Thank you to our colleague Michelle Melton for putting this guide together:
In South Carolina have just experienced what Governor Haley has described as a 1,000 year event - the flood of 2015.
It's sunny today and the waters are starting to recede however there is said to be more water coming our way with the dams that have been breached and rivers still on the rise. Its a good time to give your home a quick inspection and be prepared.
Follow the instructions below:
• Whether a flood is caused by ground water, falling water, or home water system malfunction, there are some best practices you’ll need to employ as soon as possible after the flood to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones, as well as give you the best outcome possible with your insurance company.
Avoid additional risks
• If the flood was serious enough for you to leave your home, be sure you stay safe upon your return. The Federal Emergency Management Agency warns that you should check for any visible structural damage, such as warping, loosened or cracked foundation elements, cracks, and holes before entering the home and contact utility companies if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric, and sewer lines.
In addition, it’s important to have a working flashlight and turn off all water and electrical sources within the home. Even if the power isn’t operational, it’s a good idea to go to your fuse box and turn off the main, plus all of the individual fuse connections. That way, if the power is reactivated, you’re not at risk for mixing standing water and electricity.
Take pictures
• Before you remove any water or make any repairs, fully document the damage for your insurer by taking photos or video. Digital versions are best. If you start removing water or making repairs before you photograph the damage, you could potentially decrease the extent of your coverage. Use the flash, take 4 to 5 photos of each room and take wide floor to ceiling photos. The more photos the better.
Protect your health
• Even if the water in your home is clear, it could be contaminated by sewage or household chemicals. Ramirez recommends wearing waders, hip- or waist-high waterproof boots. In addition, wear rubber gloves to remove water-damaged possessions and to avoid contaminants. Be sure to throw out any food that may have come into contact with flood waters. FEMA recommends boiling water until authorities declare the water supply is safe. If you start to smell a musky-pugent smell, it might be mold. Need to wear a respirator and googles. It the smell is too strong get out quick and call a professional. Better safe than sorry.
Call your insurance company
• Since you should notify your insurer soon as possible after the flood, it’s a good idea to keep your insurance company and local agent’s phone number in your always-ready emergency bag. (Note that the NFIP works through private insurance companies, so you contact your insurer just as you would for any other type of claim). In cases where a flood has affected a region or community, your agent may be busy handling his or her own flood issues. In that case, contact the insurance company’s headquarters.
Since groundwater flood damage typically isn’t covered by conventional homeowners insurance policies, you’ll need to work with your insurer to determine the cause of the flood and the extent of your coverage.
Advise your insurance representative of the state of your home and any repairs you intend to do immediately. Be sure to follow the insurance company’s direction about whether or not to wait for an adjuster to inspect the property before making repairs. Document the damage and conversations at every stage of the process.
• What can you expect in terms of time to get back to normal? It could be as little as one week if the claim and clean up is minimal to five to six months if you’re working with an insurance adjuster and contractor to complete extensive repairs.
Find out if you’re in a disaster area
• Once a region has been officially declared a “disaster area” by government authorities, property owners have access to increased resources, including public services to protect and re-mediate the area. In addition, you may have access to financial assistance. Your insurance company will have additional information on this or you can contact FEMA directly.
Remove water
• Once you get the OK from your insurer to remove the water, use a sump pump, available from most hardware or home supply stores for $150 to $500, and a wet vac ($40 to $130). Open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate so long as that won’t allow in more water. Use fans and de humidifiers to speed the drying process.
Mitigate mold damage
• Mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours of a flood, says Ashley Small of FEMA, so remove wet contents, including carpeting and bedding, as soon as possible. If an item has been wet for less than 48 hours, it may be salvageable. However, you’ll need to decide whether it holds enough monetary or sentimental value to try to do so. And notify your insurance company before removing items to ensure that you’re not affecting coverage. Always photograph the flood-soaked items.
Rugs, for example, may be dried and then cleaned professionally, which could cost $100 to $500 or more, depending on the size and number. Large pieces of furniture that are saturated will likely be difficult to dry effectively, and should often be discarded.
Mold growth can be controlled on surfaces by cleaning with a non-ammonia detergent or pine oil cleaner and disinfecting with a 10% bleach solution. (Caution: Never mix ammonia and bleach products, as the resulting fumes can be highly toxic.) Always test this solution on a small area of the item or area you’re cleaning to be sure it doesn’t cause staining or fading.
Take photographs before removing wet wallboards and baseboards because insurers will want to see the height of any water damage to walls. Carefully poke holes at floor level in the drywall to allow water trapped behind it to escape.
You may also wish to hire a flood restoration service—you can find pros under “Flood” or “Disaster recovery” in your local phone book, or check with the Better Business Bureau, local Chamber of Commerce, or contractor recommendation sites, such as Angieslist.com or MerchantCircle.com. Look for those with Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification.
Secure the property
• As the homeowner, it’s your responsibility to secure the property so that no additional damage occurs. Put boards over broken windows and secure a tarp as protection if the roof has been damaged. Again, take photographs to prove to the insurance company that you have done everything possible to protect your home against further damage.
South Carolina needs our help. Donate today to our South Carolina Flood Response: http://bit.ly/AHVSC
Interested in volunteering? Sign up on our interest form for more information:http://bit.ly/
Please contact us if you have any questions or comments.