Before and After a Flood

If you live or work in a region that is prone to potential flooding, you will want to make sure your home and/or business are fully protected.

First off, you will want to have adequate flood insurance protection. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) sells flood coverage nationwide. Although the NFIP has had some serious financial woes the past couple years, it is still available for those in need of flood coverage.

BEFORE A FLOOD

* Make sure you raise the furnace, water heater, electric panel, washer and dryer at least a foot over a potential flood elevation.

* Install check valves which prevent flood water from backing up your drains. You can also use stoppers to plug your drains.

* Move valuable items to upper floors or store them on high shelves.

* Clean debris out of your gutters or a swail that might run through your property.

* Secure fuel tanks.

* Create an inventory of your material belongings, and take photos with each description. Keep the documents in a secure place or a safe, along with other important papers such as you insurance policies.
 
* Make you you have an escape plan if your home, business or roads are flooded. Practice the escape plan with family members and co-workers.

AFTER A FLOOD

* Call your agent or company immediately to review your policy and report any damage.

* Check your surroundings. Are there downed power lines that could be hidden under water? If the water level is too high to drive or walk, determine a safe, dry place.

* Turn off all gas and electrical switches.

* Hose off your home to remove standing flood water, mud and other debris that might cause additional damage.

* Be careful when re-entering our home. If the door sticks at the top, your ceiling maybe in danger of collapsing. Look for wet spots or sagging in the ceiling or floors that could be a sign of heavy water build-up and that the floor or ceiling may soon crumble.

* If your furnace or water heater are leaking, do not turn them back on until they are examined by an expert.

* Pump out standing water in stages.

* Make sure your appliances are dry before using them. This may take several days. You do not want to use a appliance such as a dryer that has wet electical components.

* Take photos of any damage throughout your home or office. Make a list of damaged items that notes the purchase date, value and description. Keep any receipts for the items in your inventory files, as well.

* Do not discard damaged proterty. The insurance claims adjuster will want to see the damage in order to come up with an accurate loss assessment.

MOLD

One of the most common flood-related problems is mold. Standing water is an open invitation to mold build-up. Mold can produce allergens and potentially toxic substances.

If you have sustained water damage you need to take action ASAP. The best way to prevent mold is to dry out or remove wet items immediately. Some items may be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach. In addition, open windows and use high-pressure fans to help dry the wet areas. If your carpets are damaged, you will probably need new carpeting, since the moisture soaks into the flooring underneath the carpeting.

HIRING A CONTRACTOR

* Hiring the right contractor can be tricky. If you have hired a contractor and you believe the firm is not reputable, you may want to file a complaint by calling 800-441-2555.