5 Ways to Immediately Handle Winter Storm Damage

According to the Insurance Information Institute, winter storms caused nearly $4.2 billion worth in damages in 2018.

When most people think of winter storm damage, they envision homes buried in snow and people slipping on ice. But the truth is that there are some far more potent threats that a winter storm poses.

What are some common types of storm damage?

Before we move on to talking about how to handle storm damage, let’s talk about the many types of storm damage, namely:
· Flooding: Cold weather can cause the water in your home’s pipes to freeze. This exerts pressure on the pipe wall. As a result, the pipes could burst, causing flooding in the walls and other areas of your house.
· Fires: It’s hard to imagine fires during a winter storm, but they’re quite common. Unguarded fireplaces and flammable equipment placed near overloaded circuits can cause mass fires that result in a lot of damage.
· Cracks in Siding: Fast wind speeds—accompanied by hail—can damage the siding of your house. It can cause cracks and even holes in the walls.
· Roof leaks: Heavy snow, hail and, blocked drainage pipes—all of these factors can cause your roof to leak. Moreover, winds can also cause nearby trees to fall over, which can damage your house.

How to handle water damage?

Repair and restoration projects may take a couple of weeks after a storm has passed. But there are emergency steps you can take to handle the damage caused by a winter storm.

1. Stay calm

Emergency situations can induce panic, but it’s important to stay calm. Clear your head and ensure everyone’s safety before proceeding. If there are any emergency situations—such as lurking fires—handle them first.
Make sure your family, clients, employees, and pets are all out of harm’s way. If your house has been damaged severely, look for temporary accommodation.

2. Restrict power and water in affected areas

Winter storms can lead to flooding, leaks, and electrical damage. So it’s best to shut off any water or power supply to the area. Call all the relevant utility companies for additional guidance on how to proceed.

3. Make a note of your losses

Assess the situation and see what damage has occurred. Any damage done to furniture, electronics, personal equipment, and any other valuables needs to be mentioned. A detailed account, coupled with pictures, will help you make an insurance claim later.

4. Remove possessions from damaged parts

Once you’ve taken photos and documented the damage done to your house, its best to remove property out of the damaged areas and into a safer location. Valuables and essential documents should be your top priority. Then, you can focus on bigger items such as furniture and appliances.

5. Reach out to your insurance agent

Once things have settled down, give your insurance agent a call and let them know about the damage. Schedule an appointment to start the process of filing a claim.
Ask what evidence may be required for the claim. Moreover, try not to move objects around in your house until the insurance inspector has done their work.
  
Once the insurance work is done, you’ll need to start looking into repairs. AMN Masonry offers superior concrete repair—as well as commercial restoration services—in the greater Boston area.
For a free estimate, you can call them at (774) 244-8248 or fill this form.

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