Severe Weather Damage Help Points

Spring in Tornado Alley always requires caution and weather awareness. Most people know how to stay safe but haven’t considered what to do after disaster hits. Below are the bullet points to keep handy. I’ve written a detailed post about these topics earlier on this blog at this link.

SAFETY FIRST!
• Find a low location with protection. Ideally it is a designated safe area with reinforced cement or cinder-block walls. At the minimum, it should be on the ground floor and surrounded by interior walls with no windows or glass doors. Have battery-powered radios and flashlights.
• During the storm, stay away from windows, broken glass, and loose objects such as firewood or lumber.
• Account for everyone – including pets.
• Protect yourself. During wind damage events, nails and other sharp objects are often scattered throughout neighborhoods. Wear proper shoes, work gloves, and step carefully to avoid puncture wounds. Wear long pants to avoid insulation and chemical burns.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE STORM
• Make photos of the cause (hail, flood, etc.) and effects (actual damage) of the weather event.
• Depending on damage, turn off all power at the main breaker and cut off water. Ask for help with gas leaks.
• Let someone outside of the disaster area know you are safe or your immediate emergency needs.
• Keep all insurance and warranty information handy and inside waterproof/fireproof bags.
• Collect short-term belongings: all personal identification, phone, small valuables, medicine, glasses, clothes for a few days, credit cards, insurance and warranty documents, pet food, tax and income documents (for insurance claims), etc...
• Secure waterproof tarps over windows and holes in the structure to prevent additional damage.

WHEN IT’S SAFE
• Photograph both the interior and exterior.
• Contact your insurance agent. Get in line fast because there will be plenty of claims.
• Contact the Red Cross for overnight shelter assistance.
• Photograph refrigerator/freezer contents. Most insurance policies pay up to $500 for spoiled food.
• Hire competent contractors for short-term patches.
• If the house is not in an emergency condition, contact reliable vendors/contractors quickly. I’ve collected many reliable vendors on DFWreferral.blogspot.com.
• Determine the deductible vs. out-of-pocket repair costs. It may cost less to absorb repair expenses.
• If repair costs are significant, file a claim with the insurance company. Arrange for contractors’ representative to be there while the appraiser is on property.
• Keep all receipts: preventative measures, actual repairs, hotels, fuel and food away from the house.
• Call the car insurance company if different than house.
• Make photos of all car damage.

SETTLING WITH INSURANCE
• Fences should be covered if there’s a wind damage policy but expect a depreciation deduction.
• Insurance companies have five business days to pay the claim once you agree to a settlement amount.
• Mortgage companies have 10 business days to contact homeowners after they get the insurance check.
• For additional specific questions about insurance coverage, please read “FAQ: Homeowners Insurance and Disaster Claims” (t.ly/eckh) by the Texas Department of Insurance or call 800-252-3439.
• File for FEMA aid. FEMA may cover items not covered by traditional homeowners’ insurance.
• If the final check is less than expected or less than required, don’t sign it. Some insurance companies consider the claim “settled” once the check is endorsed and deposited.

I’ve Got Your Six!

Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
214-862-7212
DFWmark.com

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