Finding the Right Company for Your Fire Damage Restoration

Has your home been damaged as a result of fires in your neighborhood? Are you looking for someone to help you clean up the mess and restore your home to its original, beautiful state? If so, then it is important to choose the right company to perform your fire damage restoration. Make sure that you hire someone with at least one licensed contractor, that you look for someone with a good reputation in your community, and that you look for a company that is both bonded and insured. All of these factors will help to ensure that your home is successfully restored.


Look for a Licensed Contractor

The first thing that you should look for when hiring a company for a fire damage restoration project is that the company employs a licensed contractor. You want to make sure that whatever structural work is being done on your home in the wake of the incident is being done by a licensed professional. A licensed contractor is much more likely to perform work that is of a high quality and which will last longer. This will be important in ensuring the structural safety of your home.

Reputation Matters

Also, when hiring someone to perform your fire damage restoration, it is important to hire someone that is well respected within your community. Ask your neighbors, friends, and co-workers if they have any recommendations for a company that does high quality work at a reasonable price. You always want to be sure that you are hiring someone that you can trust and who has ample experience in the field.

Find Someone Who Is Bonded and Insured

Finally, it is very important that the company that performs your fire damage restoration project be bonded and insured. This is important because there are lots of things that can go wrong on a project of this nature. This being the case, you want to be sure that the company that you hire has proper insurance in the event that their work results in further damage to your home or injury to you or a family member. You always want to protect yourself in situations like these, and hiring a bonded and insured company will help you to do so.

All in all, there are a number of things to look for when hiring a fire damage restoration company. Be sure to look for a company that employs a licensed contractor, that has a good reputation in your community, and that is bonded and insured. All of these are important factors in choosing the right company for the job.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7185109

Water Damage Repair: Preventing The Problem

If you need water damage repair, you are making the right move by hiring a specialist company to come in and do the restoration. The average homeowner can only do so much when it comes to restoring furniture, belongings, and the structure itself from the effects of flooding. The longer you wait to contact a professional, the slimmer your chances of making a full recovery get. If you have yet to encounter such a disaster and want to know what you can do to avoid it in the future, read on for the best ways to prevent the problem in the first place. No one can prepare for every possibility, but you can do what you can to reduce your chances.

Regular Plumbing Inspections

Few car owners would go more than six months without getting an oil change, but homeowners go years without ever having their houses looked over by service professionals. It's easy to understand why. Even a checkup can be expensive and no one likes to be put in a situation where they are being pressured to buy something they don't want. But when it comes to plumbing, it pays to have a professional inspect your pipes every now and then. Having pipes leak or burst can cause major problems, all of which will lead to water damage repair being necessary. Having a regular plumbing inspection is money well spent, and it can save you from spending much more in the future.

Sump Pump

If you live in an area prone to localized flooding, you may find it worth your while to invest in a sump pump. This piece of machinery can help you remove excess water outside your home, as long as it isn't ridiculously flooded. Of course, you might want to think about getting one that can run on a battery backup system, seeing as how power failure often follows a major storm. If, however, your home is in an area where investing in a sump pump seems like a reasonable option, you may also want to consider relocating. Even though you may have been lucky when it comes to flooding in the past, it only takes one terrible torrent of rain to make you wish you'd made alternative arrangements. Water damage repair specialists can make a killing in such an area, but their gain doesn't need to be your loss.

Appliances

Finally, make sure all of your appliances are up to snuff and aren't going to surprise you some day with a major problem. Many situations that wind up calling for water damage repair result from broken dishwashers and washing machines. These things can happen without warning, but by making sure your appliances are well maintained, you'll be less susceptible to surprise.

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The Five R's of Fire Damage

Many people don't give fire damage a thought as they walk out the door to work or lay their head on the pillow at night, but it happens every day. Would you know what to do if a fire damaged your home?

Here are five quick tips to consider.

1) Remedial Attention

Care for immediate needs during or after the fire. If there are injuries, attend to them with gentleness. Call 911. Ask for help from a neighbor. Calm yourself. Try to calm any pets. Animals can become very anxious and can literally turn on their owner. Do NOT attempt to enter the burning building even to rescue people or pets. Allow the professionals to work.

