What to do Before and After a Flood

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

With flood waters rising in Blaine County, Custer County and all around the Treasure Valley, we wanted to share some tips to keep you safe! Minimize the pain of hiring the wrong company after a flood devastates your home or business. 

What to do before a flood

• Create a detailed inventory of the contents of your home. 
• Secure original insurance documents in a safe place – preferably a bank safe deposit box – and keep copies in your home in an accessible place that is not subject to flooding.
• Call your insurance agent to learn how to report a flood claim. Let them know you will be using SERVPRO for water removal and remediation. 
• Set up an emergency contact address and phone number in the event you are unable to stay in your home – share this information with your insurance agent, your SERVPRO representative and your family.

What do to after a flood

• Call SERVPRO. Depending on the amount of flooding in your area, you want to make this call immediately to avoid a lengthy wait time. SERVPRO has national resources to handle multiple losses the right way. Contact your insurance agent and report the loss – have flood insurance policy information at the ready. 
• Separate damaged and undamaged property; do all you can to protect undamaged property.
• Make a list of damages for the adjuster – if you have prepared a home inventory, this should be easy. SERVPRO can also assist with inventory.
• Take photos of all damage, including water lines on walls and cabinetry.
• Make a list of any areas of structural damage you want to point out to the adjuster.
• SERVPRO can begin to dry out the building and your personal property once the adjuster has approved the work. 
• SERVPRO can provide a repair estimate for flood-damaged reconstruction. 

Beware of scams after a flood

• If you do not use a restoration company like SERVPRO, you may be at risk from scammers who travel to flood zones to prey on affected homeowners.
• We recommend you obtain bids from multiple contractors, and request at least three references. We have vetted our contractors and can offer referrals when needed. 
• Ask for proof of licenses, building permits, insurance, and bonding from contractors. 
• If you do hire a contractor, record the contractor’s license plate number and driver’s license number; check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
• Call SERVPRO (208) 375-0300 for any and all questions. Not every company has your best interest in mind. Hire a company with staying power like SERVPRO who isn't here today for the flood, gone tomorrow. 
• Contact: CONTACT US. Please note that you were referred via our blog. We'll get right back to you. Stay dry!