Storm Damage can be Devastating

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

The Aftermath of a Storm

Storms in Southern California very seldom reach the severity of being able to cause significant damage to your home. However, there are exceptions to every rule. If your home suffers damage, calling a storm damage / restoration company should be on the short list of immediate actions you should take. Prior to that, there are a few things you as a homeowner can do to help the process along.

Be safe

The first thing you are likely to consider or worry about after a storm event is the state of your home. Homes, however, are material and can be replaced. Your family and pets cannot.

While inspecting your property, look out for hazardous debris, such as nails and sharp, broken edges that may cause injury. If there’s water present, do not turn on anything that requires electricity to use.

If a tree or telephone pole has fallen on your home, stay outside. Heavy objects can leave property structurally unsound.

Survey the area

If you can do so safely, assess the damaged area(s) in your home. Start from the top down. A compromised roof may collapse, causing severe injury or death.

Look for things like water stains or exposed openings in the walls or ceiling. These are typical in severe storms and are easy to miss if you don’t know what you are looking for.

Be sure to document all damage with pictures or videos. This will be extremely beneficial to have later, once you contact your home insurance company.

If necessary, tarp the roof

We cannot stress safety enough but if a storm continues to pelt your home with winds, rain, or snow, you may find yourself in a situation that requires you to tarp your own roof. Here are some tips:

• Before starting, clear the area of any branches or debris.
• The ideal tarp will be thick and heavy, as well as 4 feet bigger than the affected area.
• Nail the tarp to a 2×4, wrap it around the board, and then screw the board to the roof. This board serves as the “anchor board”.
• Attach more 2×4 boards to the roof perpendicular to the anchor board. When you screw the boards in, they should first go through the board, tarp, then roof.
• Finish by attaching the extra parts of the tarp to the eaves of the roof, securing it firmly in place.

Call the experts

SERVPRO of Hesperia / Apple Valley / Barstow / Twentynine Palms is comprised of trained professionals that are ready to help restore your home to pre-loss condition. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Rest assured. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”