2) Restoring Health

Physical injury after a fire can be devastating. It's vital you seek professional medical help. Follow your doctor's instructions. Don't attempt to treat injuries without seeking medical attention. You'll only be hurting yourself and/or your family and may even slow down the healing process or risk infection.

3) Recovering Emotional Stability

When emotional instability is lost, it's sometimes challenging to recover. Get back to your routines. Take care of your emotions as you would take care of your physical injuries. Think positively. Seek therapy. Do things you enjoy. Don't isolate yourself. Know recovery can take time.

4) Recovering Financial Stability

Contact your insurance company immediately with all fire damage details. Even though difficult, provide a list of lost items and their value within your home or business. The insurance agent will probably visit your home to see the items on your list so don't throw away anything until after the visit. This is especially crucial if you've never taken pictures of your home inventory previously and stored them elsewhere. Keep copies of all paperwork from insurance claims.

5) Rebuilding Your Home

Many people don't realize after a fire, a building permit will be required to begin the rebuilding process. A reputable contractor will know this but if you hire a friend to help you rebuild, be aware of it. Install sprinklers. Make sure all codes for fire alarms, electrical systems, etc. are being adhered to.

Learn from your tragedy. Create a family disaster plan which includes an escape route, first-aid kit and anything else you can think of which will make your life easier after fire damage. Even giving blood is a viable option. Be sure to purchase or update your homeowner's insurance to include disaster coverage.

Keep all important documents and policies in a fire safe or even stored off the premises.

Being involved in a major fire with profound fire damage is one of the most unwelcome life changes. But many people say, in the long run, it was one of the best educational things to ever happen to them. They've learned not to take things for granted, and they've learned how to be prepare for it should it happen again. You can recover or even prevent much of the devastation fire can bring if you know what to do either afterward or ahead of time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7185374

Getting Water Damage Fixed

No matter where you live, at some time you are likely to suffer from flooding rains, tropical storms, sudden freezes, or plumbing mishaps. It's important to know how to fix damage caused by water fast to prevent further destruction to your home or business. Floor drying, wet carpet removal or repair, and repair to hardwood floors, are only the most obvious parts of repairing water damages.

Of course, water removal, by means of water extraction and by removing wet contents and saturated structural materials, is the first step in clean up. However, there is much more involved in restoring your home or your business to working order than just getting rid of standing water and drying carpets. This is the reason it is so important to find a good, reputable contractor with the right experience to do the cleanup work.

Water can have a devastating effect on everything from the flooring, walls, wall cavities, ceiling, ceiling cavities, cabinets, AC air ducts, and even the air quality throughout the structure. Excessive moisture in the air from the evaporating water can cause secondary damage such as peeling paint, warping wallboard, swelling cabinets, and mold. And much of this damage can be hidden from view inside walls. Professional water damage specialists are trained to dry a structure quickly and completely, while controlling the moisture levels in the air to prevent secondary destruction to areas that were not originally damaged.

So, when asking the question, "what do I do with water damage," remember that although fast water removal services are vital to help you clean up quickly, a good remediation company will have the expertise to completely dry and restore your home or business, including:

• complete water removal
• moisture testing
• tearing out and removing items that cannot be salvaged
• providing industrial strength dehumidifiers and air movers to draw the moisture out of the structure and contents quickly
• anti microbial treatments to help prevent mold
• continuous monitoring throughout the drying process

Choose a water damage restoration company that:

• Is accredited by the BBB - better yet, a BBB award for excellence winner to make sure you have a reputable company.
• Has you speak directly to a supervisor - not an answering service
• Is available any time of the day or night with emergency response teams ready to respond quickly to any problem and begin the clean up immediately

To prevent serious problems from any type of water damage it's important to dry it thoroughly, and dry it fast!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6090647

Choosing How To Remodel Your Home

Whether you're slowly but surely constructing your idea of a dream house or planning to add value to your home for a resale, home remodelling decisions can be intense. Take some of the stress out of your redesign by following these tips.

1. Bathrooms

Bathrooms are one the most common places in the home that get remodelled, and it's easy to see why. Not only do they get a lot of use, but they also hold a lot of potential for an easy makeover. If you're just looking to update the feel of your bathroom, you can try installing new fixtures for the sink and bathtub/shower as well as adding new hardware to the cabinetry. Projects that are popular but don't take a long time includes installing flooring or adding shower tiles. By taking a wall out, you can open up your bathroom and add a lot to the value of your property; when it comes to real estate home value, the biggest return of investment is done thanks to this.

