What Is the Restoration Process After Hurricane Damage?

Before any cleanup begins, the pros check the home for obvious hazards: downed power lines, gas leaks, cracked foundations, or sagging ceilings. They also shut off utilities if needed and board up broken windows or tarp damaged roofs to prevent more rain from getting in. This step protects everyone who enters the home.

Your own safety comes first. Avoid walking through standing water if you suspect electrical wires are live, and do not enter a room where the ceiling is bulging. If you smell gas, leave the house and call the utility company from outside. A quick safety check by the pros helps them plan the work ahead.

• Turn off electricity at the breaker if water is near outlets.
• Wear rubber boots and gloves when entering flooded areas.
• Take photos of damage for your insurance records.
• Move valuable items to a dry, elevated spot if safe.
• Do not use household fans or vacuums on wet surfaces.

Once the home is dry, the pros help you sort through your personal property. Some items can be cleaned and restored, while others need to be thrown away. Porous things like carpets, upholstered furniture, and cardboard boxes often cannot be saved after floodwater, especially if the water was contaminated.

Non-porous items such as glass, metal, and hard plastics may be cleaned and disinfected. The pros also handle electronics, documents, and photographs with special techniques. You should keep a list of everything that is damaged, noting whether each item is salvageable or not, because that list helps with your insurance claim.

• Separate salvageable items from trash.
• Set aside anything with sentimental value.
• Keep a written inventory of damaged goods.
• Photograph each damaged item before disposal.
• Let the pros handle electronics and important papers.

The final phase involves repairing the damage to your home's structure. This can range from replacing a few boards to rebuilding entire walls, floors, or the roof. The pros coordinate with other trades like electricians and plumbers to make sure all systems are safe and up to code before closing up walls.

Structural repairs often take longer than the cleanup. The pros need to let new materials dry and cure properly, and they must work around your schedule if you are living elsewhere during the process. You should expect some disruption, but the goal is to make your home safe and livable again.

• Replace damaged drywall, flooring, and insulation.
• Fix or rebuild roof trusses and supports.
• Update electrical and plumbing systems as needed.
• Paint and refinish surfaces after repairs.
• Get a final inspection before moving back in.