Hurricane Ian was one of the most catastrophic storms to make landfall in Florida. Although Venice, Florida avoided a direct hit, it still experienced unusually high flooding inland, which affected several homes and caused several businesses to temporarily shut their doors.
Most property owners do not know what to do in the aftermath of unexpected property damage. While it’s important to deal with repairs and restoration as early as possible, your top priority must be safety. Here are some important tips to secure your safety after a hurricane strikes.
What to Do After a Hurricane
Check your loved ones.
- Disasters can often separate you from your family. When this happens, remember your family communications plan to locate and contact your loved ones.
- You can also ask for help from the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS/1-800-733-2767. Call the local chapter where you are staying for information and not the chapter in the disaster area.
- Only use the telephone for emergency calls.
Perform damage assessment.
- When it's safe to do so, survey your immediate vicinity for dangers such as fallen power lines, gas leaks, broken tree limbs, and others, and turn off electricity, gas, and water.
- Take photos and videos of the damage to your home or building and its contents for insurance purposes.
Stay in a safe area and out of floodwaters.
- Unnecessary sightseeing can impede emergency response. Stay indoors where it is safe.
- Floodwater contains hidden hazards, so it's best to stay out of it. Wear adequate protective equipment such as waterproof gloves and boots if you need to wade through it.
- Stay out of floodwaters if there are fallen powerlines, live wires, or submerged electrical equipment around to prevent electrocution.
If evacuated, do not return home until it's safe.
- To find the nearest temporary shelter in your locality when it's not safe to return home, text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA). Example: SHELTER 12345
- If you need long-term housing, you can check the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website to find grants and services that will help you repair your home or find replacement housing.
Avoid compromised structures.
- Leave your home if you hear unusual or shifting sounds, as these mean that the building is about to fall.
- Stay out of damaged buildings until they have been inspected and declared safe for entry.
NEVER use a generator indoors.
- Leave your home if you hear unusual or shifting sounds, as these mean that the building is about to fall.
- Keep generators outdoors and at least 20 feet away from any opening, such as doors, windows, or vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Use flashlights for illumination.
- Instead of using candles or open flames, use battery-powered flashlights for illumination. Remember to turn the flashlights on outside the building to prevent setting on fire any gas leaks indoors.
- Never use water-damaged electronics and electrical systems.
Watch out for displaced animals.
- Florida is home to a lot of wildlife. It's common to find snakes, alligators, rodents, and other animals near your residence after a storm or flood.
- Use a stick when poking through debris, as animals tend to hide underneath it. Stay a safe distance away from any displaced animals even if they seem friendly, and call your local animal control center to have them removed and rehabilitated.
Do not use tap water for drinking or preparing food.
- A contaminated water supply is highly likely after a flood or hurricane. Wait for the authorities to declare that your tap water is safe for consumption before using it.
- During times of low water pressure, do not use water unnecessarily and reserve it for firefighting efforts.
Call a professional damage restoration company.
- After a hurricane, it's best to call a professional damage restoration company right away to prevent further damage and avoid voiding your insurance.
Our Storm Damage Restoration & Repair Services at ServiceMaster by Wright
Contact Us for Emergency Storm Damage Restoration in Venice, Florida
ServiceMaster by Wright is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with storm damage restoration and repairs after Hurricane Ian. Call us at (941) 265-2995 for assistance in Venice, Florida.
Due to the large volume of calls, we are receiving at the moment, you can opt to schedule an appointment through our online contact form. We’ll respond right away.
