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Post by wynken on May 3, 2012 8:02:53 GMT -5
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Post by Di on May 3, 2012 8:54:50 GMT -5
I hate my phone. I will post on this when I get to a real computer. My nice helpful post just disappeared into the ether.
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Post by Di on May 3, 2012 11:39:19 GMT -5
If you are in the US here are some suggestions for insurance filing on flood claims. I worked after Katrina as a flood adjuster's assistant (actually writing up many of the claims)
1. a digital camer is VITAL -- document EVERYTHING. You can begin clean up, but before you do, take a photo of each item. Make sure that the water line is visible.
2. Make a list of each item of clothing that has to be discarded note the origina price. Claims are based on replacement cost minus depreciation.
3. List NOTHING as an "antique" see above, the depreciation on antiques renders them worthless.
4. Wear a respriator when working in areas with black mold, it can make you VERY SICK...(learned through experience)
5. PHOTOGRAPHS! PHOTOGRAPHS! PHOTOGRAPHS!
6. If you can type up an inventory with current prices, your adjuster will love you.
There is another thread on here about making an inventory. This really is important, but if you don't actually write down things, as you get an area clean photograph it. If you get a cupboard clean take a picture. If you clean out a closet, take a photo. Being able to prove you had the items is vital.
My heart goes out to anyone who has to deal with flooding, I could not believe that just a few inches of flooding could virtually destroy a complete home.
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Post by Di on May 3, 2012 11:42:04 GMT -5
Oh if you get to your photographs quickly, get them out of the frames or albums or the boxes they are crammed into if they are like mine, get a sink full of clean water and soak them gently and then lay them out flat on clean towels or sheets. If you can dry them outside it's even better. I was surprised at how many beloved photographs were saved this way.
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Post by CourageouslyLion SeeksSerenity on May 3, 2012 14:06:56 GMT -5
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Post by thisisnotme on May 3, 2012 15:14:52 GMT -5
Thank you for posting all of this. I intend to use the mold-detecting kit at my house this weekend. Whether I have "black mold" or not, there IS mold and I AM allergic. There may not be anyone else who cares enough to help me, but I need to do this. By. myself. (If necessary...)
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Post by wynken on May 3, 2012 18:10:55 GMT -5
TY for all the information Di - Thats good to know. In a big event (or even an isolated one) assessors can be delayed. I liked that the photos can also be bagged and frozen for when there is more time - assuming there are freezers available.
TY for all the other links Lioness - I knew there were other threads that relate to this.
Good Luck thisisnotme. Take care of yourself. Masks. gloves. watchout for any treatments you might react to as well.
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Post by dayeanu on May 4, 2012 11:41:12 GMT -5
This is a very important thread. Thanks to everyone who contributed.
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Post by Di on May 4, 2012 12:06:47 GMT -5
I have put all my valuable photos on discs I still have the photos themselves, but I have back ups. I have my important papers in the box with the discs, If I have to evacuate, I grab the box. So far I haven't had any hurricane damage myself, but I have certainly seen it all around me and families who have lost everything. In the event of an evacuation, take: MEDS, important papers (driver's license, social security card, insurance cards, copies of your financial records, (list of what you have and where) cash, 2 changes of clothes for each person and something to sleep in, personal products that you might need, and small toys and quiet games to entertain the kids. Be sure you have your phone charger, and your lap top if you have one. Be sure to have a flashlight and a battery powered radio and extra batteries and it's good to have at least 3-4 meals of non perishable foods and bottled water. You don't always know where you will end up and whether or not you will have power or even clean water. Before you leave, stock your home with non perishable food, Ice in an ice chest, and extra batteries. Chances are you will be able to return home, but I know that after hurricanes I have been without power for up to 2 weeks and in several occasions, the local stores sustained damage and were closed for a few days or weeks.
Floods are horrible. The clean up is overwhelming. I went in homes and there were times when I couldn't stop crying. Broken cribs and tiny clothes got to me every time. I am just grateful to have never experienced one. Water has come very close, but not in my home.
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Post by CourageouslyLion SeeksSerenity on May 4, 2012 13:00:11 GMT -5
In the event of an evacuation, take: MEDS, important papers (driver's license, social security card, insurance cards, copies of your financial records, (list of what you have and where) cash, 2 changes of clothes for each person and something to sleep in, personal products that you might need, and small toys and quiet games to entertain the kids. Be sure you have your phone charger, and your lap top if you have one. Be sure to have a flashlight and a battery powered radio and extra batteries and it's good to have at least 3-4 meals of non perishable foods and bottled water. You don't always know where you will end up and whether or not you will have power or even clean water. Before you leave, stock your home with non perishable food, Ice in an ice chest, and extra batteries. Chances are you will be able to return home, but I know that after hurricanes I have been without power for up to 2 weeks and in several occasions, the local stores sustained damage and were closed for a few days or weeks. Great list. For those with pets, also remember pet medical records (vaccinations), license info, food, medications, extra dishes, and bedding. Also non-choking chew toys. And have safe pet "crate" or caging ready in case you need to board your pet at an emergency pet shelter. - |
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