The howling winds, torrential rain and hail have died down. But just because the storm has passed doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. With the danger of dangling power lines, fallen trees, flooding and more, you’ll want to keep these seven things in mind when returning to your home or assessing it for storm damage.
1. Check your power lines
Beware of loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the proper authorities. If you see a power line that’s down, move away from it and beware of any water or other objects touching the lines.
2. Don’t use your water
Use your emergency supply of water or boil water before drinking until officials have given word that it’s safe.
3. Operate a generator safely
If you’ve lost power, make sure to operate your generator outside your home in a well-ventilated area. Do not operate generators or gas, propane or charcoal grills indoors or near your home’s ventilation areas.
4. Protect the exterior
If your home has sustained storm damage, cover the roof with tarps and your windows with plywood if it is safe for you to do so.
5. Assess interior damage
If you have wet or damaged artwork, blot off excess moisture, remove wet backings, mats and frames and keep them in an air-conditioned room. Take pictures of any damage and contact professionals for assistance.
6. Use caution while driving
Do not drive through affected areas unless it is necessary. Be aware of fallen power lines, debris on the road, missing signs, or broken traffic lights. Be cautious of any moving water before driving through it, and make sure you have a spare tire.
7. Lighten the load on the roof
In case of snow, check your gutters after the storm’s cleared. Are your eaves covered in icicles? Your roof may be forming an ice dam, where ice freezes into hard ridges that prevent snowmelt from draining off your roof. Without anywhere to go, water will find its way into your home. Use a roof or snow rake to clear the icicles and snow off your roof. While you’re at it, remove snow from furnace vents to clear openings so that gasses can vent properly.
What to do if you suffer damage
If you’re a CCIG customer and you suffered storm damage, we’ll work quickly to make your home whole again. Click here to begin the claims process.
For more tips on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane, check out these resources from Ready.gov.
Matt Genova is the Personal Lines manager at CCIG. Reach him at MattG@thinkccig.com or 720-330-7936.
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