Flood Damage

Flood Awareness – FEMA Mobile App

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September is National Preparedness Month, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has launched a mobile device app that will notify Americans with weather alerts, safety tips, how to prepare for an emergency, and it will even list shelters that are open in your area. With South Carolina having just endured hurricane Hermine, remember that we are still in hurricane season until November 30th, so if you are in a high flood zone area and/or coastal county, this is the app you should keep on your phone. Our tip to you: Receiving early notification is critical to how well you can prepare for the future.

 

RECOVERING AFTER A FLOOD

From the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) website: www.floodsmart.gov

The Road to Recovery

As soon as floodwater levels have dropped, it’s time to start the recovery process. Here’s what you can do to begin restoring your home.
•If your home has suffered damage, call your insurance agent to file a claim.
•Check for structural damage before re-entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
•Take photos of any floodwater in your home and save any damaged personal property.
•Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their purchase date and value with receipts, and place with the inventory you took prior to the flood. Some damaged items may require disposal, so keep photographs of these items.
•Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
•Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe.
•Prevent mold by removing wet contents immediately.
•Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect. Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.

LEARN HOW TO FILE A FLOOD CLAIM>>

Recovering After A Flood

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From the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) website: www.floodsmart.gov

The Road to Recovery

As soon as floodwater levels have dropped, it’s time to start the recovery process. Here’s what you can do to begin restoring your home.
•If your home has suffered damage, call your insurance agent to file a claim.
•Check for structural damage before re-entering your home to avoid being trapped in a building collapse.
•Take photos of any floodwater in your home and save any damaged personal property.
•Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their purchase date and value with receipts, and place with the inventory you took prior to the flood. Some damaged items may require disposal, so keep photographs of these items.
•Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
•Boil water for drinking and food preparation until authorities tell you that your water supply is safe.
•Prevent mold by removing wet contents immediately.
•Wear gloves and boots to clean and disinfect. Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.

LEARN HOW TO FILE A FLOOD CLAIM>>

Emergency Damage Control Tips: Water

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When unexpected damages occur to your home and your emotions are running high, it is important to remember that time is of the essence. Your first priority after reporting any claim is to immediately curtail any further damage to your property. If the damage is substantial, make sure to ask your insurance carrier if using a disaster restoration company is your best option to aid you during the recovery/claims process. If approved, most restoration companies will work directly with your carrier to make sure you recapture your peace of mind.

In part one of a three part series, here is some practical advice from the team over at ServiceMaster Clean Restoration on what to do when mitigating water damage to your home.

Emergency Damage Control Tips: Water

What NOT to Do:

  • Do not enter a room with standing water until electricity has been turned off.
  • Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water.
  • Do not lift tacked-down carpet without professional help.
  • Do not use electrical appliances while on web carpet or flooring.
  • Do not disturb visible mold.

What to Do:

  • Take detailed photos and keep receipts for all of your costs during the recovery process.
  • Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. If approved, call a professional.
  • Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
  • Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings not permanently attached. Do not attempt to start removing your wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Lift draperies off the floor, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
  • Wipe furniture, prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying, and place aluminum foil under furniture legs.
  • Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe, dry location.
  • Do not remove books from shelves. Rather pack them tightly to prevent warping of pages until a restoration professional can begin this specialized drying.

If you need to report a claim and want a list of disaster recovery companies in the Greater Charleston-Metro Area, click HERE.

 

-Taylor Agency