2. Exteriors.

Your home's exterior is quite often the most important part of selling it because it sets the tone for what buyers and real estate agents expect to see inside. If your siding is a bit shabby or worn, you should consider replacing it or just adding small flourishes like new trim or a fresh coat of paint. In addition, consider installing a new entry door to give your home a newly renovated look. If you're creative, you could also put your talents to good use by adding a new decorations like a door mat, planting a garden, or installing a water feature.

3. Additional bedrooms.

This plus getting a bigger bathroom are the top ideas for increasing your home's value. Transforming an unused space in the home - like a basement or attic - into a living area can be worth the money and time that you invest. And if you don't have a space already carved out, you can consider it a blank slate from which to begin building an extra bedroom. And if you don't have sufficient land to build horizontally, think of building up by creating another level to your house.

4. Window treatments.

It may not seem like a very big deal, but replacing the windows in your home can open up the space by providing more ventilation and sunlight where there was none (in case the previous windows were not functional). Also, if you are about to put your house on the market, this kind of improvement could be the tipping point that attracts an interested buyer to your listing. Keep in mind that newer windows tend to help conserve more energy because they are made from insulated glass and weather-sealing components.

5. Kitchens.

It tends to be most obvious how old the home is thanks to looking at the kitchen. It gets the most use and is most often subject to "fad" designs that scream old-fashioned once their time has passed. To update your kitchen, consider installing new cabinetry or recovering old cabinets. New, stainless steel appliances can also make your cooking space look more modern and clean as well as lend your kitchen energy efficiency. Finish your remodel off with new flooring, and your kitchen--along with the rest of the house--will look brand new.


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Restoring Your Home After Smoke and Fire Damage

A fire in your home is a catastrophic and life changing event, regardless of its extent. Whether you are dealing with a fire that has demolished a good portion of your house, or a kitchen fire that was fairly quickly taken under control, proper management of the residual smoke and fire damage is essential to returning your home to its pre-damaged state. Regardless of the extent of your fire, you should work with a professional restoration company to help clean and restore your home. With smoke and fire damage, time is of the essence, so get the ball rolling by taking the following steps:

1. The first thing that you should do after your home has been damaged by fire and smoke is to contact your insurance agency. This will allow you to start the claims process so that you can make sure that everything is done in accordance with your insurer's policies and procedures. Your insurance company will also be able to help recommend professional cleaning and restoration services in your area.

2. Whenever it is safe to go into your home again, inspect all of your belongings to decide what to save and what to throw out. A restoration specialist can help you determine what can be saved and what cannot.

3. Circulate as much air as possible. This means bringing in extra fans, opening all of the windows and running the air conditioner or furnace. Make sure to change your air filters frequently (once a day) to avoid excessive soot buildup.

4. Dry all of your linens and upholstery. This includes carpets, bedding, furniture and curtains. Mold and mildew can damage your property after the smoke and fire have gone.

5. Cover any furniture or other items that were not directly damaged in the fire. This will help you avoid any ongoing damage from leftover soot and smoke.

6. Work closely with a restoration specialist to ensure that everything is cleaned properly. When smoke and fire damage is improperly or insufficiently cleaned, you can have recurring or irreversible damage.

By taking the time and care to properly begin the process, you can have your home to its former state fairly quickly. Because of the delicate nature of smoke and fire damage, it is paramount that you work with a trained professional. They can save you time, money and irreversible mistakes. After experiencing damage from smoke or fire, talk with your insurance agent as soon as possible to get a list of recommended professionals in your area. Not only will they get the job done right, but your insurance policy will often foot the bill. When it comes to the safety, comfort and integrity of your home, you just can't risk improper or incomplete cleanup.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7153959

Water Damage FAQ

What causes water damage?

The most obvious causes of water damage, and those that cannot be avoided, are severe forces of nature, such as hurricanes or floods. Water damage also can occur when a fire is extinguished, from leaking pipes, and malfunctioning washing machines and heaters, as well as leaks in your roofing and siding and from defective gutters, which will cause water to pool around your property and potentially leak into your basement.

What areas of my property should I watch regularly for damage?

