Storm damage flooding from intense thunderstorms or snowmelt conditions can occur at any time of the year but particularly in the spring. If you have experienced flood damage to your property the following measures are suggested; however, they should not be considered all-inclusive:
- Contact your insurance agent to verify insurance coverage of the damages incurred. Unless there are special circumstances, flooding from external sources is usually not covered by most homeowner policies.
- Check for structural damage prior to entering a building. Upon entering a building, do not use an open flame. Verify that the gas and electric utility lines are shut off; do not enter flooded areas unless all gas and electric lines have been disconnected.
- Cover broken windows or holes in the roof to prevent further damage.
- Commence immediate cleanup to reduce health hazards.
- Use only purified or bottled water.
- Wood furniture should be air-dried and kept out of direct sunlight.
- Remove debris before it has a chance to dry.
- Flooded basements should be drained and cleaned after floodwaters have subsided. Pumping out basements should be done at moderate rates to avoid wall failures.
