The Sky Just Broke: How to Get Your House and Your Head Right After a Storm

There is nothing quite like that weird, heavy silence that hits right after a massive storm passes. One minute it is all roaring wind and rain hammering the tin roof, and the next, you are standing there in the damp quiet looking at a yard full of branches and a lounge room that is definitely not supposed to have a puddle in the middle of it. It is gut wrenching. Your home is your safe spot and seeing it messy and broken really does a number on you. But take a breath. You can get through this.

Start With a Walk Around the Block

Before you grab the heavy tools, just walk around. You need to see the damage with clear eyes. Check the roof for missing tiles and see if the gutters have pulled away from the eaves. If there are power lines down anywhere near your fence, do not go near them. Just call the pros and stay back. It is also the time to get your phone out and take photos of absolutely everything. Do not clean a single thing until you have a photo of it. The insurance companies are sticklers for that stuff and you do not want to miss out on help because you were too quick with the broom.

The Big Dry Out

Once you know it is safe to be inside, the battle against the damp starts. Water is a sneaky thing and it gets into places you would not believe. Pull back the rugs and get the fans going full blast. If you have a dehumidifier, now is the time to let it rip. It is also worth checking on the people around you. Sometimes a storm puts a massive strain on relationships, especially when you are arguing over what to fix first or how to pay for it all. Living through a mess like this tests even the strongest pairs. Some folks find that looking into couples counselling is a solid way to make sure the stress of a disaster does not end up causing permanent cracks in the foundation of the relationship.

Sorting the Yard and the Fences

Australia has a way of throwing trees around like they are toothpicks. Clearing the debris is a huge job and it is okay to ask for a hand. Call the neighbors or some mates and make a day of it. While you are out there hacking away at fallen limbs, keep an eye on the kids and the pets. They get spooked by the change in their environment just as much as we do. It is all about getting things back to normal slowly. Do not try to do it all in one afternoon or you will just burn out.

Keeping the Peace at Home

When the house is a construction zone, tensions run high. It is hard to be romantic or even nice when you are sleeping on a mattress in the kitchen. If you happen to be in the middle of planning a big life event like a wedding while all this chaos is happening, the pressure can feel double. Taking a timeout for something like pre-marital counselling can actually be a lifesaver during a crisis. It gives you a chance to talk about the stress in a way that does not involve shouting over a wet carpet or a broken window.

One Step at a Time

Eventually the sun comes back out and the house starts to feel like a home again. It takes time and a lot of elbow grease but you will get there. Just remember to be kind to yourself and the people living under your roof. A house is just bricks and mortar at the end of the day, but the people inside are what really matter. Keep checking in on each other and take it one day at a time.