A house flood can happen for several reasons. Floods are not only capable of damaging your house, but can also be dangerous to the health of you and your family. Whether the flood comes as a result of a storm or a water system malfunction, it is important to know the proper steps to take to best handle the situation. While your first instinct may be to remove the water, there are several steps you should take before attempting to repair your house.
These steps should be taken within the first 24 hours after the flood:
- Assess if the house is safe to enter.
Scan the interior and exterior of your house for any visible structural damage. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, this may include warping, loosened or cracked foundation elements, cracks, and holes
- Turn off all water and electrical sources.
If the electricity in your home is already out, you should still turn off the main fuse and the individual fuse connections. This will ensure there will be no risk of mixing electricity with standing water when the electricity comes back on.
- Photograph the damage.
By removing water from your home or beginning repairs prior to taking pictures, you are at risk of decreasing the coverage your insurance company may offer you. Fully document all damage with pictures or videos that can be easily shared and stored with your insurance company.
- Contact a Public Insurance Adjuster
Different insurance companies have different policies regarding the coverage of floods based on the cause of them, so it is important to work with your insurer to see if anything can be done on their end. Hiring a Public Insurance Adjuster like Rubin & Rosen can remove some headaches of trying to deal with the insurance company directly. It is vital to follow the advice of your insurer in regards to how and when to begin repairs.
- Determine if your house is located in a disaster area.
If your house has been flooded by a storm that is located in a declared disaster area, you are granted access to public services that will work to protect and restore the area. This should be discussed with your insurance company or directly with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
If you have a water damage claim you are looking to file, Rubin & Rosen Adjusters can help by taking your entire claim process into our capable hands. You will be assigned an adjuster who will negotiate the claim with your insurance company, conduct a policy review for loss estimation, and work to generate loss of items and damage compensation. If you have any questions, would like further information, or if you have been affected by storm damage, contact Rubin & Rosen Adjusters at (866) 469-2358 or contact us today.
At Rubin & Rosen Adjusters, we put the people’s best interests before the insurance company. We work alongside you through the entire process and make sure you receive the claims you deserve.