Home vandalism leaves homeowners feeling shocked, hurt, and even scared. But it’s important to remember that you are not alone in experiencing this distressing event. In fact, it’s not merely an upsetting situation; in some cases, it’s a felony.
Really? You might think. Is vandalism a felony? Depending on the extent of the damage, it certainly can be.
Knowing the proper steps to take will help you regain control and begin the healing process. Each step plays a vital role in your recovery, from documenting the damage to contacting a graffiti removal company for help.
This article will guide you through the essential actions to take when your home has been vandalized. (It’s a bit different from having your business vandalized.) Our goal is to provide support and clarity during this challenging time so you can move forward with confidence and safety.
Ensure your safety
Home vandalism might make you feel unsafe, so taking measures to protect yourself is an important first step to recovery.
First, as hard as it might be, you want to stay calm. Taking deep breaths will help with that and allow you to think clearly.
Second, assess the situation. Look around your home from a distance. If you see anyone suspicious, do not go inside. And once you do go inside, don’t touch anything. It’s essential to keep everything as it is for the police to see. With vandalism a felony, your home has unfortunately become a crime scene.
If you feel unsafe in your home or there is significant damage, leave immediately. Go to a neighbor’s house or a safe place. Finally, call the police and wait for help. Stay where you are until the police tell you it’s okay to go back in.
Remember, you can replace things, but your safety is priceless. Always put yourself first when your home gets vandalized.
Document the damage
Next, it’s important to write down everything that’s been damaged to report to the police and your insurance company. Here is what you should do to document the damage once it’s safe to enter your home:
Take pictures
Use a camera or your phone to take lots of pictures of all the damage. Ensure you get clear photos during the daytime so everyone can see the vandalism well.
Write notes
As you take pictures, write notes about each thing that’s broken or messed up. Include details like what the item is, how it got damaged, and if you know when it happened. For example, if you were at work, state the hours you worked as the time frame of the vandalism.
List items
Make a list of everything that’s been damaged or stolen. This list is beneficial for the police and your insurance company. With vandalism a felony, this will prove everything.
Contact your insurance company
Insurance companies are there to help you through the process of fixing the damage caused by vandalism. But how do you contact them, and what information should you have ready? Here’s a simple guide:
- Find your insurance policy: You’ll need your policy number, so grab your insurance documents or look online if you need help finding your physical copy.
- Call your insurance provider: Use the phone number for claims on your insurance documents or the provider’s website.
- Report the incident: Explain what happened, when, and what damage you’ve noticed.
- Be ready with documents: Have any police report numbers, photos of the damage, and notes about the incident ready to share with your insurance company.
- Ask questions: Find out about your insurance claims process, what kind of property damage is covered, your insurance deductible, and any time limits for filing a claim.
- Follow their instructions. Your insurance provider might send an adjuster to assess the damage or ask you to submit an insurance claim form.
Remember, the quicker you contact your insurance company, the sooner they can help you.
Clean up and secure your home
Once you’ve handled everything else, you’ll want to make your home yours again. Depending on the severity of the vandalism, this could take a few hours or days. Here are a few tips to help you get your home back.
- Stay safe: Don’t go inside if you see broken doors or windows. Fragments of glass on the ground could be dangerous.
- Clean up carefully: Pick up broken glass and other sharp things. Wear gloves to stay safe.
- Cover broken areas: Use wood or strong tape to cover broken windows or doors.
- Call for help: Graffiti removal companies are experts at cleaning up and fixing homes. They can help you make things better.
- Keep it safe: Think about new locks or security cameras to keep your home safe.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help if you need it. Friends, family, and professionals can help you make your home safe and sound again.
Consider long-term security improvements
Home vandalism often leads homeowners to consider long-term security improvements to prevent future vandalism. Here are some tips for better security.
- Install security cameras: Cameras will scare away people who might want to vandalize your property and can help find anyone who does cause trouble.
- Better lights: Bright lights outside your home will make it hard for vandals to hide.
- Alarms: Alarms will alert you and your neighbors if someone tries to break in.
- Solid doors and locks: Tough doors and good locks help keep people out.
- Fences and gates: A fence can stop people from entering your property.
- Get to know your neighbors: When neighbors look out for each other, it helps keep everyone’s home safe.
- Trim hedges and bushes: Clear plants and bushes near your house so vandals can’t hide.
Restoremasters is your graffiti removal company
If your home has been damaged by vandalism or graffiti, you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. Contact Restoremasters today for expert assistance. Call us at 801.938.8654 or fill out the form on our website. Our team is skilled in efficiently removing vandalism and graffiti and restoring your property to its pre-damage condition.
We understand the urgency and sensitivity required in these situations and are committed to providing quick, thorough service to ease your stress. Don’t let vandalism take away your peace of mind. Let Restoremasters be your graffiti removal company and help you reclaim your space.
