Hurricanes And The Damage They Can Bring – Here’s What You Need To Know

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is estimated to be ‘extremely active’,  with around 13 to 19 named storms, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). While it’s important for those living in high-risk coastal areas to be prepared, it’s necessary to realize the potential damage a hurricane can bring – both  physically to your home, as well as the emotional trauma. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know.

Hurricanes are known for their power and the path of devastation that they often leave in their wake. Potential damage could include a wide range of home and property damage – such as windows broken from high force winds. Fallen trees are also a possibility due to high winds, and can potentially damage the roof of your home should it be in the path – not to mention the damage that can be caused to any landscaping, too. Flooding can also be a concern when it comes to the amount of rain that a hurricane can bring, which can extensively damage the home – including affecting the electrical, heating, cooling, and gas systems – and it can damage your flooring and furniture as well. It’s important to keep in mind that food waters can also pose as a health risk, since they can potentially carry infections.

After a hurricane, assessing the damage done to your home and property is one of the first things you’ll have to do – along with starting the claims process with your home insurance, should it be necessary. The claims process can be a long one, filled with important deadlines and necessary documentation that will help you to get the claim you need in order to rebuild after the storm and move on. However, in some cases, getting a hurricane claims lawyer can be especially helpful in not only  reducing the stress of the entire process, but in ensuring you’re getting the maximum amount of claim money possible. Getting in touch with the right lawyer doesn’t have to be stressful, either – in fact,  1800 Injured notes that an extensive referral network can connect you to a lawyer that specializes in hurricane claims.

Due to the extensive amount of damage a hurricane can bring to your home – and even your life – it’s important to start picking up the pieces as soon as possible in order to effectively move on. In addition to the legal aspects and dealing with the physical damage of moving on after a hurricane, dealing with the emotional and mental health side of things is also necessary – for example, hurricane survivors can potentially experience insomnia, anxiety and a reduced sense of safety  after a severe storm, and can even develop conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For such reasons, community support is a must, and can not only help in regaining your footing after a storm in terms of meeting basic needs (such as food and shelter), but can also help when it comes to getting mental health support as well.

Hurricanes can bring many forms of devastation. In addition to severe physical damage in which you may need a lawyer, hurricanes can also cause mental health issues for survivors – proving a sense of community to be crucial in picking up the pieces and moving on.