18 JUNE 14, 2018 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
How homeowners can prepare for summer storm season
It's that time of year again when
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unwanted weather patterns like
severe thunderstorms, rainstorms
and tornadoes can wreak havoc on
homes and businesses.
While certain areas of the country
are more apt to face tornadoes, virtually
everyone is at risk for heavy
rain, winds and hail, which can cause
fl ooding, power outages and structural
damage. Whether you're in the Midwest,
the Southwest, the Great Plains
or any other part of the country, it's
important to be prepared for the upcoming
storm season.
These expert tips will help you
prepare for and recover from a storm:
1. Have a plan. Assign everyone in
your house a defi ned role. Let someone
be responsible for gathering your
pets; someone else, medication and
important, irreplaceable documents.
Identify areas of your home that are
most secure so you can take cover. And
while having a plan is a great fi rst step,
practicing it is even more important.
2. Make electronic copies of all important
documents. Take pictures of
your home and its contents to use with
insurance providers aft er damage has
occurred.
3. Update your contact list. Make
sure it includes critical phone numbers
such as insurance providers,
emergency response agencies and
professional restoration companies
that can immediately assist with damage.
Also, be sure to have multiple ways
to contact your friends and family to
tell them where you are and what you
need. Have back-up chargers available
in the event you lose power.
4. Know how to turn off your utilities.
In some cases, you need to be prepared
to turn off water, gas and electric service
if asked to evacuate or if fl ooding
is imminent.
5. Take steps to keep your home
protected. If water enters your home,
you can help limit water damage to
your contents by lift ing drapes off the
carpet, looping them through a coat
hanger and placing the hanger on the
drapery rod. Outside your home, keep
mulch away from the foundation to
minimize the risk of water collecting
near the building and possibly leaking
into the basement.
Aft er the storm has passed, wait
for authorities to declare it's safe to
go home. When it is, keep these steps
in mind:
1. Safety first. Floodwater may
be electrically charged by downed
power lines. If you see any fallen
power lines, call your utility company
immediately. Do not assume someone
else has already contacted them. Once
authorities give you the greenlight to
reenter your neighborhood and home,
make sure you have the proper gear to
do so. Use waterproof boots and gloves
to protect your skin from unpleasant
or dangerous pollutants in the water.
2. Check the structure. If your
home's structure or foundation appears
unstable, do not attempt to go
inside. Immediately call for professional
help and get a thorough assessment
of the damage. Water damage aft er
heavy rains can cause walls, ceilings
and fl oors to swell, decay or collapse.
3. Take inventory and contact your
insurance agent. Photograph and
document all damages to your home
and belongings to support any future
insurance claims. As soon as possible
aft er a storm, contact your insurance
company or representative to check
your coverage and start the claims
process.
4. Limit damage. Rainwater and
fl oodwater can damage your home's
contents and structure, and create ideal
conditions for mold growth within
a matter of hours. However, because
fl oodwater is oft en contaminated, extra
care should be used when entering
the property and removing damaged
items. Work with a qualifi ed professional
to prevent additional damage.
5. Partner with a professional restoration
company. A few things to look
for in a professional company include:
a. Make sure they have industry
experience and expertise.
b. Make sure they offer 24-hour
emergency assistance.
c. Make sure your insurance company
works with them or they are on
an approved list. Don't take Joe off the
street.
d. Make sure they have the proper
permits and licenses to do the needed
work.
e. Make sure they are insured.
ServiceMaster Restore brings
more than 60 years of experience
helping homeowners and commercial
properties recover from all types of
disasters, from wind and rain damage
to catastrophic tornadoes and hurricanes,
and more.
Courtesy BPT