After the Storm -

Smart Steps to Take Following a Catastrophe

Florida residents know too well that life here comes with risk—hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and even record heat can disrupt homes, businesses, and entire communities in an instant. When disaster strikes, what you do in the hours and days that follow can make the difference between chaos and recovery.

Here are six critical steps to protect yourself, your property, and your future after a catastrophe.

Listen Before You Leap

The danger doesn’t end when the storm passes. Collapsed structures, broken glass, sharp nails, and unstable debris can turn a return visit into a trip to the ER. Resist the urge to go back in until authorities say it’s safe. Emergency responders are trained to spot risks you can’t. Trust their instructions, they exist to keep you alive.

Keep Communication Lines Open

Phones often fail when you need them most. Power outages, downed towers, and system overloads can cut off cell service entirely. Always have a backup plan: a battery-powered radio, walkie-talkies, and extra batteries should be part of your emergency kit. If you’re in charge of a business or building, establish a head-count system and make sure critical safety information gets to the right people fast. If you know about a potential hazard, speak up—silence can cost lives.

Assume the Crisis Isn’t Over

The first hit is often just the beginning. Hurricanes bring follow-up winds, tornadoes can spawn without warning, and floodwater may keep rising long after the rain stops. Stick with official safety protocols until emergency crews confirm the coast is clear. Don’t let a false sense of calm trick you into taking unnecessary risks.

Call a Qualified Recovery Contractor Immediately

When disaster strikes an area, reliable restoration companies are in high demand. Waiting too long means you could end up with an unqualified contractor—or worse, a storm chaser with no license and no intention of finishing the job. Choose a trusted, local, licensed contractor as soon as possible. Commercial property owners should consider enrolling in a PREP (Priority Response Emergency Program), which ensures faster response times after an event.

Protect Yourself with a Public Adjuster

Insurance companies send their adjusters to protect their bottom line—not yours. That’s why hiring your own Public Adjuster is one of the smartest moves you can make. Think of it like facing an attorney—you wouldn’t go without your own lawyer, so don’t face an insurance carrier’s adjuster without backup. A Public Adjuster levels the playing field, ensures your losses are fully documented, and helps block lowball settlement tactics.

Remember Your Rights

Don’t let anyone—especially an insurance company—bully you into using “their” contractor. By law, you have the right to select your own. Carriers often attempt to minimize payouts and steer policyholders toward vendors that work in their favor. Stand firm, know your rights, and demand the full coverage you’re entitled to. For more details on forcing insurance companies to pay fairly, check this resource: Make the Insurance Company Pay

Final reminder…

Recovering from a catastrophe isn’t something you should tackle alone. Between local emergency services, licensed restoration contractors, and skilled Public Adjusters, there are experts ready to help you get back on your feet. Protect your safety first, then surround yourself with the right professionals to guide you through recovery.

At TeamiDry, we are beholden to you and only you. We don’t work for the insurance company.

Author: R Wagner, Co-owner TeamiDry, LLC 239-469-9373