Families living in Utah are no stranger to severe storms bringing strong winds and heavy rains or snows. Most are well-prepared and know how to prepare for extreme weather disturbances, from stacking up emergency provisions to reinforcing parts of their property.
How to check for damages after a storm passes, however, is also a huge matter that needs to be tackled. It never hurts to be extra safe when assessing possible storm damage. Take a look at some of the pointers to keep in mind when inspecting home damage caused by storms:
Check for roof damages
One of the first things you need to check is water stains on your ceilings and wall. Water spots are likely signs of leakage which could cause further damage to your roofing system if not attended to immediately, according to storm damage experts in Utah.
While you are it, do a spot check for other possible roof damage like missing shingles or other dislodged roofing pieces. It’s best to consult expert roofing professionals though if you notice your roof was badly beat-up and if there are visible structural damages.
Avoid going on the roof yourself to fix them as this might add further damage to your property and cause physical injuries.
Don’t turn on utilities yet
Even if there’s no clear visible damage that you can see, don’t turn on the utilities yet. If you weren’t able to turn them off or unplug your appliances before the storm struck, do so before doing rounds in your property.
Broken natural gas appliances or damaged air conditioning and heating units can pose serious health concerns. You need to look out for tell-tale signs of possible damage before using them again. Also, make sure to always have battery-powered emergency lights as a precaution.
Don’t light up a candle as much as possible. But if you really have to, be extra careful and keep them from materials with flammable properties and places with strong drafts.
Look for damages caused by flood
Don’t underestimate the amount of damage flood can cause to a property, no matter how severe or light it is. It can destroy landscaping or cause hefty damages to your home structure. When cleaning up after a storm, check your drainage system first to see if they are still working.
You might also want to check the rain gutters for any obstructions and your yard for any sign of erosion. However, if the floodwater has not subsided yet, as much as possible don’t wade through it yet. Flooding could bring all sorts of objects, and in some cases, little critters to your property.
Even if the floodwater has been drained completely, wear high rain boots when doing your inspection for good measure.
It pays to be cautious when assessing home damages right after a storm. The bottom line here is to be prepared, safe and alert all throughout. When there are fixes that require professional expertise, it’s better to leave them to more experienced hands. In no time, you can make your home in tip-top condition again.
