Tips to Reduce Losses from Water and Storm Damage

Water damage is a real threat for property owners. In fact, according to the Insurance Information Institute in the last year, 22 per 1,000 households have entered a claim for water related damage. Water damage can often result from weather, such as storms or melting snow, or more often, from common household malfunctions such as pipe leaks, washing machine malfunctions or other plumbing problems.

Follow these guidelines to help minimize the loss and prevent further damage:

Insurance
> Call your agent.
> Take photographs of the damage.
> Keep all receipts from hotel stays, home repair materials, etc.

Plumbing
> Check pipes on well pumps and irrigation systems annually.
> If sewage is backing up in the shower or under the toilet, your whole system is backed up. Call a professional and don’t use other sinks or toilets.

Roofing
> If the neighbor’s roof is missing shingles after a storm, you can assume that yours probably is also missing shigles.
> If it is safe to do so and only a few shingles are gone, try to cover the area with a plastic garbage bag.
> If it is safe to do so and you have a large area of ripped tar paper or wood, cover it with a tarpaulin.
> Call a roofer immediately.

Electric
> Most damage to electrical systems comes from water.
> Appliances exposed to water should be serviced before being used again.
> Check for sparks or frayed wires if wires are exposed call an electrician and do not turn on the power.
> If it appears that water has infiltrated your breaker box, call an electrician.
> Avoid fallen and dangling wires.
> If a limb has fallen on a power line, turn off the power and call the utility company.
> If a fallen limb touches your property do not attempt to clear them as they may be tangled in power lines. Call an electrician and a tree service company.

Flooding (Take these steps to minimize damage before the restoration professional arrives.)
> Throw out all food, including canned goods, medicines and cosmetics that have been touched by flood water.
> Keep a photographic inventory of anything that must be thrown out.
> Don’t take pets into a flooded area and never let them drink standing flood water.

Miscellaneous
> Turn on air conditioner if damage occurs in summer.
> Move valuable paintings, art objects and photos to a safe, dry place.
> Open closet doors, furniture drawers and luggage to aid in drying.
> Remove any wet fabrics and dry immediately.
> Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
> Stay out of any rooms where the ceiling is sagging from trapped water.
> Turn off the breaker before unplugging appliances.