Living in Fort Myers means being no stranger to severe weather, especially during hurricane season. Strong winds, heavy rain, and flying debris can damage homes in just a few hours. And once the storm passes, many homeowners face the tough task of figuring out what to do next. It can feel overwhelming, but knowing the right steps to take makes it easier to protect your property and start the recovery process.
If you’ve just been through a storm, there’s a good chance your mind is racing with questions. Is it safe to enter the house? Who do you call first, your insurance company or a contractor? What should you take photos of? These are all fair questions, and the answers can help you avoid problems down the road. This article walks through several key actions to take after your home has been hit by storm damage.
Understanding The Impact Of Storm Damage On Your Home
Storm damage can come in many forms, and sometimes, what looks small at a glance can turn into a serious issue if ignored. Wind can pull off shingles or tear open siding. Rain might make its way through weak points in your roof or windows. Even a quick storm can leave behind broken screens, dented gutters, or leaks in places you didn’t expect. What’s tricky is that not all damage is easy to spot right away. A water spot on the ceiling today could lead to mold a few weeks from now.
It’s common for homeowners to focus only on the big stuff like missing roof tiles or toppled trees, but hidden damage can be just as risky. Things like cracked foundations, soaked insulation, or shorted-out wiring are often found later if nothing is done early on. Time really matters here. The sooner you can identify what’s been affected, the better off you’ll be.
Take the example of a family in Fort Myers whose screened porch seemed untouched after a big storm. Days later, they found that water had crept around the window seals into the adjoining bedroom. There was no water sitting on the floor, just a weak musty smell. By the time they noticed, their drywall had already soaked through.
After a storm, your goal isn’t just to fix everything. It’s to understand what needs fixing in the first place, whether obvious or not.
Immediate Steps To Take After The Storm
Once the storm is over and it’s safe to go outside, begin with a full walk-around of your property. Don’t rush. Take stock of exactly what happened and look for anything that’s out of place.
Here are a few things to check off after a storm hits your Fort Myers home:
1. Stay safe – Make sure there are no downed power lines or exposed wires. Don’t enter a damaged structure until you know it’s structurally sound.
2. Look inside and outside – Check all rooms, the attic, the roof, porches, sheds, and foundations for damage like cracking, water stains, or warping.
3. Take photos and notes – Use your phone to document everything, from tiny leaks to missing roof sections. Write down when you took the photos and what they show.
4. Save what you can – If there’s water getting into the home, move furniture and important items to drier areas. Don’t throw anything away until a claims adjuster has seen it.
5. Don’t make big repairs yet – Temporary fixes are fine, but save the larger work for professionals once you’ve spoken with your insurance company.
Once everything is documented and your family is safe, it’s time to start the claims process. Acting quickly here helps keep everything moving in the right direction and avoids delays that can cause bigger issues later.
Contacting Your Insurance Provider
Calling your insurance company might not be your first thought when facing a damaged home, but it should be one of your first calls. Policies vary, but many require homeowners to notify the insurer within a set amount of time after a loss. Waiting could delay the repair process or cause trouble with your claim later down the road.
When you make the call, have a few key things ready:
– Your policy number
– A list of visible damages
– The date and time of the storm
– Photos or videos you’ve taken
Be honest about what you see but don’t guess on the things you aren’t sure about. Just stick to what you know and let the adjuster look into the rest.
It helps to keep track of every phone call or email with your insurance company. Write down who you spoke with, what was said, and what steps were given. These records come in handy if there’s confusion or disagreement later on.
Letting your provider know early also gets you in line quicker for an adjuster visit. After a major storm in Fort Myers, many people will be filing at the same time. The sooner you make the call, the sooner help arrives.
Temporary Repairs And Mitigation
Once you’ve documented the damage and contacted your insurance provider, focus on keeping things from getting worse. Temporary repairs serve this purpose. While it may be tempting to start big repairs, those should wait until professionals assess the damage.
Temporary fixes can go a long way. If your roof has missing shingles or a hole, cover it with a heavy tarp and secure it down. If windows are cracked, seal them with thick plastic and tape to keep out the weather.
Here are useful tips to manage short-term home fixes:
– Cover damaged areas of your roof with waterproof tarps
– Use plastic sheeting or tape for broken windows
– Remove wet items like rugs to avoid mold
– Keep people out of damaged rooms that aren’t safe
– Store salvageable belongings in dry areas
If you spend money on supplies or hire help for immediate patchwork, save all receipts. These could be important for your claim. At this stage, your goal is to stabilize your home until full repairs are approved and started.
Working With Insurance Adjusters
When your insurance adjuster comes out, be ready to help them do their job. They’re there to confirm your damage and gather details for your claim. Think of it as working together rather than just waiting on them.
Prepare all your records, including:
– Photos of damage
– Dates you observed the damage
– Any receipts for emergency supplies
– A list of broken or damaged items
If possible, walk around with the adjuster. Show them what you’ve seen. Don’t assume they’ll catch everything. Mention soft ceilings, odd smells, or anything suspicious. These small things can point to hidden damage.
If something gets overlooked, speak up. You might say, “We noticed the fence came loose after the storm. Could you take a look?” The more clear and specific you are, the more likely your insurance claim will go smoothly and cover everything needed.
Getting Professional Repairs Done
Once the claim is approved, it’s time to get repairs going. Choose a licensed contractor who’s worked with storm damage before. Fort Myers homeowners should find someone familiar with local building codes and weather-resistant materials.
Avoid quick offers from door-to-door contractors. Instead, read reviews and ask friends or neighbors for recommendations. Check licenses. Be sure the contractor walks through everything they’ll fix and provides a written estimate.
Here’s how to stay on top of repairs:
– Read all contracts and estimates thoroughly
– Ask what will be repaired and what’s just being cleaned up
– Request updates as repairs move forward
– Keep copies of every invoice or paper related to the job
– Compare the final bill to your insurance payment
Moving fast is tempting, but quality repairs make your home safer in the long run. It’s better to take a little extra time now than to face repeat problems later.
Keeping Your Fort Myers Home Protected In The Future
With repairs complete, turn your focus to future protection. Each storm offers lessons on what worked and what didn’t. Look at how your home held up and make a list of weak points to improve before the next storm season.
Some ways to prep your home include:
– Adding storm shutters or installing impact-resistant windows
– Upgrading roof materials to ones rated for high winds
– Trimming tree limbs that hang too close
– Reinforcing garage doors
– Cleaning out drains and gutters for better water flow
Take this time to review your homeowners insurance in Fort Myers. Update your coverage based on the storm you just experienced. Know what’s actually covered and where you may have gaps. This helps minimize surprises in the future.
Safeguarding Your Sanctuary
Storm damage can shake up your life, but the right steps help you stay in control. From securing your property and documenting damage to working with professionals for repairs, each decision supports a better recovery.
Once you’ve done the work to get back on track, use that momentum to get ahead of the next storm. Strengthen what you can, talk with your insurance provider, and make your home more storm-ready day by day.
You can’t stop the storms from coming, but you can be ready.
Ensuring your home is protected, especially during storm season, provides peace of mind. As you take steps to safeguard your property, make sure your coverage meets your needs. For comprehensive support and guidance on homeowners insurance in Fort Myers, reach out to Bassine Insurance Agency. We’re here to help you prepare and protect what matters most now and in the future.