September 23, 2024
As mentioned in a previous blog post, the Houston hurricane season is underway and active until November 30th. There are many ways to be prepared for extreme weather, however, planning will never be able to prevent everything. Do you know what to do if your house is damaged by a storm? We’ve created a step-by-step breakdown of how to handle disaster repair.
Foremost, safety is a priority and prevents injury and fatigue, allowing more work and additional people to be helped. In order to safely begin home repair, confirm the building is structurally sound enough to have people inside, turn off water and electricity to affected areas, use only a flashlight in darkness, and wear protective items such as sturdy shoes, gloves, masks, and eye protection. Look out for slippery spots, broken items, and sharp edges. Also, remember to use caution and distance when moving debris.
After the storm has passed and official authorities have cleared residents to return to their homes, damage assessment begins. Start by looking for the most common types of storm damage. Keep in mind not all damage will be immediately noticeable. Be sure to document every change to your home with pictures and notes for insurance and repair purposes. Ensure your address is visible from the street for emergency vehicles.
The roof of a building is the most likely place to be battered by a storm. Common signs of roof damage are holes, leaks, dents, missing/broken shingles, and split seams. Windows and doors are a good second area to assess. Check for cracks, holes, broken panes and damaged frames. Next, investigate the appearance of exterior surfaces and appliances, such as air conditioners, for cavities, splits, dings, chips, and discoloration. Inside your home, identify signs of water damage, and any damage from water entering the home. After complete evaluation, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report property damage. File a claim, ask about an advance payment or living expenses if help is needed quickly. If the disaster has been officially declared you may be eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA via their disaster assistance website.
Community is very valuable; having connections with neighbors can mean the difference between life and death for some. Many people are without family nearby or the ability to move around well. Consider providing reasonable senior assistance when possible or contacting city services for them. Assistance to veterans after a storm is also important. Another helpful action is connecting others with storm damage repair contractors.
Temporary solutions are a productive way to minimize further damage, as well as reduce stress. If able, begin key repair steps by doing some actions yourself. Use tarps and plastic sheeting to cover leaky areas, sandbags to divert water, and boards to secure broken windows and doors. Take out wet furniture, carpeting, and other materials, then remove water with wet vacuums and pumps. Next, run fans and dehumidifiers, as drying out the air will help prevent mold.
Save time and money by shopping for DIY materials at Habitat for Humanity’s two Houston ReStore locations: South Loop at 6161 S. Loop East, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am—5 pm, Sunday 10 am—4pm, and ReStore West 34th at 5280 West 34th Street, Monday through Thursday, 9 am—5 pm and Friday through Saturday, 9 am—6 pm. ReStore has new and gently used items needed to secure and improve your home, including power tools, lumber, windows, flooring, and appliances.
To assist with quicker storm damage repair, the City of Houston Permitting Center & the Planning and Development Department has implemented an expedited review process of specific permits, including weatherheads for restoring power, re-roofing and roof overlay, and Minor Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) repairs. Also, the following work can be done without permits:
When making DIY repairs, maintain a list and save receipts (including for temporary living expenses) for your insurance agent. Don’t make permanent repairs before an adjuster sees all the damage. Further, save proof of paid deductibles. Contractors and roofers cannot offer to waive a deductible or promise a rebate for your deductible.
Be sure to take breaks, especially when the tasks or environment seem overwhelming. Walk around, get some fresh air, and focus on the improvements that are already complete. Above all else, ask for help when you need it!
Not every fix can be done in without professional help. This is when licensed and insured professionals are best. Houston Habitat provides storm damage restoration through our Disaster Home Repair program. Low-income homeowners can receive help with what is needed to make homes safe, sanitary and secure, including mold testing and remediation. Click here to find out more: Disaster Home Repair program.
Contractor Tips:
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure,” said Colin Powell. True words, especially when applied to advanced preparation for storm damage. Before the next weather event, do these actions:
