What to Do in the Event of a Hurricane
5/21/2018 (Permalink)
- Immediately after the storm subsides call your insurance agent or agents (if you have your homeowner's and car insurance with different companies) or the toll-free claims number and report all damages to your property and vehicles.
- Next, photograph or videotape all the vehicle and property damage. Ideally, you also have photographed or videotaped your vehicles and property sometime before the storm. The "before and after" photographs or video will be a big help in determining how much damage occurred.
- Make any minor repairs you can as soon as possible to prevent additional damage or break-ins and make yourself and your family as comfortable as possible. Be sure to save all your receipts so you can show them to the insurance adjuster. Do not start any major repairs until your insurance company's adjuster has inspected the property. Save the receipts from those projects as well.
- If the storm flooded your property, disconnect all electrical appliances and electronic equipment and relocate them to a safe, dry place. Move any other damaged household or office items to a dry part of the property.
- If the damageis considerable, identify your property by putting a plywood sign out front with the address and your insurance company's name. If you can't or don't want to stay there, include your telephone number.
- Once your insurance company has reached a final settlement, choose an experienced, reputable contractor to finish the repairs you couldn't do yourself. Ask the contractor (and anyone you know) for references and then check them out.
- Be wary of any contractor who asks for full payment before starting the job. After a major storm, unethical or unqualified contractors often prey upon desperate homeowners. They demand high prices, with payment upfront, and then do substandard or incomplete work before leaving the area with your money.
At SERVPRO, we are the Fire, Water, Mold, and Cleaning Experts- available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your emergency.
Call us at 321-264-0205
Or visit our website: http://www.SERVPROnewsmyrnabeachtitusville.com/