- Continue listening to the local radio station and checking local news apps and outlets for the latest updates and instructions for your area.
- Reach out. Find a way contact your friends and family to tell them where you are and what you need.
- Once authorities declare that it's safe to go home, you may return. Do not try to return home before authorities say it is safe to do so.
- Safety first. Avoid driving or even walking in flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and rapidly-moving waters can sweep your vehicle away. Furthermore, flood water might be electrically charged by downed power lines. If you see any fallen power lines, call your utility company immediately. Do not assume someone else has already contacted them.
- Check the power. When you return home, turn off the power to your house if you are able to reach the breaker box safely, or ask your power company to cut power remotely. Standing water inside your home can create an electrical shock hazard.
- Check the structure. If your home's structure or foundation appears unstable, do not attempt to go inside. Instead, immediately call for professional help and get a thorough assessment of the damage. Water damage after a hurricane can cause walls, ceilings and floors to swell, decay or collapse.
- Take inventory. Photograph and document all damages to your home and belongings to support any future insurance claims. After documenting the extent of the damage, you can begin cleanup and extract, dry and attempt to restore as many items as you can safely reach.
- Contact your insurance agent. As soon as possible after a storm, contact your insurance company or representative to check your coverage and start the process of filing a claim.
- Partner with professionals. Professional restoration companies like ServiceMaster Restore® offer 24-hour emergency assistance to minimize the immediate and extended impact that a hurricane can have on your home. Our water damage restoration experts come equipped with the best practices and tools to extract water, dry your home and belongings, restore damaged items and prevent the development of mold so you can get back to normal as soon as possible after a hurricane.
Understanding what to do after a hurricane can help you get back on your feet much quicker once a storm has passed. Be sure to check Ready.gov for more information and tips on what to do after a hurricane so you can be as prepared as possible. If you don't know where to start after hurricane damage hits, call the experts at ServiceMaster Restore®. Our restoration professionals are ready to help 24/7/365 with our genuine commitment to guide you from crisis to resolution after any disaster.
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