| In recent years homeowners have been subjected to | | | | · Proper cleaning of water damaged |
| increased risk from flood and water damage as | | | | furniture, drapes, carpeting and even insulation or other |
| Mother Nature continues an active storm cycle and | | | | materials in the home. |
| insurance companies reduce flood coverage. Learn | | | | · Proper disinfecting of air vents and |
| how to protect your home from hurricane damage | | | | elimination of bacteria, mold, mildew and other |
| with these quick tips: | | | | contaminates. |
| 1. Check your insurance policy. The first step | | | | 3. Keep copies of everything! Make copies of |
| is to make sure you have coverage and understand | | | | your insurance policy, contact phone numbers, |
| any exclusions or limitations. For example, water | | | | photographs of belongings and other essential |
| damage due to high winds is very different than water | | | | documents on hand or in a safe deposit box. |
| damage due to storm surge or regular flooding. | | | | Remember, you may need to leave on short notice so |
| It’s also a good idea to plan early; once a storm is | | | | keep it in a convenient location. If you have storm |
| named, most insurance policies forbid writing new | | | | related damage, contact the insurance company as |
| policies. Those who wait until the last minute often find | | | | soon as possible to begin scheduling cleaning and |
| themselves without coverage. | | | | remediation services. |
| 2. Implement an immediate plan of action. If | | | | 4. Don’t underestimate storms. During any |
| you experience water related damage due to a flood | | | | crisis there are those who simply don’t believe it will |
| or hurricane it is important to act fast. Mold and mildew | | | | “be that bad” and others who are in denial. |
| can begin growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours. | | | | Chances are when you think of flood damage |
| Always make sure the electricity to the home is turned | | | | Houston doesn’t come to mind…but recent media |
| off at the breaker box before doing anything. Once | | | | coverage has shown the tremendous amount of |
| you are confident your personal safety is taken care | | | | water damage Houston residents are now dealing |
| of then it is time to go into action. Eliminate | | | | with. Obviously it can and does happen anywhere – |
| contaminated furniture, remove excess water and | | | | even Houston Texas. Listen to the media coverage |
| contact a company that is certified to deal with | | | | and take appropriate action before the storm strikes |
| insurance claims for water restoration and renovation | | | | to preserve the health of your family and pets first |
| services. Commonly encountered problems include: | | | | then deal with insurance claims and cleaning later by |
| · Properly performed repairs to wood | | | | calling a company like Kiwi Services who is able to |
| floors, drywall, cabinets, underlayment and other building | | | | handle all your cleaning, extraction and restoration |
| materials. | | | | services with just one call. |