Flood Damage Can Happen To You

Floods and flash floods are the most common natural disaster, occurring in all 50 states.
Floods cause devastating damage to buildings and personal belongings.
One in three flood insurance claims are generated outside areas considered “Flood-prone”
Property insurance DOES NOT cover flood damage.
FLOOD INSURANCE POLICIES TAKE 30 DAYS TO TAKE EFFECT

Before A Flood

Make a written, photographic and/or videotaped inventory of household possessions and property, and store it in a safe place with insurance policies, documents, and other valuables.
Take a first aid class
Assemble a disaster supplies kit that includes:
- First aid kit
- Canned food
- Can opener
- Bottled water
- Rubber boots
- Rubber gloves
- Battery radio
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries

During A Flood

When a warning is issued, listen to local radio and TV stations for information
When a watch is issued, move furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.
Abandon your car if stalled in rapidly rising waters and climb to higher ground. Do no drive into any large puddles or into water that seems to be moving rapidly.
Call your insurance agent as soon as possible to file a claim
Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Keep all receipts.
Delay permanent repairs until your insurer approves reimbursement.
Get any necessary construction permits from your community
Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Take photos of damaged areas.
Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance company adjuster.
Meet with your adjuster before signing anything with contractors, lawyers, or public adjusters.
Let your car dry out before trying to start it.

Call your insurance agent as soon as possible to file a claim
Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Keep all receipts.
Delay permanent repairs until your insurer approves reimbursement.
Get any necessary construction permits from your community
Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed personal property. Take photos of damaged areas.
Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property for your insurance company adjuster.
Meet with your adjuster before signing anything with contractors, lawyers, or public adjusters.
Let your car dry out before trying to start it.
If object is still wet, rinse gently with clear, clean water.
Air dry objects indoors.
To reduce humidity, increase air flow to inhibit growth of mold and mildew.
Remove heavy deposits of mold growth on walls, floors, etc.
If objects are broken, place in open container. Do not attempt repair until dry
Free edges of prints and paper objects from frames. Allow to air dry. Rinse off mud and do not touch surface.
Textiles and leather materials should be allowed to air dry.
Remove wet paintings from frames but not from stretcher. Air dry away from direct sunlight.
Furniture may develop white haze, consult professional.
Rinse metal objects and dry with clean cloth. Caked mud may be removed later from sculptures.

If object is still wet, rinse gently with clear, clean water.
Air dry objects indoors.
To reduce humidity, increase air flow to inhibit growth of mold and mildew.
Remove heavy deposits of mold growth on walls, floors, etc.
If objects are broken, place in open container. Do not attempt repair until dry
Free edges of prints and paper objects from frames. Allow to air dry. Rinse off mud and do not touch surface.
Textiles and leather materials should be allowed to air dry.
Remove wet paintings from frames but not from stretcher. Air dry away from direct sunlight.
Furniture may develop white haze, consult professional.
Rinse metal objects and dry with clean cloth. Caked mud may be removed later from sculptures.

Before you enter a flooded building, make sure it is not in danger of collapse.
Be alert for holes in the floor, loose boards, and rodents.
Don’t smoke or use open flame until safe to do so.
Turn off gas at meter.
The main electrical circuit should be turned off.
Call your local utility if you detect any fumes.
Before house is fully aired out, scrub all woodwork and floors with stiff brush.
Wall to wall carpets should be raised to allow air to circulate.
Do whatever you can to avoid further damage and to make temporary repairs.
Keep records of expenses insured in preventing further damage.
Take photos of damages.