In the wake of big storms like hurricane Sandy which caused millions of dollars of damage to millions of people, homeowners must know how to properly assess the damage done to their home and how to proceed accordingly. For insurance purposes even the most minor of damages should be photographed but for everything that insurance may not cover here are Ten helpful tips for recovery after the storm. After Sandy, prominent coastal areas in the Big Apple like Brooklyn, NY were stripped of roofing & siding. You were able to literally walk around a neighborhood and see home that have no coverings. Many of the homeowners that had bettered exteriors were not aware of the ten facts below and had a difficult time making their insurance claim. Knowledge is power; read up and be prepared on how to deal with that next big storm.

1. In case of any flooding in the home, a sump pump may be required to drain the water from the home and mop can take care of any excess water left over. Be sure to clear any debris covering drains.
2. Open up windows and turn on fans to increase the airflow in the house in order to quicken the drying process and prevent mold and mildew from growing. A dehumidifier can also be very helpful to combat the dampness.
3. Because flood water can be filled with bacteria and other contaminants, be sure to thoroughly clean any area of the home exposed to water with disinfectants.
4. Any Drywall in a home which was exposed to water will need to be either removed or replaced in order to prevent the buildup of mold or mildew because Drywall (ironically), has very little chance of drying.
5. In the case of any tree damage to your property that the municipality does not deal with, contact a tree expert for consultation on how to proceed in regards to the trees.
6. Remove any debris that has flown into the bushes and shrubs surrounding your home and unless serious damage was done, your plants should be looking back to new in no time.
7. If you have branches and other debris on your yard, prepare for some manual labor ahead of you. Collect the larger items by hand and with a rake for the smaller items.
8. Check your roof for any damage. If any shingles are missing repair them as quick as possible to prevent any further damage to the exposed roof. If the damage is serious contact a roofing contractor for consultation of how to protect the roof until repaired.
9. Furthermore, check for any water spots on the ceiling or near the chimney as this could signify even more roof damage.
10. For any broken windows, board them up until they are able to be repaired either by yourself for more simple jobs or by a trained professional.