What is Storm Damage?

What to do if your house is damaged by a storm?

Imagine waking up to find your home severely damaged by a storm. What would you do first?

About 60% of homes hit by storms suffer damage, and many can’t be lived in. You must act fast. First, call your insurance to file a claim for storm damage. FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) can offer temporary housing for up to 18 months.

If you have a mortgage, tell your servicer about the damage. They might help with payment plans to avoid penalties or foreclosure.

Take photos or videos of the damage. Doing so can boost your insurance payout by 30%. Repair costs can be high, from $15,000 to $100,000. Also, about 40% of homeowners don’t have enough insurance for storm damage, leading to big expenses.

Knowing your mortgage type is key. Government help, like the FHA’s foreclosure moratorium, can last up to 90 days for some. If your home is not safe, you might get rental help. Quick action can greatly impact your recovery and finances.

Key Takeaways

  • Documentation through photos or videos increases insurance payout chances by 30%.
  • Immediate action is vital to prevent more damage and costs.
  • Government programs like FEMA and TSA offer big help and temporary housing.
  • Understanding your mortgage type can unlock special disaster relief options.
  • Insurance claim processing can take 30-60 days; start the process quickly.
  • A big part of homeowners are underinsured, leading to high costs.
  • Foreclosure moratoriums and rental help can offer vital financial support.

Prioritize Safety and Secure Your Property

After a storm, keeping your family safe is the top priority. If it’s not safe to stay, leave immediately. Check if anyone needs medical help right away. When it’s safe, start making your property secure to avoid more damage.

Turning off utilities is a key step in preventing harm. This stops gas leaks and electrical fires. Always follow the instructions from your utility companies. Also, fix broken windows and secure damaged roofs to stop more damage and theft.

It’s important to check how the storm affected your home. Take photos or videos of the damage. This helps your insurance claim go faster. Claims with pictures are 50% more likely to be settled quickly.

Fixing things quickly can save you money. Simple repairs, like using plywood to cover windows, can help a lot. For example, using ⅝ inch CDX plywood is strong and durable. But, taping windows is not enough to protect against debris, as the NOAA says.

Even in the chaos after a storm, staying safe and taking action can help a lot. Make sure your property is secure, document the damage well, and act fast. These steps are key to protecting your family and home after a storm.

Prevent Further Damage and Seek Assistance

After a storm, it’s key to act fast to protect your property. Cover any exposed areas to keep them safe from the weather and thieves. Quick action can save you a lot of money later on.

Wind and weather damage cause 70% of storm damage to homes. This shows why it’s important to act quickly.

If your home has flooded, removing water is urgent. Damage can start in just 24 hours. Take photos and videos of the damage to help with your insurance claim.

About 80% of homeowners find that photos and videos help a lot with their claims.

If you’re having trouble with your insurance claim, getting legal help can be a big help. There are programs like FHA Disaster Relief Options and VA assistance for government-backed loans.

These programs offer help with foreclosure moratoriums and rebuilding aid.

Also, know that 30% of homeowners find out that flood damage isn’t covered by regular home insurance. It’s important to understand your insurance to help with recovery.

Keep all receipts for repairs and temporary housing. These are important for getting money back from insurance. Hiring a contractor quickly can save up to 20% on repairs, a study found.

If your area is a FEMA disaster zone, you might get disaster relief. FEMA gives over $2 billion a year to homeowners. There are also mortgage forbearance programs for up to 12 months, helping with costs.

Conclusion

After a storm, knowing how to handle damage is key for quick recovery. Keeping safe and securing your home is the first step. It helps prevent more damage and makes fixing things easier.

It’s important to document damage right away and get help quickly. This can make a big difference in how fast and well you recover.

Studies show that up to 70% of homes in storm-hit areas suffer damage. Yet, about 60% of homeowners don’t document their damage right away. This can hurt their insurance claims.

It’s important to report damage quickly. Waiting too long can mean waiting for help for about two weeks. Quick fixes can cut down on costs by up to 40% within 48 hours.

Almost 15% of insurance claims need legal help because of low offers. Also, about 25% of homes with basement flooding might get mold in a week if not fixed fast. Using all resources and understanding insurance is key to recovery.

Knowing what to do can make storm damage repair easier. From staying safe to getting the right help, every step is important. It helps fix your home, your peace of mind, and your finances.

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