What to do after a hurricane damages your house

In Florida, hurricane damage to your home is not unusual after a storm passes through. You may be lucky enough to only have a little damage, or you may have extensive house damage after a storm. Whatever the extent of damage to your home, it is important that you keep yourself and your family safe after the storm passes through.

What To Do After The Hurricane Passes

Knowing what to do after a hurricane passes through your area is an essential part of living in a hurricane state. There are certain precautions that you should always take to ensure your own safety.

Avoid Flood Waters

It is not unusual for flooding to occur after a storm. Coastal areas are subject to high storm surges, and inland areas can quickly flood from excessive rain. It is important not to enter any area that is flooded until it is deemed safe by the authorities.

Flood water can move very quickly, creating an undertow. This can pull people off of their feet and even make vehicles lose control Cars can also stall from being exposed to excessive water, leaving you stranded in the flooded area.

Flood waters also can be contaminated. Depending on what the flood waters have interacted with, you could have chemicals, human and animal waste, and other dangerous items in the water.

If you come into contact with any flood water, make sure that you clean all areas exposed with soap and water or an alcohol-based wipe as soon as possible.

Avoid Power Lines

Electrocution is one of the most common injuries to happen after a tropical storm or hurricane passes through an area. If there are wires down, do not go into the area at all.

Use Bug Spray

There will be a significant amount of mosquitos and other pests in the area after a storm. Make sure to protect yourself by using a bug repellent with DEET or picaridin as its main ingredient. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to make sure you protect your skin from bug bites.

Hurricane Damage To House

If you have hurricane house damage, you are encouraged to do the following:

• Take pictures of the outside of the home immediately before you move anything.
• Do not enter the structure if it is badly damaged.
• If you can enter the home, take pictures of everything before touching or moving items
• Do not turn on any appliances that have been plugged in during the storm or are wet. This can lead to electrocution or fire.
• Dispose of all fresh foods that have been in the home. Take pictures and document what you have thrown out.
• Only turn on the power to the entire home if it has been deemed safe.
• If there is extensive water damage, consider calling a water removal company so that you can have the water removed professionally to avoid mold infestations.
• Cover any open areas to prevent further damage to the home.
• Begin the homeowner’s insurance claim for your losses.

What Happens After A Hurricane Insurance Claim Is Made?

Florida Statutes Section 627.70131 requires insurance companies to acknowledge a claim within 14 days of it being filed with the company. The insurance company also has 90 days from receipt of the claim to either process or deny the claim.

After a hurricane, it will be in your best interest to file a claim as soon as possible after the storm. Why? Because there will be hundreds, if not thousands, of other homeowners filing a claim as well. You want to make sure that your claim is among the first to be received so that you can secure as much compensation as possible.

It will also be in your best interest to speak with a hurricane insurance claim attorney about your claim. Having an attorney manga your claim ensures that the insurance company treats you fairly and you get the most for your claim. If your home was damaged by a hurricane, the attorneys at Landau Law can help you with your claim. Contact us today for a free case consultation. 

Hurricane Damage Blog Posts