Water damage can occur in every area of your home and property, but there are certain areas that, if damaged, are more problematic and should be watched closely. Check the plumbing pipes and connections in your home's bathrooms and kitchen as well as any pipelines in your basement or crawl spaces for standing water and leaks.

What are some hidden signs of water damage?

Some of these signs include peeling paint and wallpaper, splotches of mold, moisture and condensation, a musty smell and moisture in your carpet or other flooring.

Are there any tools or pieces of equipment that are important for detecting and dealing with water damage?

Moisture detectors are important since moisture can cause mold growth and poor air quality. Leak detectors are used for finding hidden water leaks, including those in walls and crawl spaces. Other tools you can use are dehumidifiers and water extractors to help repair water damage.

What actions do I take when I first notice the damage?

Immediately following a water-related incident, call your insurance provider to inform him/her of the damage. If your home is severely damaged, determine whether it is structurally safe to enter. If not or you are unsure, immediately make arrangements to stay elsewhere.

What steps can I take to minimize the damage?

If your home is structurally sound and before the restoration professionals arrive, turn off your home's power, water and natural gas supplies. Cover damaged windows, doors, walls and roof areas with plywood or plastic sheeting to protect your interior from the elements.

Does water damage cause mold?

Water damage certainly has the potential to cause the growth of mildew and mold. Because mold thrives in moist and warm environments, any place that is wet (and especially humid) is a perfect place for mold to grow.

How can I prepare for expected water intrusion from a storm?

The best way to keep water from becoming a major problem is to prepare your property before the damage occurs. One thing you should be sure to know is how to cut-off the power in your home in case of a flood. Water and electricity are a deadly combination.

How can I help speed the repair of my home and property after a storm?

Documenting your property's damage and relaying the information to your restoration professional can make for a speedier repair. Inspect the exterior of your home for damage. Check out your roofing structure and document any shingles missing or in need of repair. Also note if your chimney or the flashing surrounding it is damaged or missing and list any damages to your gutters. Check your home's siding for warped or loose boards. Note signs of water intrusion through your home's windows and doors and don't forget to check the access points to your basement.

How can I remove standing water easily?

The first step to removing standing water from within your home is to sweep it outdoors. Any standing water left on carpeted areas should quickly be removed with a wet-vac. The removal of standing water is crucial for salvaging your home's carpeting and could save you money.

How does the water removal process work?

Several steps are taken to remove water from your property in the event of a flood, hurricane or other water-related disaster. First, the water will be removed from the property. Once the water is removed, a dehumidification process will begin to dry the wet areas. Next, evaporation of the water will occur, and, finally, the air will be tested to ensure that all water and moisture is gone from the property and won't cause any further problems.

Other processes involved with water damage restoration include wet carpet restoration, odor control, fabric restoration, mold remediation, and dry wall and wood floor restoration.

What are the different categories of water?

There are three basic categories of water. The type of water in your property will help determine the extent of the damage and how the water will be removed.

The first category of water is clean water than poses no harm to people. This includes water damage caused by a sink or bathtub overflow or an appliance malfunction.

The second category of water is called gray water. This category includes water that has a significant amount of contamination, which can be chemical, physical and/or biological. Gray water can cause harm and illness to those who are exposed to or drink it.

The third category of water is known as black water. This water is very unsanitary and contains pathogenic agents coming from other contaminated water sources. It can cause discomfort and illness to those who are exposed to or who drink it. Black water can come from sewage and flood waters from rivers and streams.

What should I do to protect my valuables?

If your home is too damaged to secure, remove valuables to a storage facility or the home of a trusted friend or family member. If your home is secured against intrusion, transfer valuable belongings to a safe and dry place within your home. Relocate water-damaged items, such as furniture, clothing and rugs, to an area of your home that is dry.

Does home maintenance really make a difference in preventing water damage?

Even the most highly conceptualized and well-built home cannot protect you 100 percent from water intrusion and the resulting damage, but a well maintained home can protect you from most water incidents, excluding severe emergencies. Routine maintenance and seasonal inspections of roofing and siding as well as other vulnerable areas can pinpoint potential problems before they can allow for water infiltration and damage.

How do I hire a professional restoration company?

Hiring a professional restoration company is important to ensure proper care for your property. Most insurance carriers will specify a list of restoration companies available to you and some may allow you to choose a restoration company from your own research.

