By Staff
The storm which blew through the Southern part of Michigan and northern Indiana last week may have caught some people by surprise.
Preparation is important before the storm warning is flashed across the television screen or heard on the radio.
Even with being prepared, damage may occur. State Farm Insurance offers these tips on what to do after a disaster:
Look for damage, including roof damage, that could allow rain into the house. (Don't climb onto the roof.)
If your power is out, unplug all small and sensitive items to prevent electrical spike damage. (This includes TV, VCR, computers, etc.)
Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. This may include temporary roof repair, window glass replacement, boarding up holes with plywood and covering leaks with plastic sheeting.
Remove water from saturated floors and carpet.
Separate items that may be cleaned and/or repaired.
Dry and clean wet furniture and clothing as soon as possible. Save your receipts; the costs for these emergency steps are covered under your insurance policy.
Check with your claim representative before you dispose of any items you plan to claim as damaged.
Document the time you spent cleaning up, what you did and the number of hours.
Make a list of all damaged items, include quantity, description and age.
Protect yourself and others:
Wait for an all-clear announcement before leaving your home.
Check people around you for injuries. Begin first-aid and seek help.
Watch out for downed utility lines.
Restrict telephone use to emergency calls.
Avoid collapsed or deteriorated bridges.
Check your water heater and appliances for damage. Do your checking with a flashlight, not matches or candles. If you smell gas, open windows and turn off the main valve. Don't turn on lights and appliances until the gas has dissipated and the system has been checked. If electric wires are shorting out, turn off the power.
Use your emergency water or boil tap water before drinking until you are told the water supply is safe.
Food that came in contact with flood waters may be contaminated and should be discarded.
Check refrigerated food for spoilage. Make a list of spoiled or contaminated food and save the list for your claim representative. Damaged food may be covered by your insurance policy.
Debris in the streets, downed power lines and flooding may make driving hazardous. If flooding is a potential hazard, stay away from rivers and streams.
Protect your home and personal property:
Look for damage, including roof damage, that could allow rain into the house. (Don't climb onto the roof.)
If your power is out, unplug all small and sensitive items to prevent electrical spike damage. (This includes TV, VCR, computers, etc.)
Protect your car from further damage:
If your car was under water, do not try to start it. Take extra steps to remove the water and speed up the drying process.
Cover windows, holes, etc. to prevent more water from coming in.
Find your vehicle and registration, you'll need it to file your claim.
If you need to have your vehicle towed, or get temporary repairs, save all receipts. See claims section for more information.
If your home is damaged so severely you can't live in it, payment for expenses that are beyond your normal living expenses may be available.
Find temporary housing for your family. (There is no coverage under the flood policy for this expense).
Keep all receipts associated with the temporary housing, meals and other miscellaneous expenses.