7 Home Projects To Take On After A Storm And Flood
What to do after a storm to prevent more damage to your home
Flooding and home damage due to a storm is truly a difficult situation to encounter. However, living in a country subject to tropical storm surges will make Filipinos contend with these challenges at least once a year. When you are confronted with it, it is best to be pro-active about the situation, and know these simple things to address:
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Assess your electrical situation.
Even if the power is back on immediately after a flood or a storm, please note that the possibility of an electric shock is there, especially if you had been wading through water. There may also be gas leaks. For safety, call an electrician before you turn the power on, and let them assess if it is indeed okay to turn the power back on. Avoid stepping on standing water without first making sure the power is turned off to avoid electrocution.
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Check your roof.
While doing so, it will be best to stay away from fallen power lines and still water. Carry a flashlight with you if you are checking for damage in the dark. Look out for glass particles and debris from damaged windows and walls that have fallen. Roofs can often be the most costly to repair, as they are often hit by fallen trees and heavy, flown-in debris. As such, it may even be likely that your home’s structural integrity has been damaged. Be careful of this. Roof damage is indicated by dented, broken or missing tiles or shingles; debris collected in gutters and spouts; unraveled seams.
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Check your windows and doors.
Windows can have broken frames, cracks or holes. It is better to board up broken windows and doors for safety, than to have shards of glass.
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Remove standing water if any of the areas of your home have been flooded.
This may be cause for molds which can manifest as soon as 48 hours after a flood, and structural damage later.
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You may need to install an electric generator in case your power goes off for a long period of time.
Depending on the size and power of a generator, it can fuel a range of equipment from small appliances to entire rooms.
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Clear fallen trees and debris.
While doing so, take note of which trees and shrubs have fallen. It’s a good idea to re-think their placement if they are still good for re-planting. Check where water pooling was most prevalent, and consult with a contractor. You may need to employ additional drainage systems in order to sustain the next big storm.
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Contact your insurance provider and a competent contractor.
Document the damages with photos and videos so that you can accurately give an account to both.
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Lead Images by Vanim Danilov, Kelly Sikkema and Ny Menghor Via Unsplash.
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