Hurricane Helene and Milton significantly impacted the Tampa Bay area, especially in Pinellas County and the barrier islands, causing damage to many homes. If you experienced storm damage, you know just how emotional and difficult this can be.
To help you get through this difficult time, here are some steps to take to minimize potential issues and damage.
- Safety first — Don’t go back into your home until you know it’s safe to do so. Your home may have structural damage, electrical hazards, or gas leaks.
- Document the damage — Once you are sure you can enter your home safely, take pictures and videos of every affected area to document the damage. This is essential for the insurance claims process.
- Prevent further damage — Take steps to prevent further damage by boarding up broken windows, covering roof damage to prevent leaks, and removing standing water to prevent mold growth.
- Watch for scammers — It’s common for scammers and unlicensed contractors to approach homeowners after a major storm like Helene. Protect yourself from becoming a victim by verifying licensing, checking public records, getting references, consulting the Better Business Breau, and verifying experience.
- Start cleaning up — Begin cleaning and removing debris that could lead to mold growth. If there is mold present, wear protective equipment to minimize health risks.
- Reach out for help — Don’t try and handle storm damage on your own. Sometimes, the best solution is to sell the property and move on.
We are your local real estate partner, and we can buy your property fast and as-is. We offer quick assistance with remediation, help with temporary housing, and we’ll close quickly on your terms. Contact us today if you want to start fresh!