Professional restoration companies will have available to you a list of industry organizations to which they belong and certifications they carry. Many professional restoration companies will also have examples of their work for you to view. In the case of disaster restoration, checking references may not be advantageous. But, rest assured that industry associations have strict guidelines and verify that members follow them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1667248

The Biggest Home Remodeling Mistakes You Could Make

Home remodeling is a big deal. Even if you are just doing minor things to update the look or feel of your space, it makes sense to do it right. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes that end up being costly and hard to repair. Your house is your home. You have the right to make it whatever you want to make it. However, before you jump into any project, think about the long-term effects of what you are about to do. Is this going to be a good option for you?

What to Avoid

The biggest mistake people make with home remodeling is not hiring a professional to do the job. Especially for larger projects, you will need a general contractor who will work with you to create the ideal space. These professionals minimize risk factors to the home by having the licensing and training necessary to do the job. They also work with you to plan a project that is going to be within your budget and beneficial to your home in the long term.

---Does the project offer long-term benefits to the home? For example, redoing the kitchen is going to have a major implication on the way you use your house for years. It is a good idea to ensure this job is done perfectly the first time.

---Cosmetic changes may be simple to make, but make them with taste in mind. For example, if you plan to sell your home in the near future, you may want to update paint colors to be more neutral and less bright or color-specific.

---When considering any type of structural changes, such as adding on space or moving walls, ensure you work with a general contractor with experience in these matters. Most likely, you will need to have permits to allow you to complete these types of projects.

---When it comes to hiring friends and family to help you, set the ground rules first. Set a timeframe, ensure everyone knows who is in charge and be able to talk to individuals about what your needs really are.

---You should plan for budget overages to start. A good plan can help you to avoid many financial complications.

Home remodeling is a big step in improving the way your home looks and functions. However, you will likely need to choose a project that is going to add value, not take away from the value, of the house. By working with experts, you can minimize the risk of damage or costly re-dos.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7155918

Fire and Smoke Damage - Cleaning Up the Smell

Dealing with the smell left by fire and smoke is by far one of the most challenging, and important things that you must do whenever your home is damaged by smoke and fire. Although the visible signs may be removed, it is very possible for the pervasive smell of smoke to linger, making the rooms in your home uncomfortable, and possibly unhealthy. In order to make sure that you save as many of your belongings as possible, and to reduce the risk of long-term damage, you should initiate a professional cleaning process as quickly as possible. This is especially true for items such as draperies, carpets and upholstery.

Clothing

Because it is so pervasive, the smell can remain on your clothing even after several washes. To remove all of the soot and smell from your smoke damaged clothing will require a variety of different methods, depending on the type of fabric. Depending on the level of damage that your clothes receive, you may decide to replace many of your clothing items. If it is something that you just can't part with, however, consider having them professionally cleaned and restored. Dry cleaners and restoration specialists use a variety of tools, techniques and cleaning products to ensure that your clothes are soot and smoke free.

Drapes, Carpets & Upholstered Furniture

Similar to your clothes, your drapes, carpets and upholstered furniture can trap soot and smoke, resulting in a long-lasting unpleasant odor. Furthermore, this pervasive smell can transfer itself back onto your clothing, leading to a cycle that never ends. To begin the cleaning process, there are many things that you can do yourself. Start by brushing your drapes and furniture with a brush vacuum, or brush. This will help to remove any remaining soot, and should not result in any further damage. To complete the deodorization process, you will want to work closely with a smoke damage restoration specialist in your area. There are many different techniques and tools that are used, such as ozone treatment, that must be performed by a professional. Whenever they are finished, your drapes, upholstery and carpet will be just like new. Keep in mind that some carpets and upholstery may need to be replaced.

Walls

In addition to the fabrics in your home, smoke can enter and leave its smell in your walls. Although this odor may diminish over time, it can return if it is not quickly and properly dealt with. If special materials were damaged during the fire, such as insulation, they must be removed and replaced. These materials cannot be cleaned. This can also be true with your drywall, depending on the extent of the smoke damage.

Regardless of how much of your home has been damaged, and to what extent, the most important thing to do during clean up is to talk with a professional as soon as possible. When improperly cleaned, or left unchecked, smoke damage can perpetuate itself, and even become worse. Save yourself unnecessary time and discomfort by working with someone who knows what they are doing.

