Post-Sandy: Recovering, Repairing and Rebuilding

Proper elevation appears to have saved this home in Bay Head, New Jersey from Sandy’s destruction.

 

 New IBHS Post-Sandy Rebuilding Papers

 

Quick Links:

- You Can Go Home Again

- Getting Back to Business

- IBHS FORTIFIED Programs

- Making Repairs If Your Property Is Damaged

- FEMA Resources

- Avoid Falling Victim To A Contractor Scam 

 

Explore IBHS Resources Below: 

Recovery Resources: IBHS Brochures

Recovery Resources: IBHS FORTIFIED Programs

The FORTIFIED program offers flexibility and varying price points through a combination of three designation levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. The following documents provide an overview of the requirements for each designation level according to the appropriate hazard. Find additional information about the FORTIFIED program at http://disastersafety.org/fortified/.

Hurricane (Post-Sandy Resources)

FORTIFIED for Safer Living – a new construction program designed to protect new homes against a variety of natural hazards common in the region where they are being built or rebuilt following a disaster.

FORTIFIED Home Hurricane – a retrofit program designed to reduce the risks to existing properties in hurricane-prone areas when remodeling, re-roofing or making repairs.

FORTIFIED for Safer Business - a new construction program designed to protect businesses against a variety of natural hazards common in the region where they are being built or rebuilt following a disaster.

Learn from the IBHS Experts: Repairing Damaged Property

• Choosing a Roofing Professional

• Roof Inspection Checklist

• Re-Roofing the Right Way

• Preventing Future Water Damage 

• Reducing Future Flood Risks

FEMA Resources

• FEMA Building Science Resources to Assist with Reconstruction After Hurricane Sandy

• FEMA Snow Load Safety Guidance

• FEMA Building Science Training and Workshops for Hurricane Sandy 

Avoid Post-Disaster Scams

Advice for Choosing a Repair Professional:

Experts from the National Crime Insurance Bureau and other insurance organizations have this advice for homeowners planning repair work after a natural disaster:

• Be suspicious of any contractor who tries to rush you to make decisions, particularly if the repairs are not an emergency or the work is temporary. 

• Immediately dismiss any contractor who claims to be backed by the government since the Federal Emergency Management Agency does not endorse individual contractors or loan companies. 

• Ask to see the primary contractor’s driver’s license and write down the license number and the license plate number of their vehicle.

• Request proof of liability and workers comp insurance.

• Never allow a contractor to discourage you from contacting your insurance company.

Key considerations when selecting a roofing professional:

• Look for an established, licensed or bonded professional.

• Ask for references, and follow up with them.

• Ask to see certificates of insurance. Make sure that coverage for liability and workers’ compensation insurance is current.

• Contact your local Better Business Bureau to check for complaints filed against the inspector.

• Discuss available warranties from the manufacturer and the roof contractor.

Special Memberships and Qualifications:

• Member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

• Professional membership of the Roof Consultants, Inc (RCI)

• The Professional Registration of Registered Roof Consultant (RRC)

• The Professional Registration of Registered Waterproofing Consultant (RWC)

• The Professional Registration of Registered Roof Observer (RRO)

Roof Contractor Qualification Form:

NRCA encourages homeowners and building owners to prequalify roofing contractors. NRCA has made available its Roofing Contractor Qualification Form to help owners prequalify roofing contractors.  

Resources for Commercial Roofing Pros: 

RoofNav  is a free online tool from FM Global that provides roofing professionals step-by-step guidance on how to identify, configure and install nearly 1 million FM Approved roofing assemblies and their components.