Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
Special to Valley News
Though the heavy rains have subsided, more rain is in the forecast. However, danger could be lurking around the corner with mudflow and erosion problems. Make sure you are prepared!
If you find your home and property damaged, you may be wondering, “How do I get this put back together?”
If recent rains flooded your home, or you’ve noticed movement in retaining walls, house cracking/shifting, slopes seem to be moving, wind damage, power failures, etc., these issues can pose serious dangers. Structural and interior damage, live power lines, mold and open areas of your house can all put you at risk. If damage is severe enough, you may need to leave your house until you are able to evaluate the damage.
Consider going to an emergency shelter, staying with friends or family, or staying at a hotel until you’re able to get an inspector to your home. Take a few days’ worth of clothing and supplies, if possible, but prioritize safety above collecting your possessions. Nothing is worth being injured or killed. Things are replaceable, however, your life isn’t!
Check with your insurance company and find out what your policy covers. They may provide someone to inspect your home for safety hazards, or you may need to hire someone (make sure they are licensed and qualified), but in either case, you should have your home checked for hazards before you return.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides a variety of assistance to victims of storm damage. If a local, state or federally declared disaster is announced, you may be eligible to get help with temporary housing, repairs, meals for your family and filing insurance claims. Contact the FEMA branch in your area.
Once your home is safe, document the damage that has been done by the storm as soon as possible, particularly if your homeowner’s insurance only covers certain types of damage. Take photos of the damage, and be sure to document any potential problems, such as structural or interior damage, mold, crumbling drywall or exposed power lines. It’s a good idea to have pictures on file of the normal state of your house.
When documenting damage, danger still may be imminent. Ground movement, pipes breaking, electrical lines and unstable structures can cause injury even after the storm. Use caution. Do not touch any power lines. If you smell gas, leave the area ASAP. Wear sturdy boots, gloves and a hardhat.
More storms are forecasted to hit following the recent rainfall. Remember; if you’re concerned about a storm that hasn’t hit yet, take photos both before and after the storm.
Many homeowner’s insurance policies won’t cover flood damage, so if your home has flooded, contact your flood insurance company instead. If you don’t have flood insurance, you might be stuck paying for the damage yourself.
You can contact a disaster clean-up company to come in and evaluate your home and begin the post-flood clean-up process.