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Fun On The Fourth - Fire Risks Are More Abundant

Independence Day is less than 24 hours away and the scents of summer celebration are ready to be unleashed. The smell of hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, sun-sweetened tea, fresh-squeezed lemonade, ripe watermelon and emblazoned fireworks will infuse the backyards, porches, waterfronts and street corners of many American cities and small towns tomorrow.

A report by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council reports that approximately 150 million hot dogs will be eaten by Americans during this year's Fourth of July festivities. While only a fraction of that number may suffer from injuries related to fireworks, fire safety cannot be ignored. A day to remember all that America stands for, the Fourth of July is a day that Americans must also remember and practice fire safety. Failure to practice fire prevention is sure to take the fun out of the Fourth.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that each year more than 8,000 Americans experience fire-related injuries or damages and more than half of those take place during the first week of July. In 2005, approximately 10,800 people made emergency room visits to treat firework-related injuries. The U.S.F.A. also estimates that cooking grills alone are responsible for approximately $35 million in property loss. Fifty-nine percent of fires caused by fireworks occur during the Fourth of July holiday. While property loss from fires related to fireworks may be fewer (because this activity typically takes place outside in open fields or near water), the past year's dry weather raises the fire risk.

Don't let fire ruin the fun for your Fourth of July festivities. Keep in mind a few simple safety tips:

GRILL SAFETY

1) Do not grill in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide can be produced. Be sure you are grilling in an open area.

2) Never overfill the propane tank.

3) BEFORE you use a grill, check the fuel line and propane tank connection. The venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - must not be blocked.

4) No loose clothing is allowed while you're grilling!

5) Use care when using lighter fluid. A lit fire can flashback and cause an explosion if lighter fluid is added.

FIREWORKS SAFETY

1) Again, loose clothing is NOT allowed when handling fireworks.

2) Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.

3) Never stand close to lit fireworks. Always stand several feet away.

4) Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. Unmarked fireworks (no directions, warnings or content list) should never be lit.

5) Always keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby.

6) Always purchase consumer fireworks from reliable sources and licensed dealers. These dealers will only carry those products that meet standards set and enforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

7) Lastly, leave fireworks to the professionals. The fireworks show will be much more enjoyable if they are handled by professionals who know how to safely use them.

Be sure to follow these tips to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home in the event of disaster. While you cannot predict a disaster, following safety precautions will reduce your risk.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/631148

Water Damage: Beginning The Clean Up Process

One of the most challenging things to come back from as a homeowner is water damage. The insidious thing is how many ways in which you can become a victim. Flooding, leaks, appliance malfunction, hurricanes, and even fires can bring it around and create devastation to both your structural property and your furniture and belongings. Many homeowners throw up their hands and assume much of what they own will not be salvageable. More often than not, however, there is more to save than you think. Hiring a company that specializes in this type of restoration can be a great first step. In lieu of that, here are some things you can do to begin the clean up process.

Safety

Anytime there has been major devastation to your home, regardless of the cause, you need to be concerned with your safety above all other things. After a natural disaster or other catastrophic event, you'll need to wait for the go ahead from local officials to go back onto the property. Don't try to circumvent this. Fire departments are cautious about this, but are so with your safety in mind. Things can often be more dangerous than they appear. Nothing in your home is important enough to risk your life over. If there is flooding, turn off the power to your house, even if the power is out already. You don't want to be ankle deep in water when it surges back on.

In Order of Importance

Tackling a job of any magnitude can be done best by going in order of importance. If there are any major structural issues, those should be addressed first. This includes trees that have fallen on the house, a broken roof, or anything that will allow more water damage to occur. Get your belongings out of harm's way as soon as possible. The more quickly they can begin drying out, the better chance you'll have of salvaging the items. Whether you begin saving your belongings in order of sentimental or actual value is up to you, but it doesn't hurt to have a plan before beginning.

Insurance Claims

You'll want to be as thorough as possible when it comes to documenting your water damage for an insurance claim. Pictures will be your friend in this situation. In addition to photos, write down any notes that will help to substantiate your claims. Call up your company and set up and appointment with an adjuster. While there may be clean up you want to put off until the insurance company has a chance to come by, starting on the clean up (meaning getting rid of excess water and removing your belongings from the flooding) is necessary.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7119552