What can we do to Prepare for the Next Flood?
Floods are one of the most common natural disasters besides wildfire and drought. In most cases, flooding follows a hurricane, swollen rivers, excess rains, or thawing snow. Floods can be harmful to your health, home, or business premises. If you live in a flood-prone area, it will help to put some measures to safeguard your loved ones and property. Read on to learn about our suggestions on flood preparation. The History of Floods in New York New York City has had many very catastrophic floods. To mention a few, in august 2021, flash floods killed more than forty people, many of them being in the basement. The floods resulted from remnants of Hurricane Ida that had struck the city earlier, leaving hundreds of people homeless. The hurricane let loose torrential rains, which scooped up vehicles, grounded flights, and submerged New York City’s subway lines. The residents of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut experienced the destruction of roofs, power outages, and flooded basements. The roads were full of river-like torrents with just a few minutes of downpours. In June 2006, a frontal boundary came across central New York and Florida. It developed a powerful low-level jet that moved tropical moisture resulting in a 3-day rain. The heavy rains resulted in floods causing numerous mudslides. Two Interstate 88 bridges were also swept away near Sidney, NY. The storm killed four people in New York, damaging thousands of properties. In January 1996, a rapid meltdown of snowpack and about 2-4 inches of rain caused a significant flood. There was considerable evacuation and severe damage to infrastructure, which exceeded $100 million. The floods also claimed at least four lives in New York. Tips to prepare for Floods Prepare in Advance Ensure that you are Red Cross Read, that is to say; Have an emergency preparedness kit ready Create your household evacuation plan Stay up-to-date on your community’s risk and response plan Ensure that your family members know how to contact you should you go separate ways during an emergency How to Prepare Before a Flood Protecting Your Home First, know if you are in a flood risk area. If yes, consider getting flood insurance. Ensure that the insurance cover you buy provides coverage for floods. If you live in a floodplain, elevate your home to reduce the level of damage when floods occur. Get an expert to help you: Elevate your water heater, electrical panel, and furnace to levels that floods are less likely to reach Check valves in plumbing to prevent the floodwater from flowing back into your home drains. When floods threaten, you may use large corks to seal tubs or plug showers as your last recourse If your city building codes permit, construct barriers like flood walls to prevent floodwater from flowing into your home Close up the basement walls with waterproofing compounds to avoid water leaks through cracks When you expect to flood, use sandbags to create a barricade. Two people may take an hour put 100 bags of sand, building a one-foot high wall Ensure that there are enough sand, time, and energetic people to help When floods are likely to occur, some communities give out free sandbags. Be on the watch out for such opportunities Protecting Your Pets Have an emergency kit for your pets ready. Ensure you protect any outhouse, corral, or pasture just as you protect your house. When you construct fence lines, install them to allow your pets to move to higher ground with ease in case of flooding. Right before flooding, you can; Make full plastic bottles with clean drinking water Fill up the bathtubs and sinks with water. You may use the water later for washing the floor or flushing. Fill up the gas tank of your car, just in case you will need to evacuate your home. Switch off propane tanks to minimize the risk of fire. If time still allows; You may move your valuable items and furniture to a higher ground If the authorities ask, turn off utilities to prevent damage to your home appliances. During a Flood Keep your ears to the radio or TV for weather updates or emergency protocols. If there is a possibility of flash floods, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions. Stick to any emergency instructions given by the authorities. If you must evacuate your home, do the following: If asked to evacuate, do so as soon as you can. Besides, evacuation is safer before the floods hit as it may become hard for ordinary cars to drive through. Switch off all electric circuits from the main switch, gas at the meter, and water at the main valve. Ensure you follow the recommended evacuation routes. You may find obstructions on shortcuts. If you come across a flooded area when evacuating, turn around and go the other way. Do not drive through flooded regions as your car may be swept away. If your car stalls, get out immediately and move to safer, higher ground. If possible, do not move through flowing water. Use a stick to confirm whether the ground is firm if you must. Stay out of apartments surrounded by floods. After the Flood Listen out or search for the latest official statements from government authorities. Do not go back home unless it is safe, and advised so by the authorities Even if you get the go-ahead to return home, inspect your home before entering. Check for visible cracks or broken parts. Avoid driving your car through areas that are still flooded Use a stick to move light items as you check for dangerous insects and wild animals Check your home’s electric circuits, water sources, and gas for damages before turning them back on. Do not step on standing water with bare feet as it may have an electric charge from downed power lines. Do thorough cleaning and disinfect everything that comes into contact with the floodwater. Wear protective clothing, for example, rubber gloves when cleaning, and exercise
