Is It Safe to Enter? Assessing Your Home After a Major Storm

The wind finally died down. The rain stopped pounding on the roof. You are standing on the sidewalk, looking at your house and honestly, it is natural to want to run inside immediately. You want to check on your TV, your photos, or just see if the cat is okay. But hold on a second.           Rushing back into a storm-damaged house is actually super risky. The storm might be over, but the danger isn't gone yet. Before you unlock that front door, you need to do a serious safety check. If things look bad, it is time to call for Cleaning and Restoration Services in Glenview, IL.         Look Up Before You Step In     Don't just stare at the front door. Look up at the roof. Does the ridge line look straight? Or is it sagging in the middle? If the house looks crooked or if you see walls that are bulging out, stay away. This means the structure is weak. The whole thing could come down and you don't want to be inside if that happens.         Also, check for power lines. If a line is down in your yard or on your roof, do not go near it. Even if it looks dead, it could still shock you. Call the power company and stay in your car or go to a neighbor's house.         The Sniff Test If the house looks okay from the outside, approach carefully. But before you turn a light switch on, use your nose. Do you smell rotten eggs?         Gas leaks are super common after big storms cause pipes get twisted or broken. If you smell gas, leave immediately. Don't use your phone inside and definitely don't light a match. Go to a safe distance and call the gas company.         Water is Heavier Than You Think If your basement is flooded, don't just wade in. Water is heavy. It puts pressure on the walls and the floor. If the water is deep, the floor joists might be cracked. You could step into the room and fall right through the floor.         Plus, that water isn't clean. It’s usually mixed with sewage, oil, and other gross stuff from the street. Touching it can make you sick. This is why doing it yourself is a bad idea. You really need expert Cleaning and Restoration Services in Glenview, IL to handle the dirty water safely.         Watch Out for "Hidden" Electricity This is a big one people forget. If your basement has standing water, do not touch the fuse box. If the water has reached the outlets, the water itself could be electrically charged. Stepping into that puddle could be deadly.         Conclusion If your home has taken a beating, don't try to be a hero. Your safety is more important than drying out a carpet.             If you see structural damage, standing water, or smashed windows, call ServiceMaster Cleaning and Restoration Pro. We are available 24/7 to handle the dangerous stuff so you don't have to. We have the gear to pump out water and fix the mess.