Tips to Mitigate Damage After Severe Weather Events
Houstonians have had a tough time the past few weeks. Even BEFORE hurricane season, we had our first extreme weather of the season with a TORNADO event and resulting longer-term power outages. Houston homeowners are strong and no strangers to the challenges posed by severe weather events, such as floods and power outages (not usually tornadoes, though), and even just our “normal” weather challenges like extreme heat and humidity.
In the aftermath of these extreme weather incidents, however, many are left grappling with the daunting task of managing and mitigating damage to their properties in the face of professional labor shortages and with time as our enemy.
In this post, I share valuable insights and practical tips to help you effectively deal with the consequences of severe weather events.
4 Key Strategies for Managing Flood and Power Outage Damage
Act Quickly
Immediately locate your homeowner or renter’s policy and call your insurance company. Review your coverage limits and consider engaging independent inspectors to support your claim.
If you already have The Ultimate Healthy Home Maintenance Guide, you might have already completed Module 1 and therefore have all of your insurance documents on hand. Good job! If you don’t, then you need to locate the Declarations Page of your insurance policy, review limits, and locate your point of contact for the insurance company.
Time is of the essence when it comes to managing flood damage. The insurance company may have a provider to send out, but when there is a widespread community issue, resources will be limited. If your insurance company permits (usually they do because they need to support your obligation of taking steps to mitigate further damage, but you should check), then seek your own licensed and insured remediation company to help you remove standing water and document resulting damages.
The removal and drying process should take place within 24-48 hours to prevent further damage and mold growth.
Recall that mold can start growing in as little as 24 hours under ideal conditions, which include:
the presence of moisture sources (bulk water or even humidity),
“mold food” (such as drywall, wood, insulation, and dust), and
air
2. Document the Damage
Take detailed photos and videos of the affected areas for insurance purposes and to support your eventual claims BEFORE you dispose of any materials or items.
Remove saturated materials: Porous materials like carpet, padding, and drywall that have been saturated with water should be removed and discarded, as they can harbor mold and bacteria.
When handling contaminated or potentially contaminated materials, always wear protective gear, such as gloves, masks, and rubber boots, to avoid health risks.
Consult professionals: Work with certified, licensed water damage restoration specialists who have the equipment and expertise to ensure proper drying, disinfection, and remediation. Be sure you consult with your insurance company and follow any necessary steps for approvals for engaging professionals on your own. Independent engagement is a strong recommendation to help support you receive the full value of your claim.
3. Preventing Mold Growth
After removing saturated material and drying the effected area, maintain proper humidity levels: Keep indoor humidity as low as possible and below 60% using dehumidifiers or air conditioners to discourage mold growth.
Ensure adequate ventilation: Use fans and open windows to promote air circulation, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Purchase battery-operated fans if the power is out and open windows to promote air exchange within the home.
Address leaks promptly: Repair any leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing as soon as possible to eliminate moisture sources.
Clean and dry thoroughly: Dry any water-damaged areas within 24-48 hours.
***Recall that some building material (like framing and sheathing) CAN take on SOME, limited, and sporadic water and as long as drying exceeds wetting, this area may not have to be fully removed/replaced. Compare this to a flood/saturation event where wetting exceeds drying potential, and this is a situation where removal/remediation/replacement is your best bet.
4. Mitigating Damage from Power Outages
Invest in a backup generator: A properly sized and installed generator can power essential appliances and systems during outages, preventing further damage and discomfort. Ideally, get a whole home generator to keep the critical systems (HVAC and whole home dehumidification, if applicable). If a whole home generator isn’t in the cards, consider a stand alone unit to at least power fans and a stand alone dehumidifier or three.
Install surge protectors: Protect sensitive electronic devices from power surges when electricity is restored to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Maintain proper ventilation: Use battery-powered fans or open windows to prevent indoor air quality issues when HVAC systems are down. Maintaining air exchange and circulation is critical during long-term power outages.
Address food safety: Discard perishable food items if the refrigerator has been without power for more than 4 hours to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Acting quickly and prioritizing safety are paramount in successfully managing damage after severe weather events.
By following these guidelines, understanding the conditions that lead to mold growth, and working with experienced professionals, you can minimize the long-term impact on your property and return to normalcy more efficiently.
In addition to reactive measures, I recommend taking proactive steps to prepare for future severe weather events, such as regularly maintaining gutters and downspouts, installing check valves on sewer and septic tank lines, ensuring proper grading around the foundation to direct water away from the home, and investing in flood insurance. All of these tips, how-to guides, and more can be found in The Ultimate Healthy Home Maintenance Guide here.
A well-maintained home will be able to withstand the effects of severe weather more readily than a home that has experienced deferred maintenance.
By implementing these strategies, staying informed, and utilizing resources like "The Ultimate Healthy Home Maintenance Guide," you can better protect your home and family from the devastating effects of severe weather events in Houston. Remember, when in doubt, always consult with a professional to ensure the best possible outcome for your property.
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Founded by Cristina Greenfield, Conscious Healthy Home uses the principles of building science and building biology to equip individuals to create healthier living spaces and improve their quality of life by creating better environmental conditions.
Healthy Homes don’t happen by accident
They are well designed, well built, and WELL MAINTAINED
Learn everything you need to know about maintaining your home and increasing your home’s health score in The Ultimate Healthy Home Maintenance Guide.
Module 1 - get to know your home (identifying higher-risk areas, collecting data, organizing emergency contacts, understanding the limits of your builder’s warranty and home/renter’s insurance)
Module 2 - Weekly maintenance (all the stuff you need to do on a weekly basis to maintain the health of your home)
Module 3 - System’s maintenance (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Building Assemblies, Appliances)
Module 4 - Seasonal maintenance (❄️, 🌷, ☀️, 🍂—I cover it all in “zombie prepper” detail)
The Ultimate Home Maintenance Guide is available here.
Stay conscious and curious, friend!
❤️C
*Note - this blog post may contain affiliate links, but rest assured that I only recommend services and products that I would actually use myself.
