Here Are The First Steps You Should Take After A Hurricane

Here Are The First Steps You Should Take After A Hurricane

A hurricane can cause extensive damage to homes, leaving residents unable to stay in their homes. As if living through the storm wasn’t bad enough, you may also have to live through the stress of finding another place to stay while your home is being rebuilt and repaired. In addition, you will probably face the frustration of dealing with insurance companies and contractors unfamiliar with how to help you. However, some steps you can take after the storm hits will make the process easier for you and your family.

How Hurricanes are Formed

A hurricane is a tropical cyclone with winds blowing at 74 miles per hour or higher. Hurricanes form from the warm water near the equator. Tropical waves and thunderstorms come together to create a tropical storm if conditions are right for it to grow into a hurricane. Depending on where you live in Colorado, you might want to consider Window Replacement Cost Fort Collins, CO, so that you can be prepared for the next hurricane event.

If you live in a coastal area that has been affected by hurricanes before or had serious damage because of recent hurricanes like Ian, Irma, Maria, or Harvey, then getting your windows replaced would be recommended as soon as possible since these storms usually do not give second chances when they come back again during another season.

The Effects of Hurricanes

Hurricanes can cause a lot of damage to homes and structures, so it’s important to know how to take care of the aftermath. Replacing windows is essential after a hurricane and should be done as soon as possible Window Replacement Cost in Fort Collins, CO, varies depending on what type of window is being replaced. For example, double pane windows are more expensive than single pane windows.

When replacing windows, the homeowner must also consider the size and placement of the new window. Some homeowners may have trouble finding replacement windows that fit the original frames; if this is a problem, it may be necessary to contact professionals who specialize in this type of work.

Step 1 – Check Windows, Doors, and Roof for Replacement and Repair

First, check your windows and doors for any damage. If they are not too badly damaged, you may be able to repair them yourself. You can as well inspect your roof for the same. For instance, if your windows were only affected by tree branches breaking or a light coating of debris, you can clean them off with water and vinegar or hire a professional to do it for you. If cracks or dents exist, replace any broken glass before reinstalling them into their frames.

But if they have been damaged beyond repair, it is time to get replacements. This is why it is recommended that homeowners prepare themselves with at least two months’ worth of living expenses. These funds will go towards home repairs, maintenance, and emergency supplies (such as flashlights).

Step 2 – Be Realistic About Replacing All Windows

You may have heard that you should replace all of the windows and doors to your home after a disaster. But that’s not always necessary. For example, if you lost only one window and the rest are dirty, it may be better to clean them instead of replacing them. This is because replacing all windows and doors could cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on how many windows are in your home. And it also depends on what materials you use for your replacement windows. This is why you should consider whether you’ll need to replace all the windows before deciding what to do next.

Step 3 – Schedule Repairs With Contractors

After you’ve hired a contractor to come and assess the damage, it’s time to schedule an appointment with the company. Your contractor can tell you how long the repairs will take, what materials they need, and their labor rates. Once you know all this information, you can decide which contractors are worth considering for your project.

You may not have anything to compare rates with after a hurricane (since rates vary wildly), so make sure you ask for referrals or look at reviews online. If you’re looking for someone who has done work in the past or isn’t well informed of the cost estimates, check out the Window Replacement Cost in Fort Collins, CO!

Step 4 – Find and File an Insurance Claim

Your other move should be to file a claim with your insurance company. They will then ask for all the documentation needed to evaluate the claim, including receipts for any damaged property and pictures of the storm damage. If you have home owner’s or renter’s insurance, they will likely cover this expense. However, suppose you don’t have insurance on your property and need window replacement. In that case, you’ll want to find out how much it would cost to install windows before deciding whether or not it’s worth investing in an insurance policy to cover them.

Hurricanes and Other Tropical Storms|CDC

Step 5 – Check for Health Hazards

If you suspect health hazards like mold or asbestos, you’ll need to handle the situation with care. According to the EPA, If you know or suspect that there may be mold, asbestos, lead paint, or other hazardous materials at a residence that was flooded by stormwater from a hurricane, please do not enter the home. Asbestos is a particular concern because if it’s disturbed during cleanup and debris removal operations, it can release fibers into the air, posing significant health risks. Asbestos-containing materials should only be handled by qualified professionals aware of safe working practices for handling these materials.

Step 6 – Get Help from Friends and Family

It can be difficult to know where to start when you’re trying to put your life back together after a natural disaster. Despite all that’s happening, sometimes the most practical thing is getting help. Friends and family members are often willing and able to assist with day-to-day tasks like running errands, cooking, cleaning, and driving. This might sound like a lot of extra work for them, but it will give you time to focus on more pressing matters. They might also have items to help speed up rebuilding or replace lost items (tools, clothes, furniture).

To Wind Up

It’s hopeful that this guide has been useful to you and your family. Once you’ve determined the full extent of the damage and assessed what needs to be done first, it’s time to start taking care of business. Start by securing a contractor for repairs that can take care of any areas that need extra attention. Next, file an insurance claim with your provider if necessary. Lastly, pick up some new emergency supplies before the next storm hits!