Hailstorm Preparedness

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

In a matter of hours, we can place emergency roof tarps and board ups on damaged properties.  While it’s impossible to prevent hailstorm damage to our homes, you can still be prepared.

Hailstorm Preparedness

Before the Storm

• Do you know what your property insurance covers?  Check out your policy and make sure you know your deductible.  You want to be sure you can cover your deductible in case of an emergency.  If you’re not sure about your hailstorm coverage, give your insurance company a call if you have any questions.  
• Keep up with weather forecasts.  Turn on your local news, download a free app from the Google Play Store, App store, or visit any national weather website.
• A storm watch means the conditions for a hailstorm are right, but no one is absolutely sure if one will really happen or not.  Keep an eye on the forecast.
• A storm warning means a hailstorm is approaching and you need to take shelter.
• If you have items outdoors that you don’t want to get damaged, bring them inside or put a protective covering on them for the duration of the storm.  This commonly includes glass outdoor furniture and vehicles.

Reducing Hail Damage

Being proactive is always the best way to prevent storm damage.  If the forecast is calling for a possible hailstorm, take a look at your roof or call us for a roof inspection.  Taking care of your roof’s problems may prevent serious damage from the storm, such as a badly damaged roof, water intrusion, and an indoor water damage.

Look out for:

• Damaged shingles.
• Missing shingles.
• Clogged water drains.  If your drains are clogged and rain also falls with the storm, you are risking water buildup that could enter your home and cause a water damage

During the Hailstorm

These balls of ice can fall between 50 to 100 miles per hour.  The velocity mixed with size is what will determine the amount of damage.

If a hailstorm is happening, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Bring all pets indoors immediately.
• Stay indoors!  If a piece of hail can break through your roof, it can also hurt you!
• Keep away from skylights and glass objects that the hail is hitting.
• In case a window breaks, close your drapes and curtains.  It won’t prevent damage, but it’ll help prevent the broken glass from spraying into your room.

After the Hailstorm

We are ready to respond to any home or business.  For the safety of our technicians, we must wait for the storm to pass to begin emergency services.  However, giving us a call while the storm is progressing will allow us to prepare and be ready as soon as it’s over.  

As soon as you notice damage to your home, give us a call.

Our 24 hour emergency line is (479) 452-8282.  

Storm Damage Services

We are a full service storm damage restoration company.  We can provide you with the following services:

• Emergency Roof Tarp

  We will tarp your roof and skylights with thick, waterproof plastic sheeting to prevent any weather from getting inside your home and causing more damage.  Many insurance companies will not cover secondary damage that is caused by neglect on the behalf of the property owner. Secondary damage includes water damage and mold growth.

• Board up Services

  If any other part of your home was damaged by the hail, we will perform board up services.  We commonly see broken windows and glass sliding doors.

• Water Damage Restoration

  If any water has gotten into your home from the storm, we will immediately perform water removal services.  Our technicians will also place professional drying equipment and begin monitoring your property. Mold growth can begin as quickly as 48 hours after water intrusion, which is why we are available for water damage restoration services 24 hours a day.

• Insurance Claim

  We will document all damage to your roof and interior of the home.  All documentation will be forwarded to your insurance provider to support your claim.  An Estimator will be assigned especially to your file. It’s their job to bridge communication between you and your insurance to make sure you’re taken care of.  

• Reconstruction and Roof Restoration Service

  A Reconstruction Manager will be assigned especially to you.  They will inspect the damage to your roof and create an estimate to rebuild it.  They will work directly with your insurance provider and rebuild your roof once your claim is approved.

• Full Service 3 Expert Team

  You will be assigned our Full Service 3 Expert Team.  This means that if you ever have a question or concern about your project, one of the three experts that are managing your job will help you from beginning to end.  They include:
• Estimator - this person works directly with your insurance company to make sure your claim is processed.  They handle all documentation.
• Project Manager - this person performs all restoration services your property needs, from debris removal to cleaning and water damage restoration.
• Reconstruction Manager - this person rebuilds any portion of your property that was permanently affected.

Storm Damage Restoration Specialists

SERVPRO of Fort Smith is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company.  With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. You can trust us to restore your home or business.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at (479) 452-8282.  Call us any time!

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.