A heavy storm can have a devastating impact on your home. Gail force winds have the ability to pull down rooves and trees to catastrophic effect. Lightning also has the ability to strike trees in the vicinity of your home, rendering them unstable and unsafe. Although it may feel like your home will never be the same again, the task at hand may be more manageable than you think, given the right approach. Here, we will take a look at how you can safely clean up your home following a storm.
Assess for Danger
The clear up after such an event can often feel overwhelming and it is important to be aware that the danger may not be over. Storms can make your home into a hazard zone, with debris, broken glass and fallen branches or power lines to contend with. When surveying your home following a storm, always proceed with caution. Some dangers may be more obvious than others, so remember to watch out for the small things too, such as loose shingles on your roof and hanging or damaged guttering, as these both have the potential to fall on you from above. Whilst some walls or windows may appear as if they are intact, they may have suffered structural damage in the form of chips or cracks which could lead them to become unstable. All of these aspects will need to be assessed and made safe in order for you to begin your home’s restoration.
Inform Insurance
Depending on the scale of the damage, you may wish to make an insurance claim. In this case, it is important to document the damage before beginning your clear up. Your insurance company may be able to provide you with manpower or equipment to help with your efforts. For more details, you can check out articles that offer some handy tips on how to file an insurance claim following a storm.
Clear Debris
Before you can begin fixing your home, you will need to clear all of the debris so that you can gain access. There are likely to be large items such as tree branches and piles of rubble which need to be cleared, which can be tricky when it comes to disposal. In such cases, it may be helpful to hire a skip in order to get rid of everything quickly and efficiently. If you require skip hire providers in Brisbane, you can get an instant quote online and have the unit delivered straight to your home, saving you time and hassle. You will also need to have some heavy duty gloves and cleaning equipment on hand.
Fixing Your Home
When it comes to fixing your home, some aspects may be possible to do yourself, whereas others will require the help of a professional. Common areas which take a hit in storms are rooves and windows, which will need to be fixed promptly by a professional. Air-conditioning units often suffer as well, so these should be assessed for damage. It is also essential to check for any leaks which may have occurred due to heavy rain and damage to your roof, so that you can combat these quickly and reduce water damage.
Although a storm has the ability to have a devastating impact on your home, with the right help and equipment, it is possible to restore it quickly and efficiently.
