Utilities/
Water

How to Care for Your Home After a Storm

Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup & Restorations

After every storm or natural disaster, damages to homes or property, large or small, are inevitable. Protect your family and your home during the cleanup after a storm, hurricane, or other natural calamities. Here are some tips to care for your home after any storm hitting your area.

1. Wait until the storm has completely cleared up during the daytime.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is much safer to hold back for some time until the weather conditions are normal. Hold everything until there is daylight so it’s easier to see and avoid any hazards before getting back to your home.

2. Wear protective clothing/equipment.

Before doing a walk-around inspection both inside and outside your property, suit up to protect yourself against hazards and dangerous elements. Use:

Ear covering/plugs
Helmet
Heavy work gloves
N95 masks
Protective clothing
Safety glasses
Waterproof boots

3. Document everything.

Take pictures or video records when checking around each part of your home for insurance claim purposes. In some situations, homeowners insurance cover damages caused by natural disasters. It is advisable to review your insurance policy for specific information on policy coverage.

4. Assess the home’s interior.

Be extra careful when checking all damages even if they're inside your home.
Do not walk barefoot inside the house.
Record all items or things damaged and missing.
Do not touch any wet electrical equipment or device.
Check device or appliance

If the neighborhood power is on, avoid the urge to hastily power up all your appliances. It is safe to turn on one appliance at a time to avoid overloading circuits.

Check for fire damage

Electrical wires should be examined for short circuits. Possibly water has penetrated outlets and electrical equipment is damaged which can cause a fire. If you are not sure what to do, call in a fire and smoke damage restoration service company.

Check HVAC systems

AC systems, water heaters and furnaces should be inspected thoroughly. They are susceptible to molds and other bacterial growth which lead to health risks and illnesses.

Review for gas leaks

If you suspect there might be a gas leak, immediately keep distance or leave the house. Call the utility service experts and let them check for safety purposes.

Examine for water / moisture damage

Usually, a flooded home has water or moisture damages. Check for water penetration behind sidings which usually lead to rot and mold. Examine also the insulations, wood, furniture and carpeting. If the water damage is beyond control, consider calling a water damage restoration company in Cape Coral to repair the damage. They can help fix and restore your property in no time.

5. Inspect the home’s exterior. Check:

Rooftops for damaged, missing and lifted shingles
Walls and ceilings for discoloration and chippings
Attics for damages and cracks
Sidings and windows for dents and punctures
Panes and frames for shatters and small breaks

6. If you plan to check your property's surroundings:

Always stay cautious when checking around.
If you have sores or open cuts, never walk on floodwaters; the chance of infection is high.
Always keep an eye out of potential hazards like broken things, exposed nails or broken glasses.
Stay away from damaged structures. Damaged structures are potential hazards; let government authorities or inspectors check first for safety reasons.
Keep away from power lines—watch out and stay away from hanging power lines including water puddles or water that is near the power lines. Call an electric company and report the situation.
Keep away from stray animals. If you see wild animals in your property, stay away and report them to the local public health department.

7. Stop additional damage.

Protect your home from further damage by covering broken windows or damaged shingles with plywood.
Do what you can to minimize further damage, particularly water and mold damages, which are difficult and costly to repair. Take into consideration hiring the experts in water damage repair services in Cape Coral, Florida if you find molds and water damage.
If your property is not in good condition, consider staying in a lodging house or staying with friends or relatives temporarily. Return once your home is fixed and it is safe to do so.

8. Clean up everything.

Inside the House

Always use protective gear when cleaning up the interior of the house.
Make sure to wash, disinfect, and let dry toys before giving them to kids.
Always clean anything that had contact with floodwaters.
Stuffed animals and baby toys are difficult to sanitize; throw them out if they can’t be cleaned.
Always use clean and safe water in cleaning and washing of hands and other parts of the body.

Outside the House

Do not forget to gear up with protective clothing when cleaning outside.
Clean up your backyard, garden, or patio with caution.
Trim and cut dangling leaves, shrubs and trees.
Never forget to follow good hygiene and handwashing practices after the cleanup.

9. Stay organized.

Make a good documentation system for claims to homeowner’s insurance.
Gather and save up all receipts in the construction for home repairs, including labor and materials.
Make an inventory of damaged personal property.
List and sort them; include a description of the item, manufacturer name, brand name, date purchased and place of purchase. If available, include photographs or property inventories to support the claims.

Cape Coral Disaster Restoration Experts

Protect and safeguard your property from storms, hurricanes and other natural disasters. Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup & Restorations provides high-quality restoration services and premium home improvements for residential and commercial businesses in Cape Coral and the surrounding Southwest Florida areas.

Why Choose Armstrong?

Bonded and Insured
100% Workmanship Guaranteed
Complete Restorations (Water Damage/Fire Damage/Mold Remediation)
Licensed and Certified General Contractor
State of Florida Residential Contractor’s License #L1607070001182
IICRC-Certified in Water Damage Restoration, Applied Structural Drying, Fire & Smoke Restoration, and Applied Microbial Remediation, #100623

Learn more by calling Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup & Restorations at (239) 592-3777 or connect with us online today!

Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup & Restorations

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