The Importance of Damage Restoration Services
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the most common causes of property damage are water damage and freezing, followed by fire, lightning, wind, and hail. One thing is certain: no matter the reason, property damage is every homeowner’s nightmare. Even with good insurance, you still have to get past the physical, emotional, and financial losses and restore your home. Your best bet is finding a local restoration contractor who knows exactly what you need to get you back in shape. Here are nine reasons why you should get a professional damage restoration service. 1. Avoid Long Term Water and Fire Damage Effects Think of your property like a sponge: it can take weeks to completely dry out if your pipes burst or a storm sweeps through. Porous materials swell with moisture; wood splits, board sag, and mold kick in. Even when surfaces look and feel dry, the dampness may still linger. Fire damage has even more harmful effects. The airborne soot can remain in the air and cause respiratory problems. Fires often trigger water damage from the fire fighting efforts. A professional restoration contractor can only diagnose the hidden effects of damage. 2. Property Damage Inspection Is Highly Specialized An ordinary construction crew simply doesn’t have the technical expertise to inspect your property after fire and water damage. A restoration contractor looks at the finest details, from your floorboards to your insulation and utility installations. Virtually every part of your property feels the effect of water and fire damage in one way or another. If you overlook anything, it could lead to unprecedented costs to your health and savings. 3. Rescue Your Precious Possessions A restoration contractor recovers as much of your items as possible then checks them for damage like contamination, rust, burns, breakage, and tearing. This is very helpful for important things that you can’t let go of easily, like priceless family heirlooms, electronics, and documents. 4. Stress-Free Insurance Handling Many homeowners discover the complications of insurance claims when it’s far too late. Most property insurance companies offer policies with conditions like time limits, preventable damage, and maximum settlement amounts. Your claim can fail to pass simply because you missed a requirement when filing your paperwork. Let a restoration contractor handle your insurance claim on your behalf. The contractor can help you get the best possible settlement to cover your restoration project with the complete inspection and restoration estimate. 5. The Right Tools for the Job When a restoration contractor arrives on your property, you’ll immediately see the difference just from their equipment. Structural damage is notoriously difficult to assess after a fire or flood. Restoration inspection needs specialist gear to detect leaks, check air quality and monitor electrical wiring. The right restoration contractor has the tools to see well past the visible damage to your property. 6. Know What to Keep and What to Lose Part of your property restoration involves disposing of damaged items to make room for the new. But unless you want a complete restoration after water damage, there are always opportunities to rescue and repair some of your possessions to save on costs. A restoration contractor knows the difference between what to keep and discard. For example, you may scrap water-damaged furniture when it can get a new look after getting disinfected, deep cleaned, and restored. Or you may hang onto books, toys, or clothing for sentimental reasons, but you end up discarding them because of contamination and mold. 7. Unmatched Cost Savings Damage restoration is expensive, with the national average at $2400 for water damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, a repair can cost even double this amount. It’s easy to get overwhelmed once you see what a flood or fire has done to your precious home, plus the unexpected financial burden that comes with it. Bring in a restoration contractor to give you an objective perspective. You’ll be surprised that you can restore your home at much less than you expected. Your restoration contractor has your best interests at heart. Believe it or not, your restoration budget can even get you a beautiful, high-end design beyond your imagination. 8. Peace of Mind A restoration contractor knows precisely how to handle your property, so you can rest easy and let them do all the work. You should focus on getting back to normal after the water or fire damage, not pulling up carpets, and disinfecting your property. Understand that the longer you take to restore your property, the more extensive the unseen damage and the more expensive it will be. Get a restoration contractor as soon as possible, and you’ll be back in a safe, upgraded home with minimal stress. 