After the Fact: Cleaning Up Your Property Following a Storm
Swift response following a severe storm, hurricane or tornado can help minimize additional damage to the facility. The sooner you are able to visit the facility, assess the damage and take proper steps, the better off your organization will be.
Inspecting Your Property
If you were off-premises during the storm, return only after local authorities have permitted you to do so. You may contact utility companies or a reputable contractor to secure the building.
Following a severe storm, your should review your facilities in this way:
- Wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves and other protective gear as you complete your inspection.
- Check for structural damage before re-entering your building.
- Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns instead of open-flame light sources when inspecting the building in case of a gas leak.
- If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave immediately, call the gas company and turn off the gas at the meter.
- Turn off electricity at the main circuit panel.
- Keep the power off until an electrician has inspected your system.
- Do not start the heating system or boilers until the systems have been inspected.
- If you suspect damage to the sewage or water lines, turn off the water at the meter and call a plumber.
- Do not attempt to move displaced propane tanks.
- Do not allow anyone, especially children, to search through debris piles on the premises.
- Check playground areas for disaster-caused safety hazards.
- Look for loose or hanging limbs from trees.
- Remove any debris or obstacles from parking lots and walkways.Complete a visual inspection of the roof for damage.
In the Event of Flooding
If floodwaters have entered the building, act quickly to prevent molding and further water damage:
- Shovel mud out of the building and hose down any areas where mud gathered.
- Dry out the premises by using fans, dehumidifiers and desiccants (materials that absorb moisture).
- Clean walls and hard-surfaced floors with soap and water.
- Disinfect with one cup of bleach to five gallons of water.
- Steam clean all carpets.
- Remove and discard materials that cannot be disinfected such as wall coverings and drywall.
- Throw away any food items, including canned goods, that have come into contact with floodwaters.
- Boil tap water before drinking it or using it in food preparation until authorities have declared the water supply safe.
In the Event of a Loss
If your property has suffered damage, you will need to contact your insurance company to report the loss. Take these additional steps to make the process of submitting a claim quicker and easier:
- Take photographs of the damage to help document your claim.
- Keep receipts for all expenses relating to the loss.
- Keep in touch with your insurance agent as you begin repairs.
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