After a hurricane or storm, we can understand how stressful it can be. With some individuals forced to evacuate their homes or the damages that the storm reaped on the area, it’s difficult to process or know exactly what to do. Here are some things you will want to keep in mind.
First, don’t expect to return home right away if you were evacuated or went somewhere else during the storm. We know everyone wants to get home and back to their regular lives, but access to certain areas because of damages will be limited and controlled. The reasoning behind this may seem frustrating, but it is the only way to ensure that rescue operations can be performed as well as repairs.
If you can, we suggest avoiding driving. There are a few reasons for this: the damages and flooding may not be known until you get closer to that area. Not to mention leaving the roads clear makes it easier for emergency vehicles to get to where they need to be.
If you see anything unusual or dangerous, report it. Report things such as dangling electrical wires, or broken water, gas, or sewer lines to your local utility department. Do not report minute things, such as individual interruptions. These include things such as power, water, or phone service.
When you get back to your home, enter with caution. The condition of your home may not be apparent at first glance therefore, carefully walk through and asses your damages. Ceilings, windows, and walls may have experienced damage because of the storm, and weakened the stability/ safety of your home.
Another thing to keep in mind is because the storm ruins many things indoors and outdoors, critters, animals and insects may lurk in your home. Watch out for snakes, venomous insects, or any other animals that used your home as shelter or got pushed there by the storm.
There are many things to take into consideration upon entering your home. We mentioned surface level and visible things but some things are not so easily seen, such as gas leaks. The storm winds and damages can cause gas lines to sever. Therefore, it is important to ensure before using any flammable objects that this is not the case.
This goes along with the last point, as you are unsure of what condition it could be in. Generators should always be located outside of your home and over 20 ft away from your home, doors, and windows.
Your Water Supply Is Probably Contaminated
Not to make you worry, but usually after a hurricane, a “boil water” notice is sent out for at least the first 72 hours after a storm. That is why it is important to store some water for that period both to cook with and to drink.
Make Sure You are Staying Informed
It is so important to listen to your local radio stations for instructions about emergency medical, food, and housing help.
If your house experienced storm loss due to a hurricane or natural disaster in the state of Florida, call the property damage attorneys at Demesmin and Dover Law Firm. Our number is 866-954-MORE (6673).