9. Complete design control Would you like your restored home to be just like before the water or fire damage, or do you want a clean start with a brand new look? A restoration contractor is an expert at working with what you’ve got. All it takes is accurate measurements and reference images to design your restored home. If you’d like a new upgraded space, your contractor can revise and redesign your property to a modern luxury home. Once you’re set on the design, the restoration contractor gets right to work on your water-damaged home. 3 Steps to Complete Property Restoration with NYTDR No matter the size of your property, or the extent of damage, NYTDR is the team you need on your project. We specialize in water damage restoration, and our process is as easy as 1-2-3. Insurance management: NYTDR works with your property insurance provider for the best settlement terms at no cost to you. Planning and design: Our team of designers can make your space look as good as new. Construction management: Our construction specialists handle your home restoration from start to end. With NYTDR, all you need to do is find a temporary place to stay and we’ll handle everything else and update you at every step. You’ll come home to a clean, safe, beautiful
Help Get Insurance to Pay for Water Damage
Water damage can be one of the most costly types of damage to repair and replace. Rain, floods, and leaks are unavoidable. When an insurance company receives a water damage claim, they will decide whether or not to pay for the claims based on several factors. If the worst happens, you will have to file for an insurance claim to restore the damage caused by water. Doing regular home maintenance and ensuring that your water system runs smoothly will increase your chances of a payout. The steps of getting the entire insurance claim for water damage in New York City’s apartments include: Step 1 Determine the cause of your water damage and check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if the insurance company covers the water damage. Insurance Covered Damages You can expect your home insurance to cover sudden or accidental water damage, but not damage caused by neglect or lack of home maintenance. Water damages covered by home insurance include those caused by natural disasters like earthquakes, storms, and hurricanes. You can also claim your homeowner’s policy if there are sudden damages like cracked pipes, a burst in the main water supply, or broken water appliances. Remember, your insurance company might only cover the damage caused by the breaks and not the actual appliances or pipes. Uncovered Damages Individual policies vary on the types of water damages not covered in them. However, the general damages in this category include gradual damage, floods, mold, and damage caused by neglect. In most cases, homeowners need to purchase separate flood insurance because of the extensive damage caused by floods. You can prevent gradual damage and damages caused by neglect. Both damages occur over a long time, giving you time to stop their effect. For example, you can inspect your plumbing system regularly and ensure that it is well-maintained. Sometimes, your water damage might not be a gradual or neglect problem but a mold problem. There are several mold warning signs that you can look out for, including: • You can watch out for mold odor. Most molds produce a persistent musty smell that is not easy to miss • There can also be visible signs of mold growth in your home. Molds come in all colors, so any change you see on your walls or damp places is a warning sign. Ensure you fix all your water leaks to avoid breeding grounds for molds • If you observe water stains or discoloration on your walls, floor, or ceilings, the chances are there is a mold in your home. You should also look out for bubbling, cracking, or peeling paint and wallpapers • Molds may also grow in the aftermath of a flood • Report the claim if the policy covers the damage Step 2 Hire a restoration service to clean up the water and moisture professionally. Determine if you need to leave your home. If the damage is severe, leave your home and allow the restoration to continue. Water damages present the risk of electrocution and unhealthy living conditions inside your home. Step 3 Take photos of the damage and things that you need to replace. Your home restoration team might take these pictures, but it is necessary to have your images. Step 4 Meet with your insurance adjuster, who will evaluate the water damage. The adjuster’s work is to determine the cause of the damage and repair cost. Step 5 Find a contractor to repair the damage once your insurance company processes your claim. In some cases, the company may have its preferred contractors. What can New York Total Damage Restoration (NYTDR) do for you? NYTDR is a restoration company that works directly with your insurance company to repair water damage on your property. It does not matter if the damage is in your kitchen, bathroom, or the whole house. The company will help you get the insurance claim and plan and design your restoration. Licensed repair restoration experts, designers, and construction specialists will remediate and restore your property from start to finish. All you need to do is initiate a free consultation!
