Making a Flood Damage Claim: Where To Start

4/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage from Storm Flooding can be devastating to the homes of Franklin, KY.

When your home has suffered damage from flooding in Franklin, KY, it can be a devastating situation. Emotions can be high, and there are often a great number of safety concerns, so knowing where to start with cleanup and filing a flood claim to cover your losses is usually a huge challenge.

The first, most important steps to take toward restoration and getting what you need from your insurance agency:

1. Don’t wait. While you’re getting in touch with the right people to help, start cleaning up. As you begin these tasks, be extremely aware of risks such as slippery surfaces, contaminated water, and electrical hazards. Take precautions, including wearing rubber gloves and shoes with good traction. Some of the first things you can do include the following:
   • Sop excess water from all wood surfaces.
   • Get rugs and other fabrics or important items off the wet floors and begin drying thoroughly.
   • If you have power, run box fans, your AC, or a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process and reduce damage levels.
2. Contact your insurance agency right away. If you’re a flood insurance holder, contact your adjuster immediately to make a flood claim. If you do not have flood insurance, then your home insurance agency should have the information you need regarding any coverage you may have for water damage.
3. Take pictures. Keep clear, high-quality photos of damaged areas as documentation to go with your insurance claim. Also hang on to damaged items, as these can serve as proof of loss and may be helpful for getting the coverage you need.
4. Leave a contact number. This way, when the adjustor comes to assess the damage to your house, he or she knows just how to get a hold of you with any questions, concerns, or details about paperwork or statements (i.e. proof of loss statement) you may need to sign.

Making a flood claim after suffering damage to your home in Franklin, KY, can be a daunting responsibility. The above tips should be helpful in prioritizing your first steps in this process.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at (270) 885-8811. 

SERVPRO of Christian, Todd, Logan and Simpson Counties has the equipment and training to respond immediately.