and specialty garments with expert care
- Prevent Long-Term Damage: Eliminating harmful bacteria or mold, and saving you the replacement cost by restoring your belongings and home to their original condition
- Remove Odors: Removing deep-set odors like smoke and reversing the long-term effects of water damage, ensuring your home smells fresh and clean
6. Prevent Further Damage
While waiting for professional help to arrive, it’s important to be aware of the actions you can take as the homeowner to prevent further damage:
- Water Damage: Use towels or mops to soak up excess water in high-traffic areas. If the water is in a small area, placing fans can help dry out the space. Be cautious about using electrical devices in wet areas.
- Smoke Damage: Open windows if possible to ventilate the area. Avoid using air fresheners, as they may mask the smoky smell but not remove it.
Storms bring unpredictable damage, but taking prompt action can help limit the extent of that damage. By ensuring safety, documenting the damage, and contacting professionals quickly, you can begin the restoration process and get your home back to normal. Shamrock Renewal of Northwest Florida is here to help you restore your home after a storm, providing expert services in water, smoke, and fire damage restoration. Don’t wait—contact us today to start the recovery process.
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