Should carpet be replaced after water damage?
Flooding, leaks and underfloor burst pipes are some of the ways your carpet may get wet. Water damage is a serious issue that many New York residents deal with. It may be due to old infrastructure and pipes, a result of living in apartment buildings and suffering from a neighbors damage, storms and other weather related issues or simply bad luck but when disaster strikes most people are unprepared. While it’s clear that water extraction must take place if your space is flooded, and all dampness needs to be dried out, what can and can’t be salvaged and the potential unseen dangers are murky. Replacing carpets can be a costly expense and clients often ask whether it is really important to strip the carpet if there is a leak or dampness. Understanding what lies under the carpet, the health and safety hazards involved in mold growth from water damage and the potential increase of damage to your property are factors you will want to weigh in when deciding whether or not to replace water damaged carpet. Is Water Damage Visible? While you may think this is a funny question to ask, the truth is that the majority of the real damage that water and moisture cause is not easily seen. Of course, damaged books, toys, mattresses and even furniture are clearly visible following flooding but the damage that water seeping into flooring, carpets and walls does is usually more harmful to your health and safety. Water travels via the easiest route – often this means it can travel far and build up and cause damage far from the original source. A leak in a bath upstairs can result in water damage in the floor, ceiling but also potentially in a different part of the house depending on the easiest route the water finds, so ensuring you actually find both the source and all the damage caused is important. What are Water Damage Health and Safety Hazards to be concerned about? Beyond the damage to your home which is usually fixable albeit at a price, water damage and mold can affect one’s health permanently. For those already suffering from asthma and other breathing issues, mold and dampness can exaggerate the existing condition, increase wheezing, attacks and general overall health. For others who may never have suffered from asthma, COPD or other respiratory illnesses, prolonged exposure to mold and breathing it in can cause them to develop temporary or permanent issues. Other related health issues including rashes and skin conditions can also be caused by mold. If water is actually left sitting, mosquitoes and other flies and bugs are likely to be attracted and be an additional nuisance and possible health hazard. Carpet Water Damage Water damage carpet cleaning Mold in carpet from water damage It doesn’t take more than a little moisture, warmth and dark space to breed mold quickly, carpet is an ideal home for mold to grow. Homeowners who experience even a small amount of water seeping into their homes either from flooding or a broken pipe should be concerned about mold especially when that moisture gets trapped under an insulted material such as carpet. How to treat water damaged carpet The faster you start cleaning up after water damage, the more likely you are to stop mold from growing under your carpet. Calling in mold remediation experts or water damage specialists is usually recommended to ensure the dampness is fully dried out and any damage that has taken place is dealt with before it spreads. If you are attempting to treat the water damaged carpet yourself Extract all water possible. Get hold of water extraction machine to remove as much of the water as possible. Ventilate the room. Open all windows to distribute fresh air and speed drying. Use floor flans to increase circulations and dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air and carpet. Treat the smell. Carpet smells after water damage, use vinegar or baking soda to remove the odor and freshen up the carpet. How to get rid of carpet odor from water damage Once you have dried out the carpet, use a combination of one cup vinegar to two cups warm water and gently spray the areas that smell. Be sure not to over spray and create new moisture! Sprinkling baking soda once the carpet is dry and then vacuuming or using a carpet spray freshener can also help to eliminate the moist carpet smell coming from the carpet fibers. While all carpet smells following water damage and dampness, lingering water damage smells could indicate the continued growth of mold or mildew, which thrives in damp conditions. If you the carpet odor continues after you have dried and treated the carpet, don’t wait for mold to appear or for your family to start wheezing, call in a mold remediation specialist immediately. Water Damage Restoration Insurance You may be surprised to discover what is or is not covered by your home insurance following water damage. Certain types of water damage are covered, and ensuring you get the maximum coverage from your water damage restoration insurance is usually dependent on having someone professional asses the complete damage and help with submitting the claim. Because damage may be hidden or not visible, an expert will be able to detail the visible and hidden damages which need to be repaired, restored or replaced.
