Health & Safety Following a Flood

Website: Insurance Information Institute

Material Excerpted From: iii.org – Flood

Cleaning up after a flood can pose health risks. You and your family should wait to re-enter your home until professionals tell you it is safe, with no structural, electrical or other hazards.

Before you start cleanup activities, contact your insurance company and take pictures of the home and your belongings. Remember, drying your home and removing water-damaged items is your most important step for preventing mold damage.

If your house has been flooded and you were not able to dry your home (including furniture and other items) within 24 – 48 hours, you should assume you have mold growth. You may see or smell mold on clothing, drywall, furniture, cardboard boxes, or books, but it may also be hidden under or behind items like carpet, cushions, or walls.

Exposure to mold can lead to asthma attacks, eye and skin irritation, and allergic reactions. It can lead to severe infections in people with weakened immune systems, so it is important to ensure the mold cleanup is complete before reoccupying your home.

Keep in mind that standard homeowners insurance policies typically exclude damage caused by mold, fungi and bacteria, unless it results from a covered peril, such as a burst pipe.

Claims can be stressful, seek assistance and advise your agent as soon as there is an unexpected occurrence if a claim needs to be made. We can help!

Have your Hometown Insurance specialist agent review your flood and coverage needs for your home before the claim at 1-800-568-SAVE (7283) or contact us by email at service@hometowninsurance.com  for helpful information.

#WeWorkForYou #floodinsurance #homeownersinsurance #claimsafety