Picking Up the Pieces After a Natural Disaster: Where Do You Start?
Barrelling on the heels of Hurricane Helene, the force of Hurricane Milton caught many people living in its pathway unaware.
Milton, which originated as a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico, rapidly intensified into a tropical storm, becoming windier, wetter, and more destructive than its predecessor, according to World Weather Attribution.
Scientists attributed the intensity of the hurricane to climate change. Unfortunately, extreme weather patterns are only set to worsen in the U.S.
The Environmental Protection Agency warns that heatwaves, droughts and floods will increase, resulting in property loss and costly disruptions. The short and long-term economic impact of hurricanes Helene and Milton could run into $400 billion.
For thousands of homeowners affected by the storms, it’s a sobering revelation. However, life goes on. But where to start? Your home’s shambles. There’s flood damage and you might not have a roof over your head.
Below, we’ll discuss how to do damage control following a natural disaster.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Your priority is to ensure your family’s well-being and safety. Once you’ve taken care of them, contact your home insurance company to file a claim. Experts say the sooner you report a claim, the sooner rebuilding can begin.
Ready.gov advises homeowners to document all damages. This must be done before cleanup commences. Take clear photographs and make a list of all damages.
Depending if your area is in a hurricane zone, hurricane coverage should be included in your homeowner’s insurance policy. Hurricane coverage incorporates the damage or destruction caused by a hurricane.
Catastrophe insurance protects you against natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. In the case of manmade disasters, riots or terrorist attacks are also covered.
Don’t forget to save all your receipts from post-damage repairs and cleanup for insurance claim purposes.
Enlist the Professionals
Home restoration and cleaning services mitigate the aftermath of any disaster. From water to fire damage, experienced disaster restoration services are well-suited to take care of the problem.
Hurricane Katrina will remain one of the worst natural disasters in recent U.S. history. The storm left thousands homeless and those whose houses were standing had to contend with mold and flood damage.
Today, water-related issues are still prevalent in New Orleans, forcing residents to call in water damage experts.
Contact a local disaster restoration company that comes highly recommended, especially if you are experiencing water damage.
In many storm scenarios, damage isn’t limited to water — fallen or compromised trees often create immediate safety hazards and can obstruct recovery work. Engaging certified arborists for safe removal, stabilization, and targeted pruning reduces risk to crews and prevents additional structural harm. Local teams familiar with regional storm impacts can also assess whether a tree is salvageable or needs removal; for homeowners nearby, connecting with an expert tree service Vancouver WA (or another local area) can streamline that process while ensuring safety. Coordinating tree work with restoration contractors helps prioritize repairs and keeps the property secure during rebuilding.
Assess Safety Issues
Following a natural disaster, you might not be aware of your home’s integrity. Many things could be compromised.
And it’s not just your home’s damage you should assess. Look out for washed-out roads and contaminated water sources in your immediate surroundings.
Gas leaks, broken glass, and damaged electrical wiring clearly indicate your property is unsafe. Check for these hazards along with loose power lines and structural damage.
If you suspect your home is unsafe, get a building inspector or structural engineer to do a site inspection right away.
Don’t enter your home if:
- Authorities have not declared it safe
- You smell gas
- Your home is surrounded by flood waters
Repair What You Can
Make temporary repairs while staying safe. The Red Cross advises residents to manage tasks in small chunks so you don’t become overwhelmed. And if you need help, ask for it.
Wear protective shoes, gloves and long pants. If there are parts of your home exposed to the elements, remove all important items to keep them someplace safe.
Your refrigerator will keep food cold for four hours should you not have power. In the meantime, get rid of other perishables.
Depending on your level of DIY expertise, cover any exposed holes and spread tarps over damaged areas. Remove any debris and brace walls if need be.
Power tools and building materials will probably be in short supply so your options might be limited.
Beware of Scams
Many stories are going around about hurricane federal help. Sadly, some are untrue. The downtrodden and destitute are easy pickings for scammers. This happened to be the case following hurricanes Helene and Milton.
A statement released from the White House says that disinformation following a natural disaster can prevent people from seeking essential help when they need it most.
Fact-check any disaster relief information that appears online and make sure it comes from a credible source.
Starting from scratch is a nightmare of gigantic proportions when disaster strikes. Thankfully, help is available.
If you are a disaster survivor, check FEMA’s website for recent updates on current disaster declarations.
