When a major storm hits Central Florida, the aftermath can leave homeowners and business owners in a state of shock. From roof leaks and broken windows to fallen trees and flooding, storm damage in Orlando and nearby cities like Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, and Ocoee can be both financially and emotionally overwhelming. Knowing what to do in the critical moments following storm damage is essential to protect your property, finances, and peace of mind.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
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The different types of storm damage common in Florida
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Immediate steps to take after storm damage
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Why you need a public adjuster in Orlando
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How Claim Resource Public Adjusters can help you maximize your insurance claim
Understanding Storm Damage in Orlando and Surrounding Areas
Orlando and the surrounding region frequently face severe weather, especially during hurricane season from June to November. Florida’s volatile climate brings a mix of thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, and tropical systems. When these storms roll through, they can leave behind a trail of destruction.
Common Types of Storm Damage in Central Florida:
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Wind Damage: High winds can rip shingles off your roof, knock down fences, and damage siding.
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Hail Damage: Though less frequent, hail can severely dent roofs, crack skylights, and damage vehicles.
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Flood Damage: Sudden downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to interior flooding and water damage.
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Lightning Strikes: Lightning can damage electronics, start fires, or affect a building’s electrical system.
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Fallen Trees and Debris: Trees uprooted by storms can crush roofs, vehicles, and fences.
Each type of damage requires different documentation and repair methods—and more importantly, different strategies for dealing with your insurance provider.
What To Do Immediately After Storm Damage
When storm damage hits your home or commercial property, every decision matters. Taking the right steps early can prevent further damage and improve your chances of a successful insurance claim.
1. Ensure Safety First
Before anything else, make sure everyone is safe. Watch out for downed power lines, broken glass, and unstable structures. If your home is uninhabitable, seek temporary shelter.
2. Document Everything
Take detailed photos and videos of all visible damage. Include timestamps and wide-angle shots to give a full picture. Don’t move or clean anything until you’ve documented it—this is critical evidence for your claim.
3. Prevent Further Damage
Insurance policies often require policyholders to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. This might include:
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Tarping a roof
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Boarding up broken windows
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Shutting off utilities
4. Contact Claim Resource Public Adjusters
Before you call your insurance company, contact a licensed public adjuster in Orlando. The team at Claim Resource Public Adjusters will represent you, not the insurance company, and can help ensure your claim is handled fairly from the start.
5. File a Claim Promptly
While you shouldn’t rush into filing without assistance, don’t delay too long either. Florida law allows limited time for reporting storm damage, especially after a named hurricane. Filing in a timely manner helps avoid claim denial due to policy time limits.
Why You Need a Public Adjuster for Storm Damage
Many property owners assume their insurance company will automatically offer a fair settlement. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. Insurers have teams of professionals working to minimize payouts—shouldn’t you have experts on your side too?
Here’s why hiring a public adjuster in Orlando is a smart move:
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Expert Damage Assessment: We understand the full scope of storm-related damage and know how to identify hidden issues that insurance adjusters might overlook.
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Accurate Valuation: We help determine the true cost of repairs or replacement, ensuring your payout reflects the real value.
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Claim Negotiation: We handle all correspondence with the insurance company, so you don’t have to navigate complex policy language or lowball offers.
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Peace of Mind: You focus on recovery while we fight to get every dollar you’re owed.
Our team has worked with countless homeowners and business owners in Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, and Ocoee, helping them recover faster and more completely after storm disasters.
Tips for Hurricane Season Preparedness
Even if you haven’t experienced storm damage yet, now is the best time to prepare for the future. Here’s how:
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Review Your Insurance Policy: Make sure it covers all forms of storm damage, including wind and flooding.
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Create a Home Inventory: Document your possessions with photos and receipts.
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Protect Your Property: Invest in storm shutters, roof reinforcements, and drainage improvements.
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Know Who to Call: Save Claim Resource Public Adjusters in your contacts. Having our team on standby before the storm strikes ensures a faster, more informed response.
Stay up-to-date with storm developments by checking the National Hurricane Center, which provides real-time storm tracking and preparedness tips.
Final Thought
Storm damage can turn your life upside down—but with the right help, you can rebuild faster and smarter. If you’re in Orlando, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Ocoee, or anywhere else and you’ve experienced storm damage, don’t wait. Reach out today and let us help you take control of your insurance claim.