As a result of Hurricane Ian, much of the west coast of Florida is facing a tough road ahead. Due to the high winds and storm surge, many homes have sustained severe damage. If you are a homeowner affected by the hurricane, it is crucial to inspect your home for hurricane damage as soon as possible. So what should I inspect on my property after Hurricane Ian?
The aftermath of a hurricane can be a stressful process. You don’t have to panic and start your recovery alone. This checklist lists hurricane recovery tips to help you and your loved ones get back to normal as soon as possible.
Hurricane Ian Homeowner Checklist
The following is a homeowners checklist of what to inspect after a hurricane or severe storm:
Checking for Wind Damage
Check your home for wind damage if it looks like your home sustained damage from Hurricane Ian. Get a licensed contractor to look at the damage and report back to you with an estimate. Any insurance claim starts with an initial inspection. Call a professional and get the first assessment process underway if necessary.
Water Damage from Hurricane Ian
After a hurricane strikes your home, it’s essential to know if water damage has occurred. Water can cause severe problems entering a building’s electrical system or foundation. Furthermore, mold can increase in wet walls and ceilings if there is no airflow to the areas where the wind-borne moisture has saturated wood, insulation, and other building elements.
Check for Home Structural Damage
After your home has been affected by a storm and water damage has been discovered, contact a qualified building inspector to check your home for signs of structural damage. Structural damage can occur to any building, even if you think it’s well-built or new. A professional building inspection identifies whether there are signs of structural damage. It might need repairing or replacing to ensure safety issues get corrected before letting anyone reoccupy the structure.
Check for Damage to Your Home’s Foundation
After a hurricane, you need to check your home’s foundation for any signs of damage. If damaged by flooding, there could be leaks and mold growth inside. You should also ensure that the structural supports remain intact or check for damage before the storm.
Check for damage to Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Systems
After a hurricane and its aftermath, there is always the chance of damage to electrical, plumbing, and heating-ventilating-air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Check these systems immediately if you’ve had a flood or power outage or have seen any signs of water leaks or other damages.
If you find any damage, it is essential to repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If you are unsure how to inspect your home for damage, you can contact a professional home inspection company to help you.
Fort Meyers – Hurricane Ian causing long lines of traffic at a gas station.
Prepared for Conditions to Worsen
The storm has passed, but you are not out of the woods yet. It will be challenging to get resources when supply chains become strained. However, it will be much more difficult if weather conditions worsen or another storm passes.
It’s been a rough week. Hopefully, you were prepared with supplies before Hurricane Ian made landfall. Here are a few supplies everyone should keep stocked in case catastrophe strikes. A basic emergency supply kit should include the following recommended items:
Water
Having enough water on hand for cleaning and drinking during an emergency is essential. Ensure you have enough bottled water (and sanitary wipes) to last at least three days in a crisis. Water is usually the first thing people lose when there’s no power or running water.
Food
Keep non-perishable food items like canned vegetables and fruits, peanut butter, crackers, and granola bars on hand for quick snacks or meals if the power goes out or stores are closed due to bad weather conditions. You can always boil these foods if you don’t have access to an oven or stovetop.
Medications
Prescription medications are essential when dealing with a medical emergency — especially if you don’t have access to a doctor or hospital during an emergency. Please ensure all medicines are labeled clearly with names and dosages.
First Aid Kit
Be sure it has bandages, adhesive tape, disinfectant wipes, antibiotic ointment, and aspirin (or acetaminophen). You may also want to pack insect repellent and sunscreen if there’s a risk of exposure to sunburns or bites from insects such as mosquitoes or ticks during an extended power outage.
Batteries
Keep a supply of batteries on hand for flashlights, radios (see below), and phone chargers — especially if there’s no power in your home or office building during an emergency.
Other essential items to keep on-hand include:
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio
- NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlights
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
As the hurricane passes through and conditions begin to improve, it is essential that you remain vigilant and prepared for any emergency. Shelter in place until authorities say it’s safe to go outside. Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water or juice. If you cannot leave your home due to flooding or debris blocking roads, help yourself stay positive by practicing self-care. Remember that the world has not ended-it is only the beginning.
On The Map Restoration | Professional Mold Removal in Miami. Hurricane Damage: What Should I Inspect on My Property After Hurricane Ian?
OTM Restoration is Here to Assist with Hurricane Ian
If you’ve been affected by Hurricane Ian, you’re probably worried about what comes next. We understand the challenges of having a disaster on your property can be overwhelming, but we are here to help. OTM Restoration provides comprehensive fire, water, and mold restoration services to residential and commercial clients throughout South Florida. With years of experience in our industry, our highly trained team dedicates time to getting your home back in order as quickly as possible.
If you find any damage to your home, contact OTM Restoration as soon as possible to help you file a claim. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at (305) 671-3226 or contact us here.
