If you’ve experienced a natural disaster, you’re probably familiar with the emotional and financial impact of rebuilding from scratch. However, there are resources available to help you recover from a hurricane. After you take action to protect yourself and your family, our team at Klotzman Property Damage Law can help with your hurricane damage claim.
How to Recover From a Hurricane
The recovery process is long and complicated, and it’s important not to make any rushed decisions when you’re still in the midst of the storm. After a hurricane, you should take steps to protect yourself from further damage and recover from a hurricane.
Stay Safe
It may be tempting to go home as soon as the storm clears, but it’s critical to wait until you receive guidance from local authorities. There may be hazards in your area that pose a significant danger to you and your family.
Once you receive the all-clear, you should remain cautious when returning. Your area may have flooding, downed power lines, or broken roads that could prevent you from going home. Be mindful and alert of any potential dangers.
Survey the Damage
First and foremost, you should be very careful when returning home. Hurricanes can cause structural damage in your home, causing furniture, walls, and floors to shift or collapse. There may be sharp objects like nails and shards of glass strewn about that could cause injury if you aren’t careful.
It’s essential to be sure you’re not causing further damage to your home by moving or touching things. If you see any structural damage, call a contractor immediately so they can get started fixing it while there’s still time.
The last thing to do is to protect yourself and your family from further harm. If you’ve seen any potential hazards, such as downed power lines or gas leaks, call 911 immediately so they can send help. You should also stay away from damaged areas of the house until professional contractors have made them safe again.
Document the Damage
After surveying the damage, it’s critical to document it carefully. It’s a good idea to take photos and videos of the damage to your home, car, and other possessions. Once you have the documentation, be sure to store it in a safe place.
You’ll also need to keep a list of damaged items and their value, as this will be helpful when you file your insurance claim and start to recover from a hurricane. Additionally, you’ll need to keep a record of the repairs you make, plus any receipts from repairs or replacements.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve completed the previous steps, you should contact your insurance company for help. Even if you don’t have damage, it’s still important to call and ensure that your policy is valid and up-to-date. You’ll also need to see if your policy covers your damage.
When filing a claim with an insurance company, be sure to provide them with detailed information about all personal property losses. You should include a description of all lost or damaged items. Your insurance company will help you recover from a hurricane.
Reach Out to Your Local Emergency Management Office
You should also consider contacting your local emergency management office since they can help you recover from a hurricane. They can help you navigate the process of repairing your home and connect you to programs for post-disaster relief.
Get a Repair Cost Estimate
Before you start any repairs, get at least three estimates from reputable contractors. You can get estimates by calling a few companies specializing in home repair and inviting them to visit your property.
Ask for references from past customers who have used their services and their license and proof of insurance. Get all estimates in writing—a verbal agreement isn’t enough! You should also discuss payment terms.
If you’re planning to do some of the work yourself, find out if you need any special licenses or training. In most cases, it’s unnecessary—but check with your municipality and insurance company before starting any repairs.
Avoid Hurricane Repair Scams
Be wary of repair scams and contractors or other professionals without licenses. Check for their license status, ask for references from previous customers, and request proof of insurance coverage before hiring a contractor.
Never choose the lowest bidder or accept the first offer that comes your way. If possible, use a local contractor—it’s easier to check out his reputation locally than if you were working with someone outside your community.
Sometimes, however, there are no local options available. If that’s the case, you must ensure all offers include an itemized list detailing what needs to be done, the expected materials they’ll use, and the potential costs. Requesting a detailed list will ensure that there are no surprises.
We Can Help With Your Hurricane Damage Claim
Hurricanes are devastating – physically, emotionally, and financially. To recover from a hurricane, it’s critical to document the damage, contact your insurance company, get a repair cost estimate, and avoid repair scams.
Once the storm passes and you assess the damage, you should file a claim with your insurance company. We can help you determine your options based on your insurance coverage. We will investigate, negotiate, and litigate your case to get you the results you deserve.
Schedule your free case review today with our Hollywood property damage attorneys. When insurance companies fail, Klotzman Property Damage Law succeeds.
