Storm Damage – What To Do Next

There is no straightforward definition of what a storm is. But we could say that a storm involves violent winds, usually accompanied by rain, hail or snow. However, there could be circumstances where the storm can cause damage to a property without high winds occurring.

Storm damage does and can happen in a variety of ways to include flooding, wind damage, and even fire. Flooding rains can cause extensive damage to your home, lightning strikes can cause fires, and high winds can cause some structural issues to your home or property.

Preventive Measures in case of a storm:

Whenever a violent weather situation takes a turn for the worst, it can cause havoc.

From smashed windows to loose roof tiles, there are lots of ways a storm can cause severe damage to your property. However, with a little preparation and preventive measures you could help to reduce the potential for damage – and save yourself money and eliminate possible stress in the process.

Before a storm –

• Take care of the trees by removing any loose or overhanging branches from trees that could cause damages. It is advisable to lock up and park your vehicles in a garage or somewhere safe and away from the trees.
• If there are any loose tiles on the roof, you will need to get these fixed and secured before the storm hits. It is the belief of your insurance providers that your home or property is in a good state of repair and condition.
• Tidy up your garden and lock away any objects on the outside space such as bikes, garden furniture, ladders and garden tools.
• Ensure to clean and clear out your roof gutters at least once in a year as it helps to stop rainwater overflowing and damaging plasterwork.
• Check your fences and posts to ensure that it is tight and properly secured. If the storm blows away your fence, you do not want it to cause damage to any other parts of your property (or anyone else).
• Finally, check your property insurance policy to ensure that you have the right insurance in place.

What to do after the storm?

• If your home or property is affected by a storm and in the process has suffered physical damage, try not to stand too close to walls when you go outside. Kindly observe and access the damages from a safe distance.
• Ensure to write a list and take pictures of anything that have been damaged due to the storm – this will help your insurers to process your claims more efficiently.
• Immediately after the storm, you will need to get in touch with your insurer. Insurers are aware they are likely to get calls after storms, so you will be talking to people who are prepared for your questions.
• At all times keep receipts for any emergency repairs that you make such as roof repairs or new panes of glass. Importantly before any repairs, you will need the consent and agreement of your insurance company.

Effect of Storm Damage to your home

Structural cracks & damage

Structural damage affects the core integrity of a home or property, especially the roof and load-bearing walls which carry majority of the property’s weight. Without these walls, your home or property would collapse. Keep an eye out for and observe for any cracks in the roof, Leaning windows and door frames which are signs that the storm structurally weakened the building. Structural damage rot would occur when storm-water sneaks into core areas of your home unnoticed.

Contamination

Storm can cause blockage to your sewage system or septic tank, which can back up onto your property. If this happens, there is a high possibility that contaminants from the washed water will be left in your property. For Health and safety reasons, it is advisable to seek professional experts to help disinfect the entire property.

Electrical Dangers

Caution should be applied, when opening doors or windows directly after a storm. There could be electrical wires downed as a result and effect of the storm, which create a safety hazard; and the danger increases if water is involved. More importantly, if stormwater gets inside your home and has access to electrical wiring and appliances, it is advisable to have your entire house inspected by a professional like Pinnacle Group.

Mold

Whenever there is sufficient presence of moisture, there will most likely be mold. All it requires is a small amount of time for mold to develop and within 24 – 48 hours of moisture for it to grow. We would advise that you seek experts to help inspect your home/property after storm damage so they can track areas with excessive moisture or mold and remove it safely. Not only can Storm damage be a great risk and danger to your health but can also destroy your property and belongings.

Flood Damage

There is no specific or standard definition to the term “Flood Damage” but can be defined simply as damage to property caused by floodwater. For property owners and Insurance policy terms, flood damage caused by rainwater can be included in the policy definition, but other forms of floodwater can be excluded. The source of the water, which flooded the home and caused the damage, may become a critical factor as to whether or not the damage is covered under the policy.

Anywhere it rains excessively; it can flood. Flooding would most likely occur as a result of rain and when natural watercourses cannot contain the excess water.

Flood risk is not just based on history; it also depends on many factors: such as rainfall, river-flow and tidal-surge data, topography, flood-control measures, and changes due to building and modern development.

Various conditions can result in a flood such as hurricanes, broken levees, outdated or clogged drainage systems and rapid accumulation of rainfall.

Causes of Flooding

Below are events that can cause or lead to flooding

1. Heavy Rainfall

Flooding may occur when there is the heavy downpour of rain than the drainage system can handle. The flooding could be as a result of heavy or light rainfall which could last for many days and weeks.

2. River Overflow

Rivers do overflow its banks to cause flooding. Whenever there is more than usual water upstream, this can lead the water to flow downstream and to adjacent low-lying areas; there is a burst, and the water gets into the land.

3. Strong winds

Massive winds can carry seawater onto dry areas to cause flooding and could be made worse if rainfall supports the winds.

4. Dam Breaking or Levee

Dams are human-made structure mounted to hold water flowing down from a high or raised land. Electricity is generated from the energy stored in the Dam. The walls of the dam can sometimes become weak and break apart leading to flooding in the area.

Preventive Measures in the event of Flooding:

• Try not to and avoid building in a flood path.
• Create barriers such as levees, beams, flood-walls; to stop floodwater from entering your property.
• Ensure to seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
• Listen to the radio or television for more information if flooding is likely in your area.
• Straightforward and proper understanding of the terms “Flood Watch” and “Flood Warning” is fundamental. Flood watch would mean that flooding is possible while Flood warning would mean flooding is occurring or about to occur.

Local Support for victims of Storm, Flood and Fire Damage in Ireland

Irish Red Cross

Contact your local Environmental Health Officer