Hurricane and Storm Recovery Tips
Florida is no stranger to storms this time of year. Being that hurricane season lasts through November, we are not yet out of the woods in terms of avoiding some heavy hitting storms. Even if there are no hurricane threats, Florida is notorious for tropical storms and heavy, pounding rain during this season. We have previously shared how to prepare prior to a storm, but what happens after the storm comes through? Residents who have lived in Florida for many years are no stranger to storm clean-up, but new residents can easily become overwhelmed at what to tackle first.
What to Do First
Following a storm, it can be very overwhelming and hard to determine what is a priority and needs to be taken care of first. It is important to have a phone or camera with you to take pictures of any damage found on your property while you are looking around. This will be helpful if there is a need for an insurance claim. The first order of business is to inspect your home and property for any safety concerns. You should be looking for broken glass, downed power lines, or other dangerous debris. Only remove debris if it is possible to do so safely: otherwise, it is best to call a professional. Following the safety check, it is time to look for any structural damage to your property. Ensure that your home is secure, there is no damage to your roof, or any damage to any exterior properties such as a shed, gazebo or lanai.
Cleaning Your Yard
When cleaning your yard, it is best to move from large problems to small ones. If there are any broken trees or large branches on your property, remove those first. Tree damage can be very serious and dangerous to move on your own. If the tree is too large to handle safely, be sure to contact a professional for removal. Once the larger items are removed, you can check any shrubs, bushes, flowers, and other smaller landscaping. It is also important to inspect any irrigation systems for damage. Be sure to inspect the entire system as well as any sprinkler heads that may be on the property.
Please contact us if any of your irrigation systems become damaged following a storm or hurricane. We are proud to service Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, and Citrus counties.
