Types of Disasters That Cause Property Damage in Columbus, Ohio
No one likes to think about the potential disasters that could damage their home, but knowing what kind of property destruction is common in your area can be invaluable if disaster strikes.
As Columbus's leading property damage restoration experts, ServiceMaster Restoration by Neverman Construction Company is very familiar with what types of disasters affect homes and businesses in the area. In this blog, we'll cover the most common types of disasters homeowners face around Columbus, share some things you can do to minimize your loss, and tell you what to do if your home has been damaged!
House Fires
While house fires are common everywhere throughout the United States, Columbus has seen its fair share of fire damage in recent years. The city has experienced many incidents that have caused significant damage, from house fires to commercial building fires. The main cause? Cooking.
How to Prevent Fire Damage
Even though there is no surefire way to keep a fire from spreading from another building, homeowners can still do things to keep fires from breaking out in their homes. Here's what you can do:
- Don't leave cooking food unattended.
- Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and test them regularly.
- Keep flammable materials away from heat sources, such as stoves and heaters.
- Have your heating system inspected annually by a professional.
- Keep candles away from flammable materials and never leave them burning unattended.
Recovering from fire damage can be daunting, overwhelming, and even dangerous to you and your family if DIY fire repairs are attempted. Instead, immediately contact a professional fire damage restoration company in Columbus for assistance.
Water Damage
Water damage is another type of property damage homeowners commonly have to deal with in Columbus, Ohio, not only from things like plumbing leaks or broken water heaters but also from the weather. With over 40 inches of rain and 22 inches of snow annually, house floods are common.
How to Prevent Home Water Damage
Things like frozen pipes, flooding, and heavy storm damage can all cause significant water damage to your property. Here's what you can do to help prevent water damage in your home:
- Regularly check for leaks and fix them promptly
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris to prevent water buildup
- Disconnect hoses and turn off outdoor water sources before winter
- Install a sump pump in your basement or crawl space to prevent flooding
- Know the location of your home's main water shut-off valve in case of emergency
If not taken care of quickly and properly, water damage can lead to mold growth which can be even more costly to repair, plus create unsafe conditions for yourself and your family.
Tornadoes
Columbus, Ohio is no stranger to tornado damage. On average, the state experiences roughly twenty tornadoes a year. Although milder than other twisters, the winds can still range from 65-110 MPH and have destructive capabilities. Anything and everything from ripped-off shingles or siding to broken windows and damaged ceilings can be caused by these ferocious storms!
How to Prepare for a Tornado
While it's impossible to completely prevent damage when you’re in the path of a tornado, not all hope is lost. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the impact of these storms:
- Stay informed about severe weather alerts and take them seriously.
- Have a plan in place for where you will go if a tornado warning is issued, such as a basement or interior room on the lowest level of your home.
- Install a safe room or reinforced shelter if you live in an area that experiences frequent tornadoes.
- Keep trees and branches trimmed to minimize the risk of them falling on your home during high winds.
- Ensure your insurance coverage is up-to-date and adequate for potential tornado damage.
- Inspect and repair your home’s exterior to minimize damage from high winds.
A proper tornado recovery plan is your best bet in keeping your family safe and restoring your home to normal quickly after a tornado!
What to Do After Home Disaster
No matter what type of disaster your home has experienced, the most important thing you can do is act quickly and take the following actions:
- Evacuate your home
- Contact your insurance company
- Reach out to a professional restoration company
Don't wait to repair the damage; it will save you time and money. The earlier you begin addressing any destruction in your home, the less damage your home will take, and the sooner things will be restored to their pre-loss conditions!
Request Disaster Recovery from ServiceMaster Restoration by Neverman Construction Company
Speed up the process by immediately calling a professional property damage restoration company like ServiceMaster Restoration by Neverman Construction Company to start the disaster restoration process. Our experienced technicians will be able to assess the damage and offer a plan for restoring your home quickly, efficiently, and safely. Our restoration company is locally owned and operated, right here in Columbus, and backed by a nationally recognized industry leader with over 65 years of experience.
You'll receive help with every step of the restoration process, including:
- Damage Assessment – The initial inspection after property damage is one of the most important steps for ensuring a successful restoration process. Our team checks every nook and cranny, ensuring all areas of damage are identified and recorded.
- Damage Mitigation – Another important early step of property damage restoration is damage mitigation. This includes tasks like water extraction, debris removal, and identifying potential hazards to minimize additional damage to your space.
- Custom Action Plan – Every fire is different, so our technicians create a customized action plan tailored to your situation. This includes everything from water mitigation and content pack-out to a full reconstruction.
- Full-Service Restoration – We handle everything from start to finish, restoring your home as quickly and seamlessly as possible. You'll receive clear timelines and consistent communication, so you always stay informed.
Disasters don't wait until it's convenient for you, so you can expect our Columbus fire, water, and weather damage restoration professionals to be readily available to help 24/7, whenever you need us the most!
Contact us online to request your restoration services in Columbus, Ohio today!
