Often without any warning or preparation, a flood can turn your home into a disaster zone. When flood damage happens, a rapid response with appropriate interventions is critical. But with some proper planning ahead of time, you can minimize your loss, costs and stress. In this post, you will learn 3 important tips about flood damage preparation and what you must know to safeguard your home and family when flood damage repairs are needed.
One of the best ways to prepare for flood damage is to make sure you have the proper insurance from a highly rated company.  Take time to review your homeowner’s policy terms for flood damage from a hurricane as this type of flood is generally very different from other causes of flooding. Verify policy information with your insurance company to determine if you are adequately protected. Be aware that a flood policy will not be effective within 30 days of a hurricane and you may not be able to add a policy when hurricane threats are imminent in your state.
Ask very specific questions like:
- What is my coverage if I have flood damage from a hurricane?
- If I am not in a flood zone and have flood damage from a storm or heavy rain, will I be covered?
- Do I need a separate flood damage policy?
- What is my coverage for flooding from a burst pipe or a sewage backup?
- Will I get replacement costs for water damage, mold remediation and the full restoration of my home? If not, what exactly will I get?
- What are my benefits for temporary housing in the event that I cannot live in my home due to water damage, fire damage, or a mold problem?
Asking questions in advance and making it clear to your insurance company what coverage you are looking for will help you to get the right coverage. This will reduce your stress tremendously when and if the time comes to put in a claim.
When a flood occurs, that is not the time to go hunting for your insurance information and other important papers. You will need ready access to your insurance policy and the phone number to call for initiating a claim. When it is necessary to file a claim, ask your insurance company to recommend a water damage cleanup company – one who will follow strict IICRC flood classification protocols that assure a quality job and protect you from unnecessary demolition with excessive costs.
Keep in mind that the severity and proper management of floods is based on the source, whether it involves clean or dirty water and the length of time before appropriate intervention is started. A substantial mold problem can start and spread throughout your home within 48-72 hours after a flood or other improperly contained water damage event.
In fact, a clean water category 1 flood from a broken pipe will become a category 3 toxic event if extraction, drying, and dehumidification are not initiated within 48 – 72 hours. A properly managed category 1 flood means that most building structures and materials can be saved at a much lower cost.
If you are in the Southwest Florida area and have water damage, fire damage or mold, consider Armstrong Water Mold Cleanup & Restorations. We are a specialty full service Florida water damage general contractor you can depend on to do a quality fully guaranteed job and take the stress off of you. We handle everything from water leaks, flood damage, and mold cleanup to the full restoration of your home after a major disaster.
Armstrong is one of only a few companies trusted and recommended by leading homeowners insurance companies. Our detailed documents accurately define repair and replacement needs and costs. This expedites claims and maximizes your benefits for covered expenses.
Armstrong will help you to get through one of your most difficult water damage repair challenges in the best possible way through our one-stop total peace of mind service – the most complete, comprehensive 24/7 customer service in the area today.
We are reachable 24/7 to inspect and solve water damage and mold problems. The inspection and estimate are free. Call 239-541-4200 or contact us at ArmstrongWaterMoldCleanup.com
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