What to Do After a Hurricane: Assessing Damage

After the hurricane

Once officials have confirmed that the hurricane has passed, the real work of damage assessment, clean-up, and home and community recovery can begin. Crucial to piecing everything back together again is staying safe! Even if your home has minimal or no damage, hidden dangers are everywhere in storm-ravaged areas. As you move forward after a hurricane, continue to take extreme caution.

Be aware of hidden hazards

Hazards such as downed power lines, flooding, and debris may pose significant risk. Never drive, wade, or walk through standing water, as electric currents from downed powerlines can pass through the ground to even small puddles. Never touch any electrical if you’re in standing water or if the equipment is wet.  

When safe to do so, FEMA advises that you turn off your electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent shock. Turn off gas to prevent any gas leaks, as well. Standing water can also hold high amounts of dangerous bacteria and conceal dangers such as sharp objects, sinkholes, and misplaced wildlife (e.g., alligators, snakes, etc.). Here are some additional tips to follow for your safety.

• Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters while assessing hurricane damage, which can be electrically charged from downed and underground power lines; contain debris like glass, dead animals or be contaminated with sewage and hazardous chemicals. Just six inches of moving water can knock down a person, and a foot of fast-moving water can destabilize a vehicle.
• To avoid home hazards from flooding, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker, or ask for professional help. Do not touch electrical equipment. Use a flashlight, rather than anything flammable, in case of gas leaks.
• Be aware of hazards relative to power lines, polluted water, and the possibility of fire due to low water pressure.
• Be wary of unlicensed contractors when repairing hurricane damage. While natural disasters can bring out the best in people, as strangers reach out to help others in need, unfortunately the aftermath of a crisis can also bring out many types of scams and unlicensed contractors who take advantage of those who have been victimized. Before you hire check out the company/contractor at bbb.org. It’s fast, easy and free. Additionally, do not pay for work in advance. Be wary of any contractor who demands full or half payment up front.

Check for damage

Before you begin to assess any damage, be sure to gear up with protective clothing and safety glasses before you begin to check for damages. Have face coverings or masks on hand in case mold or other debris become an issue. Above all else, keep safety first! Homes and buildings may be unstable after a hurricane, and flooded floors and structural components may be flimsy.

Additionally, damaged drywall can fall without warning. Before entering a property, check for any visible structural damage, weakened foundations, or signs of instability. Have your photo or video device on hand to document any damages once you’ve deemed your property safe to enter.

Communicate and seek assistance

Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with special needs, and be sure to contact family and friends to let them know you're safe. Seek assistance from local authorities or relief organizations if needed. Otherwise, contact your insurance agent to begin the process of reporting damage.

Let people know you’re safe. Register with the American Red Cross Safe and Well system so family and friends can find you.

Until an insurance claim is filed, don’t discard damaged items, or attempt to make repairs. Remember to be patient during the claims-filing process and beware of fraudulent contractors that may go door-to-door offering repair help. Your insurance agent will be able to guide you through the claims process and advise you on what repairs you can start to make right away.

Clean up and recovery

Begin clean-up by opening the doors and windows to your home if your home was closed for more than 48 hours. Find out from your local government where you can dispose of waste and debris and start removing fallen trees, branches, and other debris from around your home.

Don’t forget to clear blockages from gutters and downspouts to prevent future water damage to your home. Throw out foods that have been in your refrigerator for more than four hours without power. For any type of sewage spill or sewage backflow into your home, take the following steps:

• Clean walls and hard flooring with soap and water, followed by a solution of one cup bleach to five gallons of water. (Never mix ammonia with bleach, as toxic vapors will form.)
• Thoroughly disinfect areas where you prepare food or dine, or where children and pets sleep or play.
• Dispose of mattresses, furniture, or other large items that cannot be properly washed, dry-cleaned, or disinfected and air-dried. Have carpeting and upholstery professionally steam-cleaned.
• Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry clean them.

Finally, stay informed about community resources and assistance programs to aid in your efforts. The hurricane recovery process can take time, so keep you and your family’s health a priority while you wait for support.

If your home is flooded, document the damage as soon as possible. Take a combination of still pictures and videos for insurance claims purposes. The more documentation you have, the easier it is once you’re ready to file your claim. Do only what's necessary to prevent further damage after a storm, such as covering broken windows with plastic or roofs with tarps to keep rain out. Don’t make or commission permanent repairs until an insurance adjuster reviews the damage.

If your home is destroyed and uninhabitable, you’ll need to find your family a safe place to stay while your home is being repaired. The loss of use coverage in a standard homeowner insurance policy typically helps pay for your family's lodging as long as the damage is part of a covered claim. Check your policy or ask your agent to make sure you have this coverage and to determine its monetary value and time limits.

Find shelter. If you're looking for rental housings or apartments because you can't return home after a disaster, check FEMA Interim Housing Resources.

• Search for an open emergency shelter near you by texting SHELTER /strong>and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362), Example: SHELTER 01234. (Standard text message rates apply.)
• Find open shelters using the FEMA Mobile App.
• Search online for a safe place to go.

Expect hurricane damage assessment teams to do an extensive review of all areas and insurance representatives to be on the scene immediately following a hurricane to expedite the handling of claims.

Notify your AAA Insurance agent of any losses and leave word where you can be reached. Keep in mind that hardship cases are settled first, so please be patient.