Tragically, natural disasters are happening more frequently than ever before. They are not only more frequent, but many are more powerful than before. While not everyone is affected by an earthquake, flood, hurricane, or fire, the possibility always exists. So, what should you do if your community is hit by one of these horrifying events? Of course, everyone’s health and safety are of the greatest priority. After ensuring everyone’s safety, contact your insurance provider and mortgage servicer. Also, seek help from a real estate attorney in Monroe, NC, immediately.
What steps should you take next?
After your home has been damaged in a natural disaster, you should:
- Inspect the house thoroughly for any damage or problems.
When it is safe to return home or exit the basement, it is time to survey the damage. The natural disaster will determine the type and extent of your damage, but it may be extensive. Take a look around your house and make a list of all the damage caused by the disaster.
- Contact an Insurance Agency or Legal Services.
Once you have determined the extent of the damage to your home, contact your insurance company and inform them. If the calamity is large enough, they will most likely be aware of it. But, in any case, it is a good idea to start fixing the house or determining the solutions and what will be covered.
- Continue to be cautious and fix or save what you can.
Although the calamity may have passed, you are not yet out of the woods. After the main tragedy, it is common for aftershocks, flood water, and other effects to persist. As a result, you should be extra cautious in the hours and days following a calamity. Something may have been damaged that you were unaware of, or the damage may not manifest itself for several days.
While insurance may cover most of the damage, this is not always the case. It certainly would not hurt to go about the house and save or repair whatever you can. Of course, only do this if you feel confident and comfortable doing so. Also, make sure to inspect your food supply. There’s a significant risk that fire or water damage will ruin a large portion of your food inventory. Check that the water and electricity are both safe to use. Even though the crisis has passed, it is still advisable to remain cautious and take all precautions necessary.
