Santa Rosa Beach Prepares for Hurricane Michael, and SERVPRO Is Here to Help

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO and Your Insurance Company Await Your Call After Hurricane Michael Strikes Your Santa Rosa Beach Property

What to Do After Hurricane Michael Has Passed Your Santa Rosa Beach Property

The very first thing you can do once Hurricane Michael has passed through your area is to let your friends and family know that you are all right. Make calls to your family, update your social media status, or use websites such as Safe and Well or The Red Cross Emergency app to let others know you and your family are safe. Giving out the information can provide great peace of mind to your loved ones not located in the Panhandle of Florida.
 
The second thing you should attend to is documenting the damage that the storm caused. The storm surge from Hurricane Michael can do it considerable damage to your Santa Rosa Beach home. The intense and high-speed winds can rip shingles away from your roof and damage the siding of your home. Even things that have been anchored down can sustain damage. The level of flooding can be catastrophic to the foundation and overall structure of your home.
 
Wind can also rip branches away from trees and send them right for your home. Sometimes, should the wind be intense enough, a hurricane can even rip a tree up from the ground and send it toppling over onto your home, shed, or vehicle that you did not drive during your evacuation. SERVPRO recommends always to evacuate, follow the strong statement of Gov. Scott. When this kind of damage occurs, it is vital that your document it as soon as possible once the storm is over. Insurance adjusters will be inundated (no pun intended) with customers to see.
 
Use a camera and take many pictures of the various damages you can find on your property. Having these photographs can act as evidence to show your insurance company while you are filing a claim. This can be crucial as building components continue to degrade from the forces of the winds (up to 140 MPH), contaminated flood waters, and lack of power.

Getting your family to a safe and dry place is essential before this potential Cat 4 Hurricane Michael strikes. The aftermath can be dealt with as it progresses. Family and safety first.

Remember, SERVPRO of N. Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes & Washington Counties is ready to help our neighbors after this difficult, natural disaster. Our National Storm Recovery Team is sending down reinforcements. Contact us for help at (850) 267-0746.

Local weather and hurricane information here.