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Post-Storm Cleanup Starts with Assessing Damage

Wes Patterson
/
Air Force Times

After the storm comes the cleanup. 

As thousands of people are surveying the damage from a wave of storms that swept the state Monday night, AAA Ohio spokesperson Kimberly Schwind is urging homeowners to be thorough - and careful.  

So if you have any damage in your home or your business,  take a walk around,  photograph any damage of your property outside and inside - once it's safe to do so.  Don't enter any standing water unless you know the electric is off.  And keep an eye out for any broken glass or exposed nails."

With more rain and thunderstorms on the way this week, Schwind says home owners should take steps to prevent more wind or water damage; covering broken windows and putting a temporary fix on leaking roofs.  She recommends contacting insurance companies immediately, and staying in close touch until repairs are complete.  She says choosing repair people requires preparation, too.

schwind-3..._storm_damage.mp3

"You want to make sure that you're asking plenty of questions, doing your research, selecting a reputable and trustworthy company.  And confirming that the contractor is licensed and insured before you go with a certain contractor.  You also need to also be cautious of any scammers that might be scouring the neighborhood searching for storm damage." 

Schwind says home owners should read their insurance policy carefully; while storm damage may be covered, the water damage that occurs following a storm often is not covered.

 

A native of Chicago, naturalized citizen of Cincinnati and resident of Columbus, Alison attended Earlham College and the Ohio State University. She has equal passion for Midwest history, hockey and Slavic poetry.
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