Mold vs. Mildew
First and foremost, if you have a mold concern in your home, we highly recommend contacting a licensed professional to identify the fungus. Although mold and mildew can look the same to an untrained eye, there are differences. The risk of having mold in your home could be harmful to you and your family’s health. This blog will inform you of the simple characteristics of mold and mildew, to know for sure if what you see in your home must be tested by a licensed professional. Mildew Mildew is typically white, gray or yellow and grows on the surface of moist, warm areas. Mildew also tends to be green or black, and usually grows underneath the surface of anything that has gotten wet. Mildew starts in a shady and moist area. For example, in your home, you could find it, in the bathroom or shower, behind the dishwasher. It is a surface fungus, so it grows on top of surfaces and has a gray or white color, but can later change to yellow, brown or even black. Mildew is not toxic and it can be easily removed by cleaning the infected area. Mold Mold also grows in damp areas, but it is often the result of a more significant infestation that spreads from the surface and begins to grow inside and behind the material, like walls. Mold is usually fuzzy, although it can sometimes be slimy, and could grow in many colors including; black, white, brown, green, blue, yellow, and gray. Mold is usually responsible for many health problems, especially in children. Mold cannot be easily removed like mildew, because it will naturally grow back. This is way, mold should be removed by a licensed trained professional. What’s worse: Mold or Mildew? Mildew is not as troublesome as mold. Mold can create allergies, irritated eyes, asthma, headaches, and in some cases, lung issues could be the result of toxic mold that is breeding within your home. Is mold common in NYC? We have found countless mold problems in pre-war buildings in the Manhattan area, not to say it doesn’t exist in a newer building because it very well can. Remember the cause of mold is moister, that can come from a source. There are many misconceptions about mold; there are those that take it too lightly and others too seriously. Because of these misconceptions, it’s important to get the facts and let licensed professionals test the concerned area to know for sure, then make the proper action. Tips on mold preventions Fixing all leaks Drying damp areas Removing humidity from the air. (For example, using a dehumidifier, cracking a window while taking a shower in bathrooms with no exhaust ventilation; or opening a window in the kitchen while cooking.) If you have any questions or concerns of mold in your home we encourage you to call and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to look at your problem area.
