Understanding Storm Damage and How to Recover | SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island
9/16/2024 (Permalink)
Living in our corner of Texas means enjoying beautiful coastal views and sunny weather for most of the year. However, it also means being prepared for the severe weather that can strike—especially during hurricane season. Whether it’s hurricanes, tropical storms, or unexpected flash floods, your home can face significant damage. Knowing what to expect and how to respond is crucial for a swift recovery.
Common Types of Storm Damage
In the East Brownsville and South Padre Island area, the proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes hurricanes and tropical storms the primary threats. These powerful storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and even storm surges, leading to various types of damage to your home:
High winds from hurricanes and tropical storms can cause severe damage to your home’s roof, siding, and windows. Flying debris, such as branches or outdoor furniture, can shatter windows or create holes in your walls and roof, leading to further water damage.
Flooding is a major concern during storms in coastal areas. Whether it’s from heavy rain, storm surges, or overflowing rivers, water can seep into your home, damaging floors, walls, and belongings. Water damage can also lead to mold growth if not addressed promptly.
The combination of wind and water can weaken the structural integrity of your home. This might include damaged foundations, broken support beams, or compromised walls. In severe cases, portions of your home may become uninhabitable until repairs are made.
Storms can lead to power outages and electrical surges, which can damage your home’s electrical systems and appliances. Water intrusion can also create dangerous electrical hazards, making your home unsafe until repairs are completed.
Steps to Take After Storm Damage
Facing storm damage can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can help you start the recovery process and protect your home from further harm.
Before assessing the damage, make sure it’s safe to enter your home. Look out for downed power lines, gas leaks, or unstable structures. If you have any doubts, wait for professionals to declare the area safe.
Take photos and videos of all the damage, both inside and outside your home. This documentation is crucial for filing insurance claims and helping contractors understand the full scope of repairs needed.
With the storm damage documented, your next call should be to SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island. Our team is trained to handle all types of storm damage, from water extraction to structural repairs. We’ll work quickly to secure your home, prevent further damage, and begin the restoration process.
Reach out to your insurance company to start the claims process. Provide them with the documentation of the damage and keep records of all communications. SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island can also assist with this process by working directly with your insurance provider.
Once the insurance process is underway, we’ll start restoring your home. This may include removing water, drying out affected areas, repairing structural damage, and ensuring your home is safe and habitable again.
Storm damage can be a reality for homeowners in our part of Texas, but you don’t have to face it alone. SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island is Here to Help® you every step of the way, from immediate response to full restoration. Don’t wait until the damage worsens—contact us today to get your home back to its pre-storm condition.
Visit our website here to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in your time of need.