Florida is prone to a variety of storms, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms. Florida storm damage resulting from these natural disasters can cause significant damage to homes and businesses, and can be devastating for families and communities.
If you have experienced storm damage in Florida, it is important to know what to do next. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide to assessing the damage, filing an insurance claim, finding a contractor, making repairs, and getting financial assistance.
Assessing the Damage
After a storm, assess the damage to your home by walking around your property and inspecting both the interior and exterior.
Water damage: This can include wet floors, walls, and ceilings, as well as mold and mildew growth.
Structural damage: This can include cracks in the foundation, walls, or roof, as well as damage to windows and doors.
Roof damage: This can include missing or damaged shingles, as well as holes in the roof.
Landscaping damage: This can include downed trees, damaged shrubs, and washed out soil.
Once you have assessed the damage, it is important to take photos and videos of all of the damage for future use.
Filing an Insurance Claim Caused by Florida Storm Damage
If you have homeowner’s insurance, you can file a claim for storm damage. Contact your insurance company and provide a list of the damage, with photos and videos. Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect your home and determine the value of your claim.
Finding a Contractor
After filing an insurance claim, find a reputable and licensed contractor to repair your home. Get quotes from several potential contractors before hiring one.
Making Repairs
Once you have hired a contractor, they will begin making the repairs to your home caused by the Florida storm damage. There are two main types of repairs that need to be made: temporary repairs and permanent repairs.
Temporary repairs are designed to protect your home from further damage until the permanent repairs can be made. Temporary repairs may include tarping a damaged roof or boarding up broken windows.
Permanent repairs are designed to fix the damage to your home and restore it to its pre-storm condition. Permanent repairs may include replacing a damaged roof, repairing structural damage, and restoring landscaping.
Working with a contractor
It is important to work closely with your contractor during the repair process. Be sure to communicate your needs and expectations to the contractor, and be sure to ask questions if you have any concerns.
It is also important to get everything in writing, including the contract, the scope of work, and the estimated cost of the repairs. This will help to protect you in case there are any problems with the repairs.
Getting Financial Assistance
If you have experienced significant storm damage, you may be eligible for financial assistance from FEMA or other organizations.
FEMA Assistance
FEMA can provide financial assistance to homeowners and businesses that have been damaged by a storm. To apply for FEMA assistance, you can visit the FEMA website or call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Other Financial Assistance Programs
There are also a number of other organizations that offer financial assistance to storm victims.
Preventing Future Storm Damage
There are a number of things that you can do to prevent future storm damage to your home:
Homeowner’s Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance can help to pay for the cost of repairs to your home if it is damaged by a storm.
Storm Preparation
Before a storm hits, be sure to take steps to prepare your home. This may include securing loose items around your home, boarding up windows, and trimming trees.
Home Hardening
Make your home stormproof with “home hardening” measures like hurricane shutters, a reinforced roof, and elevation.
Conclusion
Florida is a beautiful state, but it is also prone to a variety of storms. If you have experienced a Florida storm damage, it is important to know what to do next.
If you need help with any of these steps, Jones Dry Right Restoration Services can help. We are a team of experienced and certified professionals who specialize in storm damage repair and also offer a wide range of services.
We know that you have many choices when it comes to storm damage repair, but we believe that Jones Dry Right Restoration Services is the best choice for you.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you to get started on the road to recovery.