Water

• Turn off the water supply, system, or appliance from which the water escaped.
• Take photos of damaged property.
• Contact a professional water mitigation company. See a list of preferred vendors in your area.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Please have your water mitigation company check your upholstery items to see if they need to be dried out. Remove all items from the affected area when possible.
• If you are unable to remove large items, try to raise them off of the wet floor by placing wood blocks or tin foil until help arrives.
• Place ceiling fans on in affected rooms if the ceilings are not affected by water damage.
• Remove any valuables to a safe dry place.
• Move textile items and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
• Don’t use any electrical appliances or items while standing on wet carpets or floors.
• Don’t rely on unprofessional means of water extraction. Additional damages and mold can develop if water damage is not handled properly.

Fire

• Secure yourself.  We can replace your home: not you or your loved ones.
• If you do not have the resources for your immediate needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, contact your local disaster relief services, such as The Salvation Army, Red Cross, and your local religious or civic organizations.

Now that you are safe here are some tips and guidelines for the next 24 hours and leaving your home

Contact us.  We can assist with the process of getting your life back to normal and providing guidance on what to do next.  Here are some additional tips:

• Board up any openings to assist the prevention of looters or vandals.  We can provide information for emergency services in your area.
• Do not attempt to turn off the utilities.  Normally the civil authorities will take care of disconnecting or disabling any water, electric or gas sources.
• Contact your local police department so they know the home will be unoccupied.
• Do not attempt to re-enter the site if there is roof or structural damage.  Many times fires can rekindle and ceilings can later collapse due to the fire damage or by the water intrusion from the fire department.  Make sure it is deemed safe first.

Start Preparing For Your Claim

• Save any receipts for money you have spent.  You are entitled for reimbursement for additional costs over your normal standard of living.  An accurate record of your expenditures can also be of assistance during tax time.
• Do not discard any items until your adjuster has had a chance to inspect the property.  Items need to be documented and verified for payment.
• We understand you may not know of any contactors or restoration companies to perform the repairs.  Discuss the options of repair with us.  We have preferred vendors which do a great job, back their work, and take the hassle out of the process.  Of course the choice is yours; nonetheless, we will work to obtain an agreed price with whom you select.

Hopefully these tips have been helpful. Your best source of information is your insurance company. This is why we are here.  WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK

Theft

• Be safe.  Don’t touch anything or go into the house until you know you and your family are out of harm’s way.  The person could still be in the home or in its surroundings.
• Call the police.  Use your cell phone or a neighbor’s phone.  The police will investigate the loss by inspecting your home for clues and begin the process of trying to apprehend the perpetrator(s).  The report will be necessary to assist us in evaluating your claim.  You will need to obtain a copy and have all the items you are claiming listed on the police report.
• Secure your home.   If you have any broken windows or doors, or any other entry point, please board them up or secure them so there is no chance of re-entry.
• Prepare a copy of our contents inventory form.  You will need to provide a detailed description of each item including its age, make, model, replacement cost and documentation on proof of ownership. 
• Be sure to make a copy of any information you send us.  Sometimes items get lost in the mail.  Do not give away your last or only copy.
• Ask questions.  We are here to help you get back to your normal way of life.

Lightning

• Check your home for any inoperable items which you feel may have been affected from the storm.  Visually inspect any damage including any electrical outlets, components, or equipment.  If you suspect electrical damage please be safe.  Do not attempt to be your own electrician.  Call a licensed electrical or repairman which will be needed to verify the cause of loss.  He will need to sign our lightning affidavit form. 
• Please list any personal items under our contents inventory form.  Items claimed over $200.00 will need to be verified by a licensed electrician or repairman. (see Lightning Affidavit Form)

Liability

Report any occurrence which you may feel caused an injury or property damage to another immediately to your company. Late notification could jeopardize our investigation and coverage for the incident.

• If someone gets hurt on your property please find out the facts of the loss (who, what, why, when and how)
• Who/What got hurt/damaged?   Get the person’s contact information along with anyone who was there at the time of the injury.
• What were the damages/causes of the injury?  Did they fall? Slip? Get pushed?
• Why did it/they get hurt? Was there a dangerous condition? Were they impaired?  Did someone cause the injury?
• When did it occur?  What day?  Night?  Were you home?  Were they invited?
• Where did it happen?  On our property?  Inside?  Outside? In the backyard? Kitchen?
• How did it occur?  Elaborate on the cause and factors of how this happened.
• Do not discuss the facts surrounding the occurrence with anyone except your insurance adjuster or representative.
• Do not admit liability or offer any compensation. Let us complete our investigation and inform you of your rights.
• Secure any evidence or contraband which may have been a factor in the occurrence.