Damage Control: What to Do When Your Home Floods
It could be a hurricane or heavy rains, a bathtub left
running unattended, or the breaking of a hose at the back of
your washing machine ' unforeseen problems can leave
homeowners underwater quickly. So what do you do if you find
yourself ankle-deep in water at home?
'It's important for homeowners to know how to react in order
to minimize problems,' said Ed Jones, vice president of
operations for Rainbow International Restoration and
Cleaning. 'Home flooding problems need more than just a few
towels. Excess water can cause electrical, carpet or even
structural damage and need to be taken care of by a
professional.'
Rainbow International offers six steps to home owners who
find themselves (and their furniture) sitting in water:
- STEP 1: Call Your Insurer Promptly.
Give them an accurate description of the extent of
damage. They will arrange for a claims adjustor to visit
the site and assess the extent of your losses.
- STEP 2: Document Your Claims. Do an
inventory of every room. To receive full reimbursement
for your losses, you need to document them
systematically. Don't rely on memory alone ' equip
yourself with reporter's tools: pens, paper and a
camera.
- STEP 3: Get Your Home Ready. You
can take a few measures on your own to help prevent
further damage. If you can, turn off the electrical
breaker to avoid electrical shock. Unplug and remove all
small electrical devices that are in contact with wet
carpet or tile. Move fragile items and valuables into a
safe place. Move furniture and larger items to
unaffected areas during the clean-up period (dry carpet,
linoleum and garage). Place aluminum foil under legs of
wood furniture that are in contact with carpet,
especially antiques. Do not walk on carpet more than
necessary. Empty the refrigerator and freezer and prop
open the doors to help prevent odor. Elevate any drapes
touching the floor. Coat hangers are an easy solution.
Remove any books, shoes and paper goods, such as
newspaper, to prevent stains. Do not use the vacuum
cleaner.
- STEP 4: Call for Help. Your insurer
can provide some names, but as the homeowners, you have
the right to choose whomever you want to repair the
damage to your home.
Look for a company that can handle all the surfaces in
your house ' from floors to walls ' as well as carpeting
and textiles. You need a company that has experts in
water remediation. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning
and Restoration Certification have established
recognized standards for the restoration industry. For
referrals to IICRC approved companies, go to
www.iicrc.org.
- STEP 5: Get An Estimate. Don't let
the need for speed prevent you from doing your research.
Ask how long the company has been in business, and
request proof that it carries the appropriate insurance.
Ask for references too. If you don't like the answers
you get, call someone else.
- STEP 6: Leave it to the Experts.
The best thing you can do now is to stay out of the way.
'No one wants to be under this kind of stress,' Jones
added. 'But, if the worst should happen, take comfort
that restoration experts will do their best to get it
back to the way it was.'
Courtesy of Megan Rafaele, Rainbow International