Storm and Flood Restoration Tips

Hurricane season in the Atlantic stretches from the beginning of June to the end of November. However, the peak time for increased hurricane activity lasts from August to late October. With multiple Trimaco locations in the Carolinas, we are very familiar with hurricanes and the damage they can wreak.

When wind and water damage occurs, you’ll need to contact a disaster restoration service to help get your home or business back to its original state. Flood restoration can be a lengthy and involved process, but disaster restoration professionals know how to get your space back to pre-flood condition as quickly as possible. Later, we’ll discuss tips to prepare your home for severe weather and how to begin the cleanup process when disaster strikes. But first, let’s discuss the damage a hurricane can cause.

WHAT DAMAGE CAN A HURRICANE CAUSE?

Catastrophic weather events like hurricanes can cause lasting damage on homes and businesses. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), even a Category 1 hurricane can produce winds up to 95 mph. These wind speeds can rip shingles off roofs and damage siding, leaving buildings susceptible to water damage. More intense storms can rip roofs from a building and bring down trees. Category 5 hurricanes can completely destroy buildings with winds over 157 mph – and this damage isn’t even taking into account coastal flooding or rainfall.

NOAA warns that a hurricane or tropical cyclone can create storm surges of over 20 feet along the coast and can bring more than 6 inches of torrential rain. Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina in 2018 as a Category 1 hurricane and produced almost three feet of rain in some areas. With this kind of rainfall, damage from flooding is almost assured without proper preventative measures.

In an adverse weather event, being prepared is the first step to preventing the risk of injury or significant damage to homes. We’ve compiled these tips to help you prepare for a large storm or hurricane.

5 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TIPS

1. Map your evacuation route and have an evacuation plan.Since most people will be evacuating at the same time, it would be a good idea to have an idea of alternative routes to avoid congestion. Give yourself enough time to evacuate (leave room for traffic) before the storm is predicted to hit. Follow evacuation orders and don’t wait to leave. If you have pets, make sure to find a hotel or storm shelter that allows animals.
2. Create a list of emergency phone numbers and contacts. This can range from family members to first responders, local shelters and hospitals. Having a list ready will help in the event of an emergency.
3. Compile your first aid kit and other emergency supplies. This includes gas, a few days’ worth of water and dry food, blankets, and portable batteries for charging your cell phone. Make sure to also gather important documents, flashlights and extra batteries, and extra clothes/toiletries.
4. Board up windows and doors to protect against high winds and flying objects. Protect your house by nailing boards outside your windows and entryways. Move cars into garages if possible and bring outdoor furniture inside to avoid flying objects. Only do this if you have adequate time to prepare.
5. Check the news for weather updates. Stay on top of the latest news to know when the storm is predicted to hit as well as evacuation orders and other emergency information. This will be vital to your evacuation plan.

BEGIN THE HURRICANE CLEAN-UP AND FLOOD RESTORATION PROCESS

Beginning the water extraction and flood restoration process can be time-consuming and taxing but requires careful attention. To avoid further damage, begin the debris and flood clean-up as soon as it’s safe to after the storm. Knowing the proper steps to take and working with the right emergency service professionals can speed up the cleanup and restoration process and get you back into your home quicker.

SAFELY ASSESS THE SITUATION

If your site is safe enough to enter, walk around and take pictures and notes of all the damage. Be sure to contact your insurance company to help you with this process. Avoid areas with standing water as this can pose a threat to your safety.

CONTACT A CONTRACTOR OR DISASTER RESTORATION COMPANY

The flood restoration pros know exactly what to look for and how to fix it. They’ll be able to help get your home back to the state it was in prior to the storm and may even be able to make improvements to protect against future severe weather events. Their water damage restoration services include handling water removal, dehumidification, damage control, and repair.

SEEK TEMPORARY SHELTER

Depending on the information you learn from your contractor, insurance agent, and/or water damage restoration company, it may be wise (or even vital) to find a temporary home, while flood damage repairs are in process. You and your family’s health and well-being come first. Make sure to check with your insurance company – your policy may cover some or all of the cost to temporarily house you in a safe and dry location.

USE THE PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT IN YOUR HOME

Water damage from flooding could result in mold growth. Mold is hazardous and toxic to the human body. Mold remediation services remove the mold to keep you safe. These companies are equipped with the proper safety products, such as personal protection equipment, dust barrier poles to separate rooms, tarps to cover holes, and much more.

If at any point you do need to enter your home during this time, be sure to wear the proper safety protection to ensure your health isn’t at risk. This includes protective wear (like Tyvek suits), masks, and shoe protection.

TRIMACO IS HERE TO HELP

At Trimaco, we understand how devastating severe storms and hurricanes can be. We hope you find these restoration and safety tips helpful in preparing for a large storm and how to deal with the potential aftermath. Be sure to explore Trimaco’s products specific to disaster and flood restoration.