Springtime in Oklahoma is beautiful. It also can cause a lot of property damage.
Although we hope you never have to deal with it, Oklahoma residents need to know the pros and cons of rebuilding after a natural disaster.
What Is a Natural Disaster?
Natural disasters are events such as tornadoes, floods, or other severe weather that threaten an area’s health, safety, and infrastructure. Some natural disasters are seasonal, while others occur without warning.
Natural disasters can destroy businesses, homes, cars, and other property. When a natural disaster happens, it causes significant disruption to power, water, gas, transportation, communication, and life in general. Two common natural disasters Oklahoma residents encounter are tornados and floods.
Tornados
The United States experiences more tornados than any other country, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . The organization reports that there are about 1,000 tornados reported each year. More than 50 of those are in Oklahoma, on average.
As you likely know, scientists measure tornadoes from F1-F5 on the Fujita (EF) scale. Direct winds from any size tornado can cause damage, but those with an F3 or higher rating (meaning winds of about 160 mph or more) cause the worst damage. But even a direct hit from a tornado as small as an F2 can destroy a house.
Floods
Just one inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to your home, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Studies show that climate change has increased flood occurrences.
Where your home is and how it’s built impact the likelihood that it will flood. Texas typically has the most floods each year, but there are floods in every state.
There is an increased risk of flooding in Oklahoma because of clay soil and intense rainfall. Oklahoma floods are more likely to occur in spring and early summer. More than two-thirds of Oklahoma’s annual floods occur between April through July.
Should You Rebuild After a Natural Disaster?
A natural disaster can quickly change your life. It could cause minor or extensive damage to your home or business, leaving you to weigh the pros and cons of rebuilding after a natural disaster.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding whether to rebuild:
1. What Will Insurance Cover?
Once the natural disaster ends, you need to contact your insurance company to file a claim. Coverage options vary and may determine what you can rebuild. You want to work with your insurance company to understand limits and timing.
2. What Agencies Can Assist in Your Recovery?
Aside from your insurance company, there are other resources to turn to for help after a natural disaster. FEMA and Small Business Administration are two federal organizations that provide post-disaster resources.
FEMA is an agency within the Department of Homeland Security. They help individuals and communities recover after a natural disaster by providing immediate and long-term assistance. They offer grants for
temporary housing, home repairs, medical and funeral expenses, and other post-disaster needs. FEMA also manages the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides flood insurance to property owners, renters, and businesses.
SBA has assisted disaster survivors since 1953, providing more than 1.9 million disaster loans totaling more than $53 billion in aid. SBA can provide businesses of all sizes — private and non-profit — and homeowners and renters loans after a natural disaster. In addition to loans, SBA can provide management and technical assistance to businesses after a disaster. Their goal is to stabilize the local economy and protect jobs.
3. Will Your Business Model Support a Rebuild?
It’s essential to review your business model and goals regularly, but after a disaster, you should evaluate the pros and cons of rebuilding. You want to determine how long it will take to get back to “normal.” Also, consider how the disaster impacted other area businesses and residents and if customers will return.
You should develop a timeline noting significant milestones. These markers could range from workers restoring electricity to rebuilding a damaged structure.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Natural Disaster
There are steps you should take and other things to avoid once the disaster passes and you are out of harm’s way.
After a Disaster Do:
- Check-in. Let your family and friends know you are safe. Update your customers and employees via social media, phone calls, and on-hold messaging.
- Call Your Insurance Provider. Get started filing a claim and seek guidance on the pros and cons of rebuilding after a natural disaster.
- Document. Take pictures and videos of the damage.
- Inventory. Document the items damaged or destroyed, not just the building.
- Secure the Site. If you need to relocate temporarily or long-term, secure the location by boarding up windows and doors. This step will help to prevent further damage and keep vandals out.
- Make Temporary Repairs. Try to minimize further damage by doing temporary fixes such as tarping.
- Find Shelter. Locate somewhere to stay or a short-term business location. Track all expenses you incur during this time and keep all receipts.
- Clean Up. When emergency services declare the area safe, you can clean. Wear protective gear such as gloves and eyewear. Only enter the property if it poses no risk to your safety and wellbeing.
After the Disaster Don’t:
- Take Risks. Don’t put yourself, your family, or your employees in any situation that could pose a risk of harm.
- Start Work. Don’t begin major repairs before checking with your insurance company. They may not cover you for unauthorized repairs.
- Trash Things. Don’t throw away anything that could be salvaged or repaired. Your insurance company may not reimburse you.
- Don’t Go It Alone. A salvage and clean-up company can help you sort through the pros and cons of rebuilding after a natural disaster.
Mitigating Risks
Although you can’t predict when a disaster will happen, you can take steps to help prevent damage.
- Take Stock. If you experience a disaster, one of the first things your insurance company will request is a list of what was damaged. An inventory will assist in submitting a claim quicker and ensure you don’t forget something. Keep the list in a safety deposit box or secondary location. Include photos with your documentation. Note brands, models, and serial numbers when appropriate.
- Stay Up to Code. Structures that are up to code are more likely to sustain minor damage. Have an inspector go through your business or home to note weaknesses or areas where additional precautions could prevent damage.
- Repair and Replace. Don’t put off maintenance on your home or business. Replace siding, soffits, shingles, and bricks that are loose or past their recommended life spans.
- Maintain your Space. Dead trees and overgrown limbs can cause a lot of damage during a storm. They knock out power lines and windows and cause other damage. Seasonally check for landscaping that you need to prune or remove.
Improving Your Structure for the Future
A natural disaster presents one opportunity. It allows you to consider improvements you can make to reduce the impact of future events. Rebuilding enables you to think about what you can change in a building’s design or structure that might make it more storm-proof in the future.
Using ServiceMaster Restore by RSI
ServiceMaster Restore by RSI has helped businesses and families throughout Oklahoma rebuild and restore their homes and businesses after natural disasters. Our experience will help you weigh the pros and cons of rebuilding after a natural disaster. Contact us today for help.
