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When a Storm Brings Damage | SERVPRO of Sioux Falls
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Sioux Falls to restore your space in no time!
The power of storms can be pretty incredible. Even when you have had plenty of time to prepare for it, something as simple as a thunderstorm can blow through your neighborhood so fast it leaves you feeling completely overwhelmed.
We may have mostly cooler weather in Sioux Falls, but that doesn’t exempt us from severe storms, particularly tornadoes. The months of May and beyond, while later than some more southern areas, are particularly dangerous for spinning up strong storms. In 2022, May brought us a derecho that carried wind damages throughout the state.
Knowing how to prepare for this kind of severe weather can do a lot when it comes to mitigating damages, but do you know what to do when a storm rolls out and you find your home damaged in its wake?
Make sure safety is always your first priority, take a deep breath and find some sturdy shoes. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your recovery is fast and smooth.
As the severe weather threat begins to diminish, your need to keep your guard up for the further potential of more storms. Keep a weather radio on and at hand, and make sure you have a quick and easy way to get back to your sheltering location even after the all-clear has been given.
Start assessing what has happened by reaching out to your loved ones to determine who may need help. If cell service isn’t working, try shooting a few quick texts to get in touch with your family. If you can safely do so, head out into your neighborhood to check on those around you.
Never enter damaged buildings or homes, but do check for ways to help guide anyone that needs out to safety. Clear as much debris out of roadways as you can safely do so, and make room for emergency vehicles in driveways.
After you have been able to check in with your family and your neighbors, start taking pictures of your property and the damage it has received as you give SERVPRO of Sioux Falls a call. Our locally owned and operated office is available 24⁄7, and that means your recovery can start right away.
Depending on the amount of damage that has been done, the recovery process could take hours, days or even weeks to complete. As time passes, the workload will become more clear. As you proceed, continue to stay very aware of your safety. Always watch out for hazards you could step on or trip over, and stay weather aware in case another storm starts to head your way.
Once our SERVPRO® crew is on site, their first step in restoring your home will be taking quick action to ensure no further damages can set in. This might mean tarping your roof or securing broken doors and windows, or it could mean removing standing water and drying out your wet possessions.
We will also work with your insurance company from the start to make sure that your claim is handled correctly. When the scope of work your home will require is fully assessed, you may need to consider staying elsewhere in order to keep your family safe and allow the work to go as quickly as possible.
Seeing your home damaged after living through a scary storm is a lot to take in, but the calmer you are able to stay, the easier things will feel. Knowing you have a team of professionals working around the clock should also ease your stress, as it is our goal to get your life put back together as quickly as possible.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.