Water Mitigation
If you have just been victim of a flood or had a pipe burst in your home or office, you may have been told that Water Mitigation is the first thing you need to do. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 13.7% of all water used in the home today can be attributed to plumbing leaks, so while water disasters tend to come by surprise, they are actually far from uncommon. Still being that leaks and floods are not planned, you may not be wondering what Water Mitigation is and why it’s so important. What is Water Mitigation? Water Mitigation is the process of alleviating or minimizing the level of damage or impact caused by water buildup resulting from a leak, flood, storm or burst pipe. It is easy now to understand why this is the first step to take. The more successful the water mitigation is the less water damage restoration will be needed. Water causes damage when it is left to sit. The risk of damage increases exponentially with the length of time the water sits in the damaged area. In addition to seeping into carpet or wood causing flooring damage, warping wood furniture and ruining objects lying around, water can seep into the foundation, travers up walls and create long term health hazards from mold and microbial growth which often shows up much after the damage and cleanup. Getting rid of the water as fast as possible can literally mean the difference between full irreversible damage and a smaller unpleasant experience. Often people will try to save by removing the water themselves only to discover later that water had seeped into places they missed or not dried out properly and a whole new slew of mold, mildew and additional related water damage issues require full gut removal and restoration. Therefore, calling a professional water damage restoration company is imperative. What happens when the professional arrives? As mentioned above, the first priority will be to remove any objects, furniture, appliances or machinery that can be saved. At the same time, the process of water removal using specialized machinery and water sensing equipment will begin. Once the water mitigation is complete, the restoration experts will be able to asses the damage and restoration requirements as well as assist with submitting insurance claims, providing information to the insurance adjustor, scheduling additional drying, applying mold prevention techniques, and completing restoration. Some companies offer just the emergency water removal, some will provide the whole restoration process, and some will actually provide a complete service from water mitigation and removal through restoration and remodel including insurance claims assistance. At NYTDR, we take great pride at being a full-service NYC Water Damage Restoration Company. Our expertise goes beyond the actual emergency cleanup and restoration. We work with the client to submit insurance claim, getting clients much larger coverage than they would on their own. We understand all the intricacies of both restoration and renovation including the invisible damage and required work and can therefore work alongside the insurance adjustor and get full coverage from home insurance companies often turning the water disaster into a blessing in disguise!
How to prevent mold growth after water damage?
Preventing Mold Growth After Water Damage While preventing floods and certain water damages can be hard due to the uncertainty in calamities, mold can be kept at bay. Mold is a particular type of fungi that grows in damp surfaces especially if the surface provides cellulose base to support its growth. The fungi start to grow within 24 to 48 hours as long as moisture is present. If you fail to dry the moisture, you might begin to notice mold growth on walls, the floor, insulation, ceiling, carpet, and wood. To secure the aesthetic integrity of your home and also your loved one’s health you may want to act quickly and prevent the growth of mold after flood. How to prevent mold after water damage After water damage, it is essential that you act rapidly to discourage mold growth. Before calling in the insurer and any professional cleaners, you may want to browse through your home and save any sensitive documents or gadgets. Once you have separated the most critical items from the rest, you could go ahead and call professional water damage restoration services. Professionals are better equipped and experienced to restore your home to sanity and also take the right measures into preventing mold growth. Here are the steps to take. Call the insurance company If you have been paying for flood insurance, let your insurer know of the happenings in your house. Take photos of the damage before moving any damaged property. This should help in filing for valid claims from the insurer. You will then separate the damaged and untouched items before deciding what to discard and what to restore. Your insurer may bring in professionals to take care of the restoration process depending on the policy terms. Drain all the water From a flood, you expect your home to be immersed in a sea, and simple tools won’t do the job. You could rent a specialized water vacuum or suction pump to remove the water from the house. You are better protected with some protective gear on, if the water is from a flood, a broken sewer, and other toxic sources. Contaminated water carrying chemicals and pathogens is harmful to your health. If you notice that the water is unclean, it would be logical to proceed with a professional cleaner by your side. Remove the damp rugs and carpets Wet rugs and carpets are a potential medium for mold growth. The rugs