Springtime in Florida is wonderful. The tropical flowers bloom, gentle breezes blow in from the ocean, and the air is not yet as hot and humid as in the summer months. However, the season can also usher in spring storms, consisting of  lightning, loads of rain, and even tornados- all of which can cause major storm damage in minutes with little warning.

Sensible property owners take preventative measures to limit storm damage – trimming trees close to structures, making sure storm drains are clear, stowing outdoor furniture when not in use, etc.– but knowing what to do if storm damage does occur can speed response and restoration. Here are three steps to take after a storm inflicts minor damage:

– Contact appropriate parties. Contact loved ones and insurance carriers to apprise them of the situation; ask insurance companies for a list of authorized restoration companies. If utilities such as electricity are affected, let the power company know about your outage. If the storm has affected large areas of the community, contact community officials for information about services available and access local news sources for important announcements.

– Resist the urge to personally address the storm damage. Mitigation and restoration companies like Joe Taylor Restoration handle dangerous conditions and exposed areas quickly with specific measures that facilitate longer-term repair plans. It’s safest to let professionals drape tarps across damaged roofs, remove building materials that have incurred water damage, board up broken windows, etc. to keep the damage from escalating and becoming more costly.

– From a safe distance, document the damage. Restoration companies and insurance carriers find photographs helpful as they open claims and schedule repairs. When Joe Taylor Restoration is handling the recovery process, we provide a comprehensive estimate, including photographs and properly completed paperwork, and provide this information to the insurance agent or adjuster within 48 hours of job completion. 

Spring is a beautiful time of year, but accompanying spring storms can cause destruction. If you experience storm damage as a result of a spring storm, do not hesitate to contact Joe Taylor Restoration. One call will result in the knowledge and expertise necessary to restore your home or business to its pre-storm condition.