HURRICANE HARVEY
THINGS TO DO DURING POST DISASTER CLEANUP
Hurricane Harvey is expected to cost Texas billions of dollars in damages. Here’s a list of things to do in cases of minor to major property damages, as well as homes affected by flooding.
Harvey made landfall in Texas as a catastrophic Category 4 storm, with winds up to 130 miles per hour. It is the first hurricane to hit Texas in nearly a decade (since Ike in 2008). It is also the strongest hurricane to hit the state since Carla in 1961.
While some parts of Houston is no stranger to flooding, many are not used to dealing with a catastrophe of this magnitude. As homeowners facing minor and major property damages, we questioning, what we can do while assistance is received?
Some of the most important reminders and first to do’s include:
1. Assess if your home’s structure remain intact. Look for things like foundation cracks, walls that are less vertical than before, or a sagging roof. REMEMBER, if you suspect the home’s structural integrity is compromised, DO NOT risk getting inside at all.
2. If your home only sustained minor damages and you are 100% sure it’s safe to enter, start cleaning immediately. Don’t wait for an adjuster, it will take a while for them to respond to everybody. Being active also helps give us a more positive outlook over the situation.
3. Wear Protective Clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury. This includes face-masks, boots, gloves, and coats.
4. As you clean up, DO NOT FORGET to take videos and pictures of everything. Document everything, in as many angles as possible. Keep all of the copies in one safe place – a plastic case or waterproof binder is ideal. If you can, make digital copies too using a USB or hard drive.
5. Keep Receipts of all materials bought to fix and repair everything.
4. Try and keep all damaged materials. Haul them out of the house, but try and keep them for the adjuster to review. Sort them out as best as you can – IE all kitchen items in one pile, all living room items in another.
5. File for FEMA Assistance: https://www.fema.gov/apply-assistance.
6. Flooded cars are resolved through your Auto Insurance. Make sure you’re documenting this too.
7. Flooded home and contents are resolved on FEMA Flood Insurance.
8. Register Your Property Damage On Crisiscleanup.Org. Non-profit and crisis management organizations like All Hands Volunteers, Habitat for Humanity, and Samaritan’s Purse use the program to organize volunteers to help with the cleanup and rebuilding process.
After registering, your home is logged on their map. They will then call you if they have volunteers in the area and assist in demolishing your home at no cost. These are charity organizations that spend months in disaster areas helping families recover.
9. Homeowners Insurance, Renters Insurance, and Condo Insurance does not cover Flooding from Rising Water.
10. Check the yard for debris. Put everything in a pile and secure it.
11. If you have pets, make sure their pen / area is clean and free of any harmful debris before placing them back. AVOID keeping dogs tied unless you’re 100% sure your area is safe from flash floods.
12. Use flashlights in the dark. DO NOT use candles as there might be gas leaks or highly flammable materials strewn all over the house. DO NOT burn charcoal indoors because burning charcoal produces high levels of carbon monoxide that can reach lethal levels in enclosed spaces.
13. If power is restored, DO NOT start all major appliances at once. Turn them on gradually to reduce damage to sensitive equipment.
DO NOT use electrical or gas appliances that have been wet – aside from possible electrocution these can also a fire hazard.
14. Homeowners are responsible for making sure the property is not further damaged in the aftermath of a storm. Board up broken windows and cover damaged roofs to prevent additional damage from occurring.
15. Call a storage facility you can find immediately and reserve a unit. You will need a place to put your stuff while repairs are going on and space is limited.
16. Keep an eye out for mold. This is VERY IMPORTANT: Mold is a common occurrence following storms — and a major health risk. Aside from being a serious health risk, mold can cause further damage to wood floors, ceiling tiles, drywall and other parts of a house if left untreated.
Within a day of a flood, mold can begin forming. Two of the biggest red flags are discoloration and a strong musty smell. It’s important to remove items from the home if they’ve been soaked with water and can’t be fully dried. This can include everything from rugs and furniture to drywall and appliances.
NOTE: Understand that you can only do so much. If there is any risk at all about the safety of your home (or any parts or rooms within it), it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Be wary of contractors trying to rip you off. Get copies of their licenses, research their history, and make sure they are who they say they are and that they are not a fly-by-night operation.
We have some great vendors. We have already reached out to a few and while some of them are dealing with their own home flooding, some are already preparing to bring in contractors from out of state to be able to assist with a rapid clean up. Our contractors’ Recommendation are:
SALT & LIGHT CONSTRUCTION direct # 713.817.2168
BRICK TOWN BUILDERS Steve Gandy (281) 541-3872.
ELECTRICIAN: LIN MEMBRENO: 832-874-5747.
Note: REMEMBER that FEMA flood insurance DOES NOT pay for Additional Living Expenses (living somewhere else due to the loss of use of your home from flooding). At Century 21 Olympian we want to offer you a list of properties that are available for lease both short term and 12 month leases in the case you or any of your family members and neighbors need it.
In support of all our Texans communities affected by this catastrophic Hurricane, we want to let you know our team at Century 21 Olympian is here praying for all our Texans families who suffered a lost or which properties were damaged by the storm, and want to let you know that as part of this community, we are offering you our professional advice and knowledge with any of your real estate needs or concerns you may have on this moment. We are here for our communities in need!
Texas is strong and will rise united!
