{"id":85496,"date":"2023-07-26T11:30:15","date_gmt":"2023-07-26T18:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=85496"},"modified":"2023-10-06T10:52:39","modified_gmt":"2023-10-06T17:52:39","slug":"what-to-do-after-a-hurricane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-to-do-after-a-hurricane\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do After a Hurricane: 10 Critical Steps for Homeowners"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hurricanes can cause extensive damage to homes and entire cities, causing power outages, water shortages, major flooding, and more. And as climate change progresses, <\/span>disasters will get worse and more frequent<\/span><\/a>, leading to more damage and costly repairs. This will likely be exacerbated as homeowners continue moving to disaster-prone areas at a <\/span>record rate<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But what do you do after a hurricane, and how do you protect your home in the future?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If your home was recently hit by a hurricane, it’s important to start the recovery as soon as possible to avoid further damage and help get your life on track. So, whether you live in a <\/span>house in Tampa, FL<\/span><\/a>, or an <\/span>apartment in Corpus Christi, TX<\/span><\/a>, read on for 10 critical steps you need to know after a hurricane hits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"what-to-do-after-a-hurricane-1\"<\/p>\n

1. Ensure your safety<\/span><\/h2>\n

The immediate aftermath of a hurricane is often filled with chaos and uncertainty. If you were told to evacuate, only return once you\u2019re given the all-clear. If you sheltered in place, wait for official guidance that the storm has passed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once it\u2019s safe to do so, your primary concern should be to ensure your safety and that of others around you. Inspect your home and surrounding areas<\/a> and check for hazards such as downed power lines, polluted water, or gas leaks; these are critical dangers that you should immediately report to authorities. If your home has sustained substantial damage, don\u2019t attempt to re-enter and instead find temporary shelter until it’s been deemed safe by professionals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Contact your insurance company<\/span><\/h2>\n

Once you\u2019re in a safe location, reach out to your homeowners’ insurance provider to report any damage to your house. <\/span>It’s important to note that standard homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. <\/b>Coverage for flood damage requires a separate <\/span>flood insurance policy<\/span><\/a>, often provided through the <\/span>National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Begin the claims process as quickly as you can; the sooner you file your claim, the sooner your recovery can begin. Just remember that wait times <\/span>may be long<\/span><\/a> after major disasters. When you get in contact, insurance companies will guide you through the required steps. Remember to have your policy number and relevant personal information ready. This isn\u2019t a step to rush, despite the urgency of the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"debris\"<\/p>\n

3. Document damage<\/span><\/h2>\n

For insurance and recovery purposes, it\u2019s important to <\/span>document damage<\/span><\/a> to your home and belongings. Use a camera or your phone to take clear photos and videos, covering all angles of rooms and belongings to ensure that you don\u2019t miss anything. Include both close-ups and wider shots to provide context.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also essential not to just document the areas with the most visible damage. Cover all areas of your property, including interior rooms, exterior structures, the roof, basement, garage, and outdoor areas, and more. Sometimes, damage might not be apparent right away, but can manifest later on. This comprehensive documentation will prove invaluable when dealing with your insurance company, contractors, and remediation specialists.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lastly, never throw away an item that was damaged unless it\u2019s an active hazard. If you do, you\u2019re unlikely to get reimbursement for it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Secure temporary accommodation<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your home is uninhabitable due to extensive damage, it will likely be necessary to secure temporary accommodation for you and your family. Many homeowners’ insurance policies include “<\/span>Loss of Use<\/span><\/a>” or “<\/span>Additional Living Expenses<\/span><\/a>” coverage for covered events, which can assist with costs related to temporary housing. You can also reach out to local disaster relief organizations for aid, who often provide <\/span>temporary shelter<\/span><\/a> during emergencies.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Check for utility disruptions<\/span><\/h2>\n

After a hurricane, it’s common for utilities to be disrupted. This includes water, electricity, and gas. Check all these services in your home. If you find that they’re unavailable or not working correctly, contact your utility providers to report these issues. Keep in mind that restoration times can vary depending on the severity of the storm and the extent of damage in your area. In case you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, evacuate your property immediately and inform the gas company. Remember, safety comes first.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"what-to-do-after-a-hurricane-3\"<\/p>\n

6. Begin clean up and salvage<\/span><\/h2>\n

Once you’ve ensured safety and contacted your insurance company, it’s time to start the clean-up process. Before you begin, make sure to wear protective gear to avoid injury while sorting through debris. Salvage what you can, but be mindful of water-logged or mold-prone items, as these can pose health risks if not handled appropriately. It’s crucial to remain patient during this process, as it can be time-consuming and emotionally challenging.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bob Chew, Group Leader with <\/span>The Bob & Ronna Group<\/span><\/a>, has additional suggestions. \u201cThere are a few critical things to do and avoid after a hurricane,\u201d he says. \u201cWhen you return to your home after the storm, don\u2019t get into flood water if you can help it, but if you must, make sure to wear a life jacket and avoid swallowing any floodwater. While you\u2019re cleaning up, avoid using electronics, and ensure your breaker is turned off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re ever unsure, contact your utility company.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Mitigate further damage<\/span><\/h2>\n

To protect your home from additional damage in the immediate hours and days following the hurricane, cover broken windows and holes in your roof with tarps or plywood. Your insurance company may require this effort as part of your policy agreement, and in some cases, they may <\/span>cover the cost<\/span><\/a> of these temporary fixes. This step is crucial in maintaining the structural integrity of your home and preventing further deterioration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure to take photos of the damage before you begin any repairs, otherwise your insurance may not cover it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Hire professional help<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane can be overwhelming, so it can be useful to hire professionals to help navigate the recovery process. From helping with insurance to repairing your home, they can dramatically improve your recover. Here are a few professionals to consider contacting:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n