Stay Safe: Preparing for Tropical Storms and Hurricanes

Houston is no stranger to the powerful forces of nature, especially during hurricane season. As your leading water damage experts, Elements of Restoration is here to guide you through what to do before, during, and after a tropical storm or hurricane to protect your home and loved ones.

Before the Storm

Preparation is key to minimizing damage and ensuring safety. Here’s how you can get ready:

Create an Emergency Kit: Assemble essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents. Include a first-aid kit and any necessary personal items.
Secure Your Property: Install storm shutters or board up windows to protect against flying debris. Bring outdoor furniture and decorations inside. Reinforce garage doors and ensure roof integrity.
Develop an Evacuation Plan: Know your evacuation routes and have a plan for where to go if you need to leave your home. Share this plan with all family members.
Backup Important Documents: Store important documents in a waterproof container and keep digital copies. This includes insurance policies, identification, and financial records.
Check Insurance Coverage: Ensure your homeowner’s insurance covers hurricane-related damage, including flood insurance, which is typically a separate policy.

During the Storm

When the storm hits, your priority should be safety:

Stay Indoors: Keep away from windows and glass doors. Seek shelter in a small, windowless room on the lowest level of your home, such as a bathroom or closet.
Listen to Authorities: Follow local weather updates and heed evacuation orders. Use a battery-powered radio to stay informed if the power goes out.
Avoid Floodwaters: Never walk or drive through floodwaters. They can be deceptively deep and fast-moving, posing a serious risk.

After the Storm

Once the storm has passed, it’s time to assess and address any damage:

Ensure Safety: Check for hazards like downed power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage before re-entering your home. Wear protective clothing, including gloves and boots.
Document Damage: Take photos and videos of all damage for insurance purposes. This will help in filing accurate and comprehensive claims.
Prevent Further Damage: If it’s safe to do so, cover damaged areas with tarps or plywood to prevent further water intrusion. Remove wet carpets and furniture to reduce mold growth.
Contact Elements of Restoration: Reach out to our team in Houston and Bay City, Texas immediately for professional water damage restoration services. We offer 24/7 emergency response to help you quickly mitigate damage and begin the restoration process.

How Elements of Restoration Can Help

At Elements of Restoration, we understand the stress and devastation that hurricanes and tropical storms can bring. Our certified team is equipped with the expertise and tools to handle:

Water Damage Mitigation: Quick extraction and drying to prevent mold growth and structural damage.
Mold Remediation: Comprehensive mold removal and prevention to ensure a healthy living environment.
Fire Damage Restoration: If a fire occurs, we handle everything from smoke odor removal to structural repairs.
Insurance Assistance: We work with your insurance company to streamline the claims process and ensure you get the coverage you deserve.

By preparing for the worst and knowing what steps to take, you can safeguard your home and family during hurricane season. Trust Elements of Restoration to be your reliable partner in recovery, providing peace of mind when you need it most.

Stay safe, Houston, and remember – Elements of Restoration is here to help you weather any storm. We also have a location ready to serve all your restoration needs in Austin, Texas.