- Stay informed: Monitor local news and radio stations for updates on weather conditions and evacuation orders.
- Avoid danger zones: Stay away from areas with standing water, fallen trees, and downed power lines. These areas may be hazardous due to electrical and physical hazards.
- Inspect your home: Check your property for damage, including structural damage to your home, roof, and windows. Document any damages with photographs or videos. Contact your insurance company to report the damages.
- Secure your property: Cover any broken windows, doors, or other openings with plywood or tarps to prevent further damage. Make temporary repairs, such as patching leaks, until permanent repairs can be made.
- Check on neighbors: Reach out to your neighbors to ensure their safety and well-being.
- Clean up: Dispose of any debris, such as fallen trees and broken branches, safely. Follow any guidelines set by your local authorities for debris removal.
- Restore power: Contact your utility company to report any power outages in your area. Don’t attempt to restore power yourself.
- Don’t drink tap water: Unless local authorities have confirmed that it is safe to do so, avoid drinking tap water until it has been tested for contamination.
- Take care of yourself: A hurricane can be a traumatic event, and it’s essential to take care of yourself and your family’s mental health. Seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed.
Remember that recovering from a hurricane can take time, and it’s important to be patient and take things one step at a time.
If you are in Florida and have experienced a hurricane, the following steps can help you start the process of recovering and rebuilding:
- Ensure your safety: Before returning to your home or property, make sure it’s safe to do so. Check for downed power lines and other hazards, and follow any instructions from local authorities.
- Assess the damage: Inspect your property for damage, both inside and outside. Take photos or videos to document the damage, which will be helpful when filing an insurance claim.
- Contact your insurance company: Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. They can provide guidance on what to do next, and start the claims process.
- Make temporary repairs: Take steps to prevent further damage to your property. Cover any broken windows or openings, and make temporary roof repairs to as your needed.
- Contact a contractor: If you need assistance with repairs, contact a reputable contractor who is licensed and insured. Be cautious of scams or fraudulent contractors, especially after a hurricane.
- Restore utilities: Contact your utility company to report any power outages, gas leaks, or other utility issues. They will work to restore service as soon as possible.
- Seek assistance: If you need assistance with food, shelter, or other basic needs, contact local aid organizations or emergency management agencies.
- Stay informed: Monitor local news and radio stations for updates on recovery efforts, resources available, and other important information.
Remember that recovering from a hurricane can be a long process, and it’s important to be patient and take things one step at a time. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it, and stay positive as you work to rebuild and recover.
Click on the list On how to verify a contractor license:
check link on the contractor license: Check
https://dpepp.broward.org/BCS/Default.aspx?PossePresentation=SearchForContractorLicense
This will give you the assurance of who has a good license and will not run away with your money.