Storm Damage Restoration
Storm damage is the grand daddy of a loss anyone can have. This type of loss can be so devastating and can cause severe damage to your home, neighborhood, business and community. It is truly the most difficult type of loss to handle. When a tornado, high winds, lightening, or ice storms roll through the losses come in mass and everyone is affected at one time. It will take a contractor with experience to handle such issues, the financial resources to handle multiple claims without insurance company assistance and the wiliness to lend a hand to those in need during difficult times.
However, just like any difficult time there is a way to handle the hardship to minimize the difficulties going forward. Making the right decisions on hiring your contractors and understanding the process at this point is mission critical and will dictate the process going forward. The following steps can assist you in making the right moves from the start of a water loss. Please understand that every situation is different and will require special instructions based on your personal situation.
First things first…
1. Secure an emergency services contractor – A work authorization will need to be signed for emergency services. This is a standard requirement that all contractors will need to have to start work on your project and adjustors will ask for it in order for the contractor to be considered an agent for the homeowner.
Find the damage that matches your situation
Downed tree – If a tree branch or an entire tree has fallen on your home this is likely a covered loss. If the tree has fallen in your yard away from the house, it may or may not be covered in your policy. Most times there might be a limited dollar amount per tree to remove no matter how large the tree.
Downed Power line – If a down power line is in your yard contact your electric company immediately and do not let anyone go in your yard or touch anything in the entire area. If the power line has fallen on your home it could cause a fire and I would call 911 and have the fire department and the electrical company respond to the scene. If your home caught fire, follow this link to the fire damage restoration services page for details on fire.
Lightening strike – Lightning strikes can cause a lot of damage to your home and its electrical system and its electronics that are plugged in. The damage is referred to as a power surge and it is covered under many insurance policies. You must read your insurance policy for your coverage.
Items to do first with a power surge in same day
- If electrical outlets or lights switches in the home are not working, do not try to use the electrical system.
- Thoroughly check home in and outside of home for flames or any smell of burning. If you see flames or smell burning, leave the home immediately and call 911 and wait for the fire Department to check the house to determine when it will be safe. If flames are present and you called the fire department and necessary emergency responders are completed, see our fire damage restoration page for details.
- Hire an emergency services restoration company – A work authorization will need to be signed for content, electronic and dry cleaning services. It is not uncommon to have one company hire multiple subcontractors to handle the contents, electronic and dry cleaning services.
- Make a claim with your insurance carrier.
Wind, hail, ice damming – Roof shingles, fences, furniture, and host of exterior items could be damaged or covered under your insurance policy. However, every policy and coverage reads a little different. However, the rules apply the same on this situation as well to recover from this loss.
- Hire an emergency services water mitigation company – Another work authorization will need to be signed for content, electronic and dry cleaning services if the contractor is different from above. It is not uncommon to have one company hire multiple subcontractors to handle the contents, electronic and dry cleaning services.
- Make a claim – If you have a relationship with your insurance agent contact them first if during business hours. If no relationship exists or after hours call the 800 number from your insurance policy and make a claim to obtain a claim number. All of the listed damage above follows the same procedure as all the rest.
Insurance adjustor will be assigned to your water loss within 24 to 48 hours of making a claim - depending on the size of the loss you may meet multiple insurance adjustors in the process. Typically you will have an adjustor for the structure, another for contents, and another for loss of business. Many insurance companies may invite a contractor they have used in the past if you do not have a company secured. It is YOUR CHOICE who you decide to handle your contents or rebuild of your home or business.
Adjustor will be assigned within 24 to 48 hours to meet you on site
Once the scope of work is determined each estimate will be reviewed and agreed upon with the owner, contractor and the adjustor and work will then commence.
There are many things to consider and many more steps to the process at this point. Hiring the right company can make this difficult situation a smooth and seamless process with no hassles.
ConstrucTeam is the company that can provide all these services rolled into one and will get you back in your home quickly or back in business with minimum disruption.
If during business hours, contact our Control Center Manager at 866-372-1272. If after business hours, push the emergency button and our Director of Response will IMMEDIATELY contact you within minutes.