could take a longer time to dry off and could use some separate washing and draining to restore their conditions. It would be helpful to have the carpets steam cleaned to remove any contaminants soaked in the rugs and dry them in the sunlight to prevent mold infestations. If you decide to let the carpets stay in the house soaked in water, this may encourage mold growth that spreads underneath to the floor and other areas in the house. Remove the wet furniture Furniture can also serve as an excellent medium for mold infestation. Once all the water has been pumped out, also drag out all the furniture for some cleaning and drying. You could ask for manpower to help with the carrying of heavy and wet furniture. Let the furnishings dry completely before bringing them back into the house. Dry the wet areas in the house By now, almost every wet item is out in the sun drying, but your house still suffers from some wet spots. The draining step only draws the water out but doesn’t dry the surfaces. Even concrete soaks in moisture which later encourages mold growth. You could use dry towels and mops to soak in the water that the pump or vacuum couldn’t clear. Professional cleaners have industrial-sized fans that propel off all the excess moisture and creates an environment for the surfaces to dry quickly. The results should achieve drying walls and floors. Maintain the surfaces dry High humidity creates an excellent environment for mold growth. Your house’s humidity should be maintained at low levels to discourage mold growth. A dehumidifier can help maintain these conditions. If the weather is temperate and sunny, you could open all the windows and entrances to allow in adequate air that should support the right humidity levels. All these stipulations ensure that your home remains dry after draining the water. Disinfect all surfaces Be sure not to bring the wet conditions into the house when disinfecting the areas. You could use mold growth preventing cleaning solutions, bleach and detergent to make a solution that will clear any bacteria or possible mold growth. It could take a few days or weeks to get back things back to normal and ensure that mold won’t grow. Monitor Even in the event of all the preventive measures that you might have undertaken, mold can still grow. Here’s where the monitoring process comes in. Mold is evident through odor; a musty odor like that of dirty socks. Some types of mold are visible while some stay hidden behind walls, beneath sinks and may take sometime before a homeowner notices mold growth. There could be black or green streaks that appear along walls and ceilings that could indicate mold growth. The homeowner should be on the constant lookout for mold growth signs. Some manifest through unexplained health complications such as coughing, a runny nose, itchy skin, and watery eyes. If you start noticing these clear signs of mold growth, you may want to call in a professional mold remediation expert to help with the inspection and address the issue. After an inspection, if mold presence is positive, the expert should embark on mold removal thoroughly to prevent re-infestation. Can you dry the water damage yourself? Depending on the amount of water in your house, drying the house can prove to be a daunting task if the flood caused huge damages. Huge masses of water may cause detrimental damages that require the help of professionals to restore the home to order. If the water damage isn’t
Flooded basement – will my insurance cover?
Flooded basements – what to do if a basement floods? Few things in a homeowner’s life are so stressful as a flooded basement. Unfortunately for your insurance, this is also among the most unclear situations you can face regarding insurance coverage and claims. Some causes of flooding the home owner’s insurance policy will cover, while others it will not. In those cases, you would need to have actual flood insurance to be covered. Emergency First Actions Following Basement Flooding There are a series of practical steps you should take if you find your basement unexpectedly flooded. The first thing to do every time is to turn off all power surrounding the area. This includes both gas and electricity. A golden rule is to not ever submerge yourself in any flooded area when the power is still turned on. If you can not turn off the electricity with certainty, then you should call an electrician first. When the water is not caused by rain, you should take immediate steps to rectify the situation. If a storm is causing the flooding, it is always best to wait until the storm is over before you start the work. No matter the cause of the water, you always need to wear gloves and boots as protective gear. Be careful moving and walking around flooded places as they often can cause slipping hazards. These are some steps you should follow in general when you are dealing with a flooded area: 1. Ascertain where the water is coming from – In cases where a burst pipe is to blame, turn off all water sources to the basement. 2. Many basements come equipped with a floor drain – ensure that it has not been clogged in the flood. Maintaining an open and fully working floor drain will help to remove the water quickly. 3. Begin manually removing the basement water – there are several types of pumps that are handy for forcing the water out of a basement. Pool pumps, sump pumps, and even wet/dry vacuums are all potential solutions for the job. You find sump pumps down in the lowest section of the basement. These function by draining the water out of the house. Sump pumps generally prevent water from entering through the ground level and coming into a home. An unexpected sump pump failure could lead to floods in more than just the basement. Once the majority of the water is out, you can utilize sponges and cloths to soak up the rest of the water. 