Glass Damage from Storm?

Cleanup and recovery after a serious storm in Dallas can be stressful and hazardous, especially when it comes to broken glass. Before getting started get the facts you need to stay safe, clean up effectively, and avoid insurance reimbursement hassles.

Be careful if your dealing with broken glass. Glass is sharp and dangerous, and your home may present an array of structural, electrical and health hazards post-flood that create added risk. Call a repair or remediation service. The faster you replace the window or door glass (or board up) the less you’ll have to worry about additional weather-related damage, theft, or vandalism. A repair or board-up service can also help you meet strict insurance requirements to secure your property. Without timely attention, you could be deemed ineligible for reimbursement. If you must address broken glass yourself, do so with thick (leather/garden) gloves and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Assess stability. If the window (or your home’s) structure is in any way unstable, additional glass or construction debris can fall and cause injury. Look beyond the immediate area. Damaged glass may have been blown or carried by water to multiple areas/surfaces of your home. Carefully remove damaged glass shards. Glass shards could fall as the window is secured/boarded up. Snap off damaged glass carefully with gloved hands. Use a vacuum, tape, or slice of bread to pick up remaining shards. If glass is only cracked, but still solid, tape the glass carefully instead. Dispose of broken glass correctly and quickly. Double-bag shards, immediately putting in a hard-sided trash receptacle to prevent unsuspecting helpers from grabbing the dangerous bag.

Document with Video
Methodically, being very specific include personal property and resident/business glass damage. Take as many pics as possible. Also look to online receipts as proof of previous, large purchases over the years using receipts. Photos of your home and possessions before the storm are also recommended. Keep a diary. Logging the process, whom you’ve spoken to and when, housing, meals, medications, clothing and other replacement purchases made, like appliances and TVs. Be careful with repair contractors. You can choose your own, and are not stuck with those recommended by insurance. Get a written estimate, don’t rush into signing contracts. Reputable businesses won’t require you to pay 100% cash up-front. Shady contractors are unfortunately rampant post-disaster. Always stay one step ahead of insurance agencies.

You have the right to meet with at least three adjusters to get proper reimbursement. Have a restoration professional present at adjustment to ensure fair compensation. If you don’t have flood insurance and sustained damage that was not covered, contact FEMA for other disaster assistance opportunities.
Struggling to rebuild after the storm? You are not alone. Contact the friendly Glass Go for help traversing the murky waters of post-storm Greater Dallas cleanup and rebuilding today.storm damage