Millions of Florida residents faced a harrowing night as wind, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Ian pounded the southwestern coast and moved inland on a path toward Orlando, knocking out power to more than two million customers statewide.
A storm surge of up to 12 feet submerged cars, knocked over houses and trapped residents near where the hurricane came ashore west of Fort Myers.
Ian is among the most powerful storms to strike the United States in decades, and Gov. Ron DeSantis said it would go down as one of the strongest in Florida history.
This post will guide you on how to recover from Hurricane Ian and restore your property to its pre-damage condition.
1. Stay safe while cleaning up after the hurricane
You may have a huge amount of work to undertake when you get home to restore your home to an acceptable state. Always prioritize safety:
- Do not consume or use tap water unless you are positive it has not been contaminated.
- Outside, keep an eye out for falling branches, building parts, and other types of debris.
- If your refrigerator's temperature has risen beyond 40 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two hours, do not ingest any of its contents.
- Unless absolutely necessary, avoid driving and stay away from flooded roads and bridges.
- Stay away from hanging or dangling electrical lines.
- Avoid all structures that are surrounded by water.
- To avoid danger when cleaning up hazardous items, wear protective clothing and exercise caution.
2. Contact Your Insurance Provider
If you do not move promptly, the amount of documentation supporting your claim will be lost. You should instantly take photographs and films before the weather changes. It might take the insurance company months to analyze your papers, and you need fresh proof of the damage.
Ensure that none of your receipts for out-of-pocket costs are lost. When you are unable to stay in your damaged property, your insurance policy may cover hotel or alternative lodging, meals, and travel expenses. Place all receipts, credit card slips, and other paperwork in a resealable gallon-sized plastic bag.
Keep duplicates of any repair, appraisal, inspection, and other property evaluation estimates. If you must purchase new clothing, furniture, or other personal property to replace damaged goods, you should keep a record of your purchases. In conclusion, you should prepare as though you would be required to go before a judge a year from now with real proof of all of these losses.
3. Restoring Power Safely
To determine if it is safe to restore power to a property after hurricane, consult a licensed electrician. Moreover, contact a qualified Appliance Technician to inspect the damaged equipment and determine what may be saved. It is recommended that you do not rejoin until this is done. Homes frequently require rewiring and panel maintenance.
4. Verify for Gas Pipeline Leaks
Following a hurricane’s wind, rain, and storm surge, gas pipelines potentially develop a leak. Since even the smallest spark might cause an explosion, this could be a serious problem. Do not attempt to repair a gas leak on your own; instead, contact your utility provider right once. When examining your property, use a battery-powered flashlight and switch it on outdoors, as the spark from turning on a flashlight might ignite a gas leak.
While you begin the recovery process, you may want to use a generator to power your tools, lights, and important equipment. By following safety precautions, you can avoid carbon monoxide poisoning or electrocution.
5. Remove damaged trees
Damaged trees must be removed to create way for structures and to ensure that the construction project is completed swiftly and safely. Call a tree service immediately to schedule service.
6. Contact a Storm Damage Restoration Firm
Contact a reputable complete storm damage restoration firm in Fort Myers, FL. While you wait, remove as much water as possible. Water damage removal, water damage cleanup, packout and content storage, mold remediation, restorations, and reconstruction are all services provided by a restoration firm. They will also assist you in the processing of insurance claims.
7. Dispose of Non-salvageable Objects
Unsafe food can make you sick even if it seems, smells, and tastes normal. Perishable foods that were not thoroughly refrigerated must be rejected due to a power outage. Separate your damp furniture from other wet possessions to allow them to dry faster. Wet blankets and cushions from the sofa, as well as tablecloths and books from the tables and shelves, should be carefully removed. When cleaning your damaged furniture, keep your health and safety in mind. Floodwaters can carry disease-causing microorganisms, and inhaling fungal spores can cause lung illness and other negative health impacts ranging from fatigue to organ failure.
If your furniture has been flooded, you should wear gloves and wash your hands frequently before handling it. Consider using goggles or a face mask in addition. If you feel that things have become contaminated with sewage, consult an expert right once.
8. Repair Your Pool Cage or Lanai Screen
To avoid more damage and to keep bugs and insects out, contact a pool cage or lanai screen contractor to repair your screen.
9. Inspect Your Windows and Doors
Request that the windows installer inspect the surface for indications of missing glass panes or cracks of your window and doors. If the source is just wind damage, these cracks are unlikely to be followed by a slew of tiny dents. Moisture damage is less visible than the other two types of window damage, but it often creates more long-term problems. The window provider will inspect the window panes for condensation and water leaks around the seams. If water has accumulated along the bottom edge of the frame, rust or rot may form.
10. Check Your HVAC System
Your HVAC system might damage by Hurricane Ian. Call your local HVAC Contractor to assess your HVAC system before you turn it on.
11. Installing Temporary Coverings
Protect your property and appliances by installing temporary coverings. A tarp may protect damaged areas from rain and wind while also preventing water from entering your property. Tarp installation can protect your roof for up to 90 days until repairs can be performed by a qualified team of professionals.
12. Contact a Reliable Roofing Repair Contractor
Hurricane and deteriorating roof flashing can devastate roofing. If left unattended, water damage and molds will cause more structural damage and health issues. Contact a reliable roofing repair contractor like Sabal Construction and Roofing LLC for roof inspection and estimate. They hold a Roofing License in addition to our General Contracting License. We ensure roof repair and restoration projects meet all required code standards.
Examine the Exterior Roofing
Roof damage during a storm is most visible on the roofs, which are your home’s first line of protection against inclement weather. Sabal Construction and Roofing LLC will inspect the roofing’s granule loss, curling, and cracking.
Check the Roof Vents
Some homeowners believe that storm damage to the roof’s soffit and fascia is minor and unimportant. That could not be further from the truth.
Damage to these two components might disrupt your home’s ventilation system. When your vents become twisted or otherwise damaged, the air they suck into your home is jeopardized. As a result, vents should be included on your roof storm damage checklist.
Examine the Gutters
During a storm, your roof’s gutter system directs rainfall away from your home. When your gutters get blocked, water backs up beneath your shingles and begins to pour into places it shouldn’t, like your attic.
During a storm, leaves, twigs, and other debris can be thrown onto your roof and directed down the gutters, clogging them. Storms can even cause the gutter system to separate from the roof.
Inspect these gutters after the storm to determine if they’re still in excellent shape or if they need to be repaired.
Examine the Attic and Ceilings
If the outside of your roof appears to be in good condition, Sabal Construction and Roofing LLC will inspect the attic and ceiling for evidence of water damage. Strong may produce undetectable leaks that lead to more serious problems later on. We use a flashlight and a specific instrument to look for leaks and take proper action if we find any.
To discover more about roofing services, call Sabal Construction & Roofing LLC at 888-591-8559 or message us online today.
