Question 1

What should I do immediately after storm damage to my home?

Accepted Answer

First, ensure everyone is safe—stay away from downed power lines, check for gas leaks, and avoid structurally compromised areas. Once safe, document all damage with photos and video before moving anything. Cover broken windows or roof openings with tarps or plywood if you can do so safely. Contact your insurance company to start a claim, then call a professional restoration company. Do NOT wait for the adjuster before tarping—most policies require you to mitigate further damage.

Question 2

How quickly can you respond after a hurricane or major storm?

Accepted Answer

We maintain storm-ready crews across Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. During hurricane season, we pre-position teams so response times are measured in hours, not days. For active named storms, we begin mobilizing before the storm makes landfall. Post-storm, we triage by severity—properties with structural compromise or active water intrusion receive priority response.

Question 3

Is it safe to stay in my home after storm damage?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the severity. If you see sagging ceilings, cracked walls, exposed structural framing, standing water touching electrical outlets, or smell gas—evacuate immediately. Even without visible structural damage, wind-driven rain through compromised roofs can cause hidden water damage that leads to mold within 24-48 hours. A professional assessment determines whether the home is safe to occupy.

Question 4

What is the difference between wind damage and water damage from a storm?

Accepted Answer

Wind damage includes torn-off shingles, damaged siding, broken windows, and structural shifting. Water damage results from rain intrusion through wind-created openings, storm surge, or flooding. This distinction matters enormously for insurance—homeowners policies typically cover wind damage, but flood damage requires separate flood insurance. We document both types carefully to support your claims.

Question 5

How do you handle storm surge damage differently from regular flooding?

Accepted Answer

Storm surge introduces saltwater, which is far more corrosive than freshwater flooding. Saltwater damages wiring, appliances, HVAC systems, and metal components much faster. It also carries sediment, chemicals, and biological contaminants. Our surge restoration process includes thorough decontamination, corrosion treatment, and accelerated drying. Post-surge properties also face elevated mold risk—our mold remediation team coordinates closely on these projects.

Question 6

A tree fell on my house—what do I do?

Accepted Answer

Do NOT enter the area beneath the tree. Even if the roof appears intact, the structural load may have compromised rafters, trusses, or load-bearing walls. Call 911 if anyone is trapped. Otherwise, contact a restoration company for emergency tarping around the tree (removing it without proper support can cause further collapse). We coordinate with certified arborists for safe removal, then assess structural integrity before beginning repairs. Most homeowners insurance covers tree removal when it strikes the structure.

Question 7

Does my homeowners insurance cover hurricane and storm damage?

Accepted Answer

Standard homeowners insurance covers wind damage (roof, siding, windows, structural) but does NOT cover flooding or storm surge—that requires a separate NFIP or private flood policy. In Florida, many policies have a separate 'hurricane deductible' (typically 2% or 5% of the insured value of your home), which is much higher than your standard deductible. For comprehensive guidance on navigating the claims process, see our insurance restoration guide.

Question 8

What is a hurricane deductible and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A hurricane deductible is a percentage-based deductible (usually 2% or 5%) applied to the insured value of your home, not the claim amount. For example, on a home insured for $400,000 with a 2% hurricane deductible, you pay the first $8,000 of any hurricane claim. This deductible only triggers when a hurricane is officially declared by the National Hurricane Center. Standard windstorm deductibles apply to non-hurricane wind events. Check your policy declarations page for your specific deductible.

Question 9

Can I get FEMA assistance after a storm?

Accepted Answer

FEMA assistance is available only after a federal disaster declaration for your area. FEMA grants are meant to supplement—not replace—insurance. If you have insurance, file that claim first. FEMA Individual Assistance typically covers temporary housing, home repairs for uninsured damage, and personal property replacement. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov as soon as your area is declared. We help clients navigate FEMA documentation alongside their insurance claims.

Question 10

When is hurricane season and how should I prepare?

Accepted Answer

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity mid-August through mid-October. Preparation should begin in May: inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles, trim trees away from structures, clean gutters, verify your insurance coverage (especially flood policy), photograph all property for documentation, and stock emergency supplies. Our Storm Preparedness Calendar on this page provides month-by-month tasks specific to Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Question 11

Should I get a pre-storm property inspection?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A pre-season inspection identifies vulnerabilities before storms exploit them—loose flashing, deteriorated roof sealant, compromised window seals, weak tree limbs, and clogged drainage. Addressing these issues before hurricane season is far cheaper than emergency repairs after a storm. We offer pre-storm assessments that document your property condition, which also serves as valuable baseline documentation if you later need to file a claim.

Question 12

What supplies should I have ready for storm season?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the standard emergency kit (water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries), keep restoration-specific supplies: heavy-duty tarps (minimum 20x30 ft), a battery-powered radio, plywood for window boarding, a generator with fuel, important documents in waterproof containers, and photos of all property and contents stored in the cloud. Also keep your insurance policy number, agent phone number, and our emergency line (888-245-5155) accessible even without power.

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