Steps To Recovery

The Steps to Settlement

The following is a brief outline of the steps that are followed in the filing of your flood claim:

• You report a flood claim to your agent or directly to the NFIP.
• Your insurance company assigns an adjuster to assist you in the preparation of your claim.
• Your adjuster schedules an appointment to meet you at the site of the flooded property.
• Your adjuster will take photos, measure the damaged areas of your home and discuss needed repairs with you. He will also discuss an advance payment.
• If you have personal property coverage he will need to see and photograph all damaged items. Give the adjuster your list of damaged personal property items. If you have photos, give those to the adjuster as well.
• Once gathered, all this information will be entered by your adjuster into his computer, producing a room by room, item by item appraisal of your damages.
• The adjuster will be back in touch with you when he has completed this paperwork. He will need you to sign and have witnessed a "Proof of Loss" form. This form along with the adjuster's estimate of damages and all photos is then forwarded to Jackson Adjustment Company's home office.
• Your claim will undergo a review process in our home office. We do not approve or deny claims. Our review is to make certain that your coverage has been correctly applied to your damage and that all paperwork has been completed. After this review, the claim is forwarded directly to your insurance company.
• Your insurance company will examine the claim file and make the determination of what to pay. A check for building damage will be made payable to you and to any lien holder(s). A check for personal property will be cut separately and will be made payable directly to you.

Your flood policy requires that the Proof of Loss form be filed with your insurance company within 60 days from the date of loss. Your adjuster will assist you in meeting this deadline. Work with your adjuster. His responsibility is to assist you during this critical period in your life. His objective is to insure that you receive all monies that are due you for covered flood damage.

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Getting the Moisture Out

Remove all water as soon as possible from your home. Wash out mud, dirt, and debris with a hose or mop and sponge..

Remove furnishings that are water soaked (but keep them available for your adjuster to see).

Remove wallboard and paneling to the flood level, being careful to take pictures of the water line before you do so. Wallboard acts like a sponge when wet. You should also remove any flood-damaged insulation which can hold water for months after getting wet. Plaster walls can usually be adequately drained by removing the baseboard and breaking out plaster and lath at the bottom of the wall. Later the baseboard can cover the opening.

Remove vinyl-covered wallpaper. It will restrict drying within flood damaged walls.

Remove wet carpeting, taking a picture before you do so and saving a small sample for your adjuster.

Once wet carpeting and wet wall surfaces have been removed the dry out process can effectively start. At this point dehumidifiers and fans are useful especially when outside humidity levels are high. When using them, shut windows and doors.

If you hire a cleanup company their covered charges will be included in your final settlement. It is your responsibility to pay the cleaning company as the insurance company will not accept an assignment. Have the cleaning company foreman call your adjuster to discuss the working arrangement.

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Mold Prevention and Cleaning

When we talk about mold and your flood policy, you need to know that your insurance company will pay for and expect that you do everything in your power to prevent mold. If it is impossible for you to take preventive measures and mold appears, then you are covered under your flood policy.

Anyone who advises you not to touch anything until your adjuster sees it is giving you bad advice. It is your responsibility under your policy to prevent the growth of mold. The following information should be helpful.

Detection: Molds can usually be detected by a musty odor. Discoloration of surfaces is common with mold growth. The mold may change surfaces to white, green, brown, black, or orange.

Conditions for Mold Growth: Molds grow on organic materials such as paper, leather, dirt, tile grout, and cement. They grow best at warm moist temperatures between 77 and 86 degrees F.

To Prevent Mold: Cleaning, disinfecting and drying surfaces prevents mold growth. Mold will grow on damp surfaces within a couple of days at normal temperatures. Reduce humidity levels by using dehumidifiers and air conditioners. Also, ventilate with outside air during the winter when outside temperatures are colder than indoor temperatures. Ventilating with summer air typically increases the air s relative humidity. Increase the flow of air within your home. Move furniture away from walls and open closet doors to permit air circulation.

Cleanup and Removal of Mold: Materials should be dried quickly, mold will grow within 24 to 48 hours. Remove mold using a non-ammonia soap or detergent. Never mix bleach and ammonia. Rinse with clean water. Disinfect by applying a solution of ¼ bleach per gallon of water. The surface should be thoroughly wetted with the solution. Allow the solution to dry naturally for 6 to 8 hours.

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Pumping Out Your Basement

Before you enter a flooded basement, take time to:

• Turn off the electricity, preferably at the meter.
• Check outside cellar walls for possible cave-ins, evidence of structural damage or other hazards.
• Turn off gas or fuel service valves.
• Open doors and windows or use blowers to force fresh air in the basement.

For safety reasons, do not use an electric pump powered by your own electrical system. Instead use a gas-powered pump or one connected to an outside line. Fire departments in some communities may help with pumping services.

No matter the type of basement wall construction, if the basement is flooded with more than 6 inches of water, don't be in a big hurry to pump it out. More damage could be caused by pumping the water out too soon than by letting it remain. Water in the basement helps brace the walls against the extra pressure of the wet soil. If pumped too soon, floors may push up and walls cave in. Don't pump until water around your home recedes then follow this procedure to prevent further damage:

• Remove about a third of the water each day.
• If the outside water level rises again after the day's pumping, start at the new water line.
• Don't rush the pumping; the soil may be very slow to drain. Whatever is submerged in the basement will not be damaged further by delaying the pumping.

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Avoid Contractor Rip Offs

Be extremely cautious about contractors you hire to repair or rebuild damaged property.

Unfortunately, a few dishonest contractors take advantage of people caught in the wake of a flood.

• Try not to rush into starting repair work.
• Get estimates from more than one licensed, bonded, reputable contractors. Don't go with the first person that comes along. Call your local Better Business Bureau to check out a contractor.
• Find out what neighbors are paying for similar work.
• Be wary of contractors claiming, "I can get to you right away and do it cheap& just sign here".
• Make certain the contractor shows you a certificate of insurance covering liability and worker's compensation - otherwise you could be sued if a worker is injured while working on your property.
• Get a contract in writing. It should include what is to be done, when the work will start and end, an itemized cost breakdown, a payment schedule, and it should spec out the quality of materials that will be used.
• Make sure repairs are done according to local building codes. Most flood repairs require permits. Check with your local building department.
• Be careful that you signature on a contractor's bid is not an authorization to begin work.
• Don't pay more than 20% down for the contractor to begin work. Then pay periodically according to the progress of the work.
• If the contractor insists on payment for materials up front, then go with him to buy the materials.
• Have the contractor sign a release of lien when the work is done and paid for, this prevents the contractor from making legal claims against your property in the event of a disagreement.
• Make sure all work that requires city or county inspection is officially approved in writing before making final payment to the contractor and...
• Don't make final payment until the job is finished and you are satisfied with it.

If you have been a victim of contractor fraud, contact your State Attorney General's Office, Office of Consumer Protection, and your local police department.

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