What Not To Do As Tropical Weather Approaches

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Evacuating your home because of a wildfire is harrowing enough — imagine returning to find your property was impacted. When you realize a place that you value and considered safe was, in fact, not invincible, it can be a tough pill to swallow.

“Be prepared for the emotional toll reentering may have. Now is a good time to call on your support system,” says Michelle Medley-Daniel, Director of the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network.

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A difficult question typically follows the initial shock: Now what?

Preparing To Return To Your Home

Make sure you’re prepared to face potential obstacles on your way back home. There may be hazards on the road and around your property, like crumbling roadways and dangerous debris.

Culverts, which typically handle water runoff and minor debris, may have become clogged with sediment and larger debris. Be sure to check them as they could create dangerous road conditions if left uncleared. Check with local authorities before driving back home to make sure roads are clear and safe.

Medley-Daniel also says to keep an eye on the weather. “Rainfall in an area that recently burned is prone to debris flows…vegetation that may have historically kept water flowing in streams and creeks may be gone. The water can now erode soil, carrying debris freely toward your house.”

Carefully Inspect The Outside Of Your Home

Once you’ve arrived home, inspect the outside of your property first. If there’s caution tape around part of your property, don’t cross it. Keep an eye out for downed power lines, gas lines, cracks in the foundation, or any other large-scale, structural damage. It’s a good idea to have a certified inspector check the property too to make sure it’s truly safe to enter.

If a door is jammed, don’t force it open, as there may be something hazardous behind it, or it may be supporting your structure more than it was before. See if there’s another door or window you can enter through.

Watch out for any sparks or embers on your roof and in your gutters.

Be On The Lookout Inside Your Home

Once inside, stay alert and smell for gas. If you smell gas, vacate the property immediately, and report the leak to your gas utility company.

It’s a good idea to turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker or fuse box, if you can get to it, in case there are any exposed, live wires. Inspect your breakers and fuses for damage that will need to be reported to an electrician. State Farm also suggests opening any windows and doors in case the air quality is poor inside due to the burn or leaked contaminants.

Try not to kick up ash as inhaling it can be harmful to your respiratory system. You also shouldn’t let ash sit on your bare skin for long.

Step carefully as you make your way through your home’s interior, keeping an eye out for sagging floors, ceilings and unstable staircases. If you notice any of these things, avoid the area.

Don’t turn on the water or use the plumbing until emergency officials give the okay, or if you suspect sewage line or pipe damage.

If you decide to use a portable generator, make sure to keep it in a cleared area outside your home, and follow all the proper safety guidelines.

Don’t clean or throw anything away until you’ve contacted your insurance company and filed a claim. Document every aspect of damage as best you can with photos and/or video.

Filling Your Insurance Claim

When you’re ready to file a claim, contact your insurance agent or company to start the process.

Even after you’ve filed a claim, FEMA or your local officials may need to formally assess your property before you can begin the cleanup process, so you should check with them first, and learn what steps need to be taken for your property to be cleared for cleanup. This can take time, so be patient and remember you’re likely one of many people dealing with property damage and loss.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.