Preparedness for risk and acting on those preparations when calamities happen are the two keys to safety when a storm, a hurricane, or the remnants of a hurricane strike. You have to gather information, plan and take action, and find resources. Always prioritize the safety of your family and pets.
The experts at ServiceMaster by LoveJoy have compiled these tips to help you prepare for a storm or hurricane.
- Make sure that you have the contact details of your local emergency management offices, your county public safety fire and rescue, local hospitals, local radio stations, and TV stations.
- Analyze the risk, it is important that you know what the risks are and have plans for survival. Listening to news updates is very important when disaster strikes.
- Secure an emergency plan for yourself and your family. Be sure to have a plan for locations away from home; pet owners should have plans to care for their animals. If you live near a body of water, have a boat prepared and be aware of marine safety.
- Evacuate your place if needed; if evacuation is necessary when disaster happens, don’t hesitate to ask for help from authorities. Follow the instructions given by your local officials. Leave immediately if ordered. Consider your options to decide whether to stay or evacuate your home if you are not ordered to evacuate. Always remember that your family’s safety is of top priority.
Your Emergency Supply Kit
Putting together an emergency supply kit is an important part of hurricane preparation. Your emergency supply kit should contain the following:
- Water: You should have one gallon of water per person each day for between 3 and 7 days.
- Food: Your food supply should consist of non-perishable items and snack foods, as well as paper plates, a can opener, and cooking tools.
- Clothing: Pack clothing that can withstand rainy conditions.
- Blankets and Pillows: Have enough blankets and pillows for each member of your family.
- First Aid Kit: Pack necessary medication and prescription drugs, as well as bandages and other supplies to deal with minor injuries.
- Toiletries: Include personal hygiene products.
- Special Items: Make sure to pack any special items needed for young children or the elderly.
- Flashlight Batteries: Pack a flashlight and extra batteries to keep it working.
- Radio: Include a small battery-operated radio to listen to weather reports.
- Cell Phones: Keep your cell phones charged and bring extra batteries and a charger.
- Cash and Credit Cards: You may not be able to visit a bank or ATM if the hurricane has caused significant widespread damage.
- Keys: Make sure you have the keys to your car and house.
- Pet Care: If you have pets, you must have supplies for them, too. Make sure you have the proper identification documents, food and water for several days, a leash, and a cage, if necessary.
- Tools: Having a simple tool kit handy can be useful.
- Gas in Vehicles: Make sure your car is filled with gas before a storm, so you can evacuate without making any stops.
How to File a Water Damage Insurance Claim
After a hurricane, your home or business facility may be flooded. Basic homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, so it’s best to secure a separate flood insurance policy.
Here are the steps to filing a water damage insurance claim:
- Review the declarations page of your homeowners or renters insurance policy to check your coverage, deductibles, limitations, exclusions, and filing deadlines.
- Document the damage (photos, videos, etc.) before any cleanup or restoration work.
- Once the affected area has been inspected, hire a professional restoration company like ServiceMaster by LoveJoy for assessments, estimates, and restoration. We will perform complete water extraction, drying and dehumidification, pack-out and content storage, board-up, and mold remediation as necessary.
- Request written estimates at each stage of the process to provide to your insurance agency.
- Gather necessary information needed to file a claim, including, but not limited, to:
- Date and location of the damage
- Contact information of the property owner or your contact information if you do not own the property
- Cleanup and restoration estimates
- Receipts for cleanup, repairs, lodging, and meals if your home is uninhabitable or if you have to leave before or during cleanup and repair, and other related costs
- A complete list of all damaged items and building materials
- Keep a detailed record of every contact or communication you’ve made with the insurance company. Include the date and time of the call, the name of the representative, and a short description of your conversation. Keep copies of written communication with the insurance company, including files for digital communication like emails.
You will be contacted within a couple of days after you have filed your water damage claim. You will be provided with a detailed description of the process, including your responsibilities and the documentation you need to complete.
After this is done, your claim will undergo investigation. Upon approval, you will receive reimbursement for the damaged property and direct payment to the company in charge of the restoration work.
Contact Us for Storm Damage Restoration Services in Conyers, GA
ServiceMaster by LoveJoy is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (678) 293-0297 for storm damage restoration and repairs. You may also schedule an appointment through our online contact form.
- High-quality and fast response
- Licensed and certified technicians
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
Don’t know what to do next? We do. We are servicing residential and commercial properties in Atlanta, Roswell , Sandy Springs, Marietta, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle, Dekalb County, Fulton County, Georgia, and the surrounding areas.
