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What to Do After a Storm | SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties to restore your space in no time!
Even when you have plenty of time to prepare for it, the strength of a severe storm can completely overwhelm you. A strong thunderstorm can blow in and leave behind a wake of destruction in a matter of minutes.
Weather in the Cape can be a mixed bag, but we have certainly seen our share of storms. Thunderstorms can be common throughout the year, but tornadoes also become a threat we have to be prepared for during the spring and summer seasons. Flooding is also a very real possibility in our towns since we are so close to the Mississippi.
Taking steps to prepare ahead of time can go a long way in preventing extreme damages, but it may not stop them all. So, once you have safely made it through a storm only to discover your home is in less than top shape, what do you do?
Safety should be your top priority for yourself and your family. If you made it to your sheltering space with only a few minutes to spare, take a minute to breathe and maybe find some shoes or other proper clothing before starting to assess the damages.
Once you are safely able to do so, take a few steps to secure a quick and easy recovery and continue to keep your family protected.
After the storm has passed, continue to stay aware of potential rain, hail or lightning that could be lingering in the area. Keep your weather radio or other devices nearby in case another warning is issued. Make sure there is a clear path back to your safe space so everyone can move quickly if necessary.
Contact your loved ones if there is phone service available once the majority of the threat has passed. Text messaging generally works even when cell service is low. Make sure anyone you need to check in on knows the best way to get in touch.
If you are unable to reach them using technology, go check on your neighbors. Stay out of damaged buildings, but look for access points to help them safely escape or create a clear path for emergency services to reach them.
Take as many photos as you are able in order to begin documenting the damage done, and give SERVPRO of Cape Girardeau & Scott Counties a call. We can take your call 24⁄7, and your restoration process will begin the moment we connect over the phone.
The more time that passes, the more evident the work ahead of you will become. Continue to stay extremely cautious of both your surroundings as you move about and the weather. Watch for loose nails, boards and other hazards that could injure you as you begin to clean up. Keep your cell phone charged if you are able, or keep a battery-operated weather radio nearby in case things get rough again.
Do what you can to prevent any further damage, like tarping parts of your roof that have been damaged to keep water out or sealing off windows. These will be some of our team’s top priorities when they make it to your property, along with removing any standing water and drying out as much of your possessions as possible.
SERVPRO® works directly with your insurance company so you can rest assured that your claim is being handled correctly. Depending on the severity of your damage, you may need to secure a safe location to stay during the restoration.
Most importantly, do what you can to remain calm throughout the entire process. Storm damage can be devastating, but with a crew of well-trained professionals, your home will be put back together in no time.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.