What you do to prevent hurricane damage after the storm passes may be as important as steps you take to prepare for it before it strikes. The aftermath of a hurricane can be a chaotic and even hazardous experience, particularly if you're returning to a home that may have been compromised by high winds, flooding and loss of utilities. Time is of the essence because water damage is a progressive process—not a static event that's over when it's over. Until professional water damage restoration companies arrive on the scene, establishing common-sense priorities helps prevent existing hurricane damage from becoming even worse.
First and foremost, ensure you and your family's personal safety when re-entering the home:
- Beware of snakes or animals that may have entered your home along with the water.
- Use a generator or barbecue grill outdoors only—both produce deadly carbon monoxide gas.
- Take care that candles or fires aren't left burning when nobody's around.
- Look out for hazards such as exposed electrical wires and broken glass.
Once you have the opportunity to assess the hurricane damage, take these steps:
- If standing water is present, don't try to extract it yourself using any electrical device including consumer-grade wet/dry vacuums. If it can't be mopped up or swept out, leave it for the professional water damage contractors.
- Open doors and windows to circulate air and reduce indoor humidity.
- Relocate wet possessions including saturated fabrics, clothes, books, papers and other absorbent materials to a higher, drier area promptly.
- Cover any roof damage with plastic tarps or plywood.
- Make sure valuables including family heirlooms, paintings and art objects are placed in a secure location to dry, particularly if the house will not be immediately re-occupied.
For more tips on reducing hurricane damage after the storm has passed, contact the damage restoration professionals at Rytech Restoration.

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