After a storm’s heavy rains and winds have ended, assessing property damage is among the first steps to take. From roof repairs to fallen trees, the hazards can be everywhere. There is danger in not taking extra care to remain safe and prevent further damage to homes and office buildings. Here are several tips for checking the condition of your property after a storm.

5 Steps to Take After a Storm Occurs

1. Safely Assess the Damage

When it’s safe to do so, carefully walk around your surroundings to check for any damage. Before venturing out, wear gloves, goggles, and protective shoes to help avoid any physical injuries. Keep an eye out for issues such as roof leaks, broken windows that need to be boarded up, uprooted trees, and structural damage. Take pictures to document and submit with homeowners insurance claims.

2. Watch out for Hazards

Stay away from any downed power lines and weakened tree limbs. While the power may be out in your neighborhood, there may still be live electrical wires on the ground. If your roof has sustained damage, stay out from under it until a roof repair technician can do an inspection. Avoid walking in or driving through flood water because it may be hard to determine how deep it is.

3. Call a Board Up Company

Protect your property from any further damage by boarding up broken windows and dented doors. A professional board up company will be able to secure the building and enclosures to keep the elements and animals out. Boarding up windows also keeps potential looters from stealing your personal possessions. In some situations, security fencing or temporary fencing and safety barriers might be necessary to prevent additional damage or loss.

4. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Let your homeowners insurance provider know right away about damages. The sooner you contact them, the quicker the insurance claim process can start. In addition to taking pictures, record a video of areas that will need immediate attention, such as roof repairs, broken windows and glass, and water leaks.

5. Follow Evacuation Return Orders

While it may seem safe to return to your home or business after a major storm or damages, contact local emergency authorities first. Certain areas may be too dangerous due to floods, structural damage, or downed power lines. If you have a homeowners insurance policy, check to see if it covers temporary shelter accommodations at a hotel.

The aftermath of a storm can be scary and uncertain. By proceeding with caution, you can be on the way to getting your property back in good condition. The Board Up Co. in Chesterfield, MO, is the St. Louis, MO area’s trusted firm for securing homes and businesses before and after bad weather. Until roof repairs and other problems are fixed, the team of licensed and professional technicians will use their specialty equipment such as emergency roof tarps and techniques to protect and secure your property. Should you ever need emergency board up services or immediate help after a disaster, call (314) 954-3200 for 24/7 emergency board up service, roof tarping, temporary fencing, or structural stabilization solutions. Visit the website for information on the locally-owned company’s complete suite of services.