A powerful supercell storm looms over lush green fields in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Restoring Your Home After a Disaster: 4 Key Steps to Take

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We all do our best to keep our homes safe and protected. However, sometimes, natural disasters, extreme weather events, or undetected issues within the home can compromise our property’s safety and livability.

The moments after these events occur are critical: understanding what to do and acting fast can limit damage and help you return to living in a comfortable home. 

Preparation, today, is more important than ever: more and more homes are now at risk of floods , extreme weather events are increasingly more frequent, and damages are costly to repair.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a few aftercare steps that are critical after a disaster. 

tornado-damaged house

Assess Your Home’s Condition

Each type of disaster comes with unique risks. For instance, heavy storms and winds can affect your roof, while flooding can compromise your home’s foundation.

Similarly, a leak can lead to water damage, mold, and structural issues, while a nearby fire can cause smoke damage. 

Given that the impact on your home can vary so much, the first step is to assess your property after a disaster.

You may want to work with a specialist and understand the full extent of damages. This is important to make a recovery plan. 

Focus on Important Security Aspects: Windows, Doors, and Roof

Next up, let’s focus on the most important aspects to restore after a disaster. These all have to do with making your home safe and livable again. Here are ways to get started:

  • Replace your windows: Your windows are a vulnerable aspect of your home that may be damaged in the event of a disaster. Consider whether it makes more sense to fix them or replace them. High-quality options, such as window nation’s replacement windows, can help you restore your home’s livability and protect you from the elements. 
  • Fix your front door: After a disaster, safety is paramount. Be sure to secure your main entrance door to prevent issues such as looting. 
  • Inspect your roof: Your roof could be heavily damaged after a disaster. Be sure to work with an expert to fix broken shingles and leaks to prevent further issues such as water damage or a collapsed roof. 

Restore Utilities 

Next up, you’ll need your plumbing and electrical systems backed up and working. However, this does not always depend on you: after a heavy storm or cyclone, it can take days for electricity to be restored. 

In this case, you’ll want to apply the principles of basic preparedness, such as: 

  • Stock up on non-perishable food.
  • Keep flashlights and extra batteries.
  • Charge portable power banks.
  • Have a battery-powered radio.
  • Use solar chargers for electronics.
  • Store extra blankets.
  • Have backup generators ready.

Clean Up and Prevention Strategies 

As you recover from a disaster and clean up your home, it is important to keep some aspects in mind.

Firstly, when cleaning up, especially after a flood, consider that water and mud can be unhygienic and carry bacteria. Be sure to work with a specialist or use plenty of PPE. 

Additionally, consider implementing a few prevention strategies in your home’s maintenance schedule.

For example, establish and maintain an emergency kit, keep your systems and roof in good condition throughout the years, and ensure your windows and doors provide the protection you expect.

And, of course, keep your home insurance policy up-to-date, available, and easily accessible when needed!