How to Handle any Large Property Damage
Dealing with substantial damage will take its toll on any property owner, both financially and emotionally. Luckily, there are steps you can take toward repairing your building and preventing further incidents, whether the damage resulted from a break-in, fire or extreme weather conditions.
Assuming you have insurance coverage on your property, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to reclaim your damaged or stolen valuables, so don’t despair. If you don’t have insurance, now is the time to get the cover to prevent financial fallout from future incidents. You can click here for more information about business and personal insurance.
For now, you should take steps to deal with the situation at hand. So, whether it’s your business premises or home that’s damaged, here are the appropriate steps to take toward reparation.
Damage From a Break-In
If your home or office building has been broken into, your first step should be to call the police and report the incident. Don’t touch anything, as the authorities will need to collect evidence from the scene to prosecute the burglars, and stay out of the property if you spot signs of a break-in, just in case the offender is still inside.
Once you have spoken to the police and informed your insurance company of the break-in, you will need to seek legal advice. If the robbers are caught, you may be able to claim compensation for any damage or expense that isn’t covered by your insurance policy.
Damage from a Fire
Damage resulting from a fire can be devastating and long-lasting, so you are likely to suffer both emotional and financial fallout. Not only will the fire burn and destroy parts of your property and your possessions, but smoke can stain the walls, carpets and ceilings and make the building uninhabitable for quite some time.
One way to safely restore your property after fire damage is to contact a fire damage restoration service. A company providing fire restoration will deal with urgent issues such as burst pipes, boilers, and flooded areas first to prevent further damage. They will then assess the extent of the damage to your property and give you an accurate timeline and quote for works going forward.
Damage from Extreme Weather
If your home or work environment has been affected by a storm or hurricane, contact your insurance company straight away. Your provider might be able to provide alternative accommodation if the power lines have been cut or the building is uninhabitable. Before you make a claim, take photos of all damaged areas and don’t forget to check boundary walls, broken outhouse windows, satellite dishes, and roof tiles. Keep any receipts for emergency repairs or replacements you buy, so you can claim them back through your insurance.
Safety Comes First
When dealing with property damage, it’s important to minimize the risk to you and your family or work employees before you even think about filing a claim or contacting your insurance company. Try to stay calm, as stress will make the physical damage seem worse than it is.
