After a storm hits Ocala, your first priority is keeping your family safe. But once the winds die down, it’s time to assess what the storm left behind. At Bells Outdoor Services, we’ve helped hundreds of Marion County homeowners deal with post-storm cleanup and repairs.
Here’s what you need to check and when to call for help.
Safety First – Before You Go Outside
Don’t rush outside the moment the storm passes. Check for downed power lines, hanging tree branches, flooding near electrical equipment, and broken glass in walkways. If you see any of these hazards, stay inside and call the appropriate authorities.
Storm Debris Cleanup Priorities
Start with emergency access routes to your front door and driveway. You need safe ways in and out of your property. Next, clear drainage areas like gutters, storm drains, and low spots to prevent flooding when the next rain hits.
Remove any hanging hazards like broken branches still in trees, loose roof materials, or damaged fence sections that could fall and cause injury.
You can handle small branches, leaves, patio furniture, and clearing walkways yourself. But call professionals for large tree removal, anything near power lines, heavy debris requiring special equipment, or hazardous materials like damaged siding.
Post-Storm Fence Inspection
Your fence takes a beating during Florida storms. Even if it looks okay from a distance, you need to check these key areas.
Walk your fence line and push gently on each post. Any movement means the post is compromised and needs attention before it gets worse. Look for posts that are leaning, have gaps around the base, or wiggle when pushed.
Check fence panels for damage from flying debris. For vinyl fences, look for cracks especially around connection points. Wood fences might have soft spots from water damage, loose nails, or boards pulled away from posts. Chain link can have stretched mesh, bent framework, or loose connections.
Test your gates since they often suffer the most damage. Check if they open and close properly, latch securely, hang straight without sagging, and have secure hinges.
High winds can loosen screws, bolts, and hardware throughout your fence system. Check all connection points, especially where panels meet posts.
Document Everything for Insurance
Take photos of all damage before you clean up or make repairs. Insurance companies need to see the damage to process claims. Take wide shots showing full damage, close-ups of specific areas, and include something for scale. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or cleanup costs.
When to Call Bells Outdoor Services
Call us immediately if fence posts are loose or leaning, large fence sections are down, gates won’t close properly, you have extensive debris needing removal, or you’re unsure about damage extent.
You might handle small debris removal, temporary fence panel securing, cleaning scattered furniture, or basic drainage clearing yourself.
Common Post-Storm Problems in Ocala
Our sandy Ocala soil doesn’t hold posts well when saturated. Posts that seem fine right after a storm can start leaning as ground dries and shifts.
Storms can change water flow on your property, creating new low spots or blocked drainage that cause ongoing problems if not addressed.
Small cracks or loose connections might not be obvious immediately but can worsen significantly over time.
Prevention for Next Time
While assessing storm damage, think about next hurricane season preparation. Trim tree branches away from your fence, ensure fence hardware is in good condition, keep outdoor furniture secured or easy to move inside, and clear debris from drainage areas regularly.
Get Your Property Back to Normal
Storms are part of life in Florida, but cleanup doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Bells Outdoor Services, we handle everything from debris removal to complete fence repairs.
We understand that after a storm, you want your property secure and safe again quickly. Our team works fast to assess damage, clean up debris, and get your fence functioning properly.
FAQs
How soon should I check my fence after a storm? As soon as it’s safe to go outside, usually within 24 hours. The sooner you catch problems, the easier they are to fix.
Can I temporarily fix a loose fence panel? Yes, you can use temporary bracing or tie-downs, but get professional help for permanent repairs.
Will insurance cover storm damage to my fence? Most policies cover storm damage, but you need to document everything and report it promptly.
What if debris from my neighbor’s yard damaged my fence? Take photos and contact your insurance company. They’ll help sort out liability.
Should I wait for an adjuster before cleaning up? Document everything first, then clean up safety hazards. Don’t wait if there are immediate dangers.
How do I know if fence damage is serious? Any post movement, large cracks, or structural issues need professional assessment. When in doubt, have it checked.
Ready to Get Back to Normal?
Don’t let storm damage leave your property vulnerable. Whether you need debris cleanup, fence repairs, or a complete damage assessment, Bells Outdoor Services is here to help Ocala homeowners get back on their feet.
Contact us today for fast, professional storm recovery services. We’ll assess the damage and get your property secure again.