4. Remove all damaged things from the basement over to a ventilated area for drying – Sunny spots are naturally best if you have them. Never attempt to dry wet items in the basement which is already a damp space. In well-ventilated areas, items generally require about 48 hours to dry completely. If they stay wet longer than this, they will begin to suffer from mildew and mold accumulation. You should carefully inspect them thoroughly after the 48 drying period to determine if they need to be thrown out. Wet cardboard boxes are especially good candidates for bacteria and mold. You might salvage what was in the boxes before throwing the boxes themselves away. Calling In A Professional Is Always A Sensible and Safe Idea Because of all the things that can go wrong in such a cleanup job, it is never a bad idea to bring in a professional. You should never touch anything electrical that is wet, even after electricity has been both turned off and disconnected. Stereos, televisions, and lamps are all extremely dangerous things to touch in floods. Electrical equipment should be left to dry where it is standing or resting. Electricians are the best professionals to call in cases where thee are potentially damaged electronics and electrical appliances. Does Insurance Cover Flooded Basements? Once you have addressed the damage, the nagging, critical question arises: Who is going to pay for all the mess, cleanup, and damage? The question about insurance responsibility depends entirely on what caused the flooding in the first place. Here are some causes that would be covered by typical homeowner’s insurance policies: Broken Appliance Flooding – when the A/C, washing machine, or refrigerator malfunctioned and caused a room to flood, standard homeowner’s insurance policies will cover the water damage. The caveat surrounds proper maintenance. If the appliances are not properly maintained, then they may argue is your fault. Leaking Water Heater Flooding – Leaky water heaters would be covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy. Once again, the insurance company may try to disqualify the claim based on any poorly maintained water heaters. Bursting Freezing Pipe Leaks – Insurance policies cover bursting pipes that freeze. This includes appliances, sprinklers, and A/C/ units. The only requirement is that you must be occupying the house when it floods. Overflowing Pools, Tubs, Sinks Floods – If something overflowed, your insurance policy will also cover this damage. They call this “sudden and accidental” so all destroyed items will be replaced. Other incidents will not be covered by standard Homeowner’s Insurance Policies. These include situations like: Floods from heavy rains and storm surge – nature caused flooding is never covered under a standard Home Owner’s Insurance Policy. Only flood insurance will help in these natural causes. A good sump pump is the best remedy for these cases. Sewage Backing Up Floods – When your external sewer backs up into the basement, you can not count on your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy. Such a sewage backup will be among the most expensive disasters your home can suffer from. Sewage backups can cost even hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs. Underground Water Seepage – This is usually not covered. Saturated ground can force water into the basement. The importance of using a professional in terms of ensuring water removal is done right can not be overstated. Steps To Ensure No Mold Occurs and Complete Restoration Results There are a number of steps you should follow to make sure
Tips to Prevent Water & Fire Damage and other Home Disasters this Holiday
The winter holidays are supposed to be joyful and packed with friends, family, and delightful festivities. Yet the unfortunate side effects of so much decorating, cooking, and celebrating often lead to possibly serious dangers in your house or apartment. The way to avoid a tragic conclusion to your festive season is to be aware of and prepared for the various risks that the holidays and winter season inevitably increase. In this article we look at the best ways to avoid fire, water, and other domicile disasters over the holidays. The Dangers Involved in Living in New York City Are Real You should not ignore the fact that more than 28,000 individuals living in the average square mile of New York City means there are real dangers to your health you need to consider. For all the thrill and opportunities that living in the city provides, it also dishes up an unhealthy serving of congestion, pollution, and the ill side effects of so many tall buildings and skyscrapers. The largest city in the United States is justly famous for a wide range of things. Clean, healthy air to breathe is not among them. You do not have to look far to see smoke plumes curling from neighboring rooftops or to smell the fumes from too many cars and trucks exhausting in one city. Observers have pointed out for years that this high level of air pollution means significant health risks for inhabitants. It leads to a variety of ills over time such as lung cancer, heart disease, and asthma. NYC has estimated that as many as 2,700 yearly premature deaths can be blamed on fine particles in the air. To put this into perspective, this is eight times higher than all of the annual murders in New York for year 2013. Besides your everyday varieties of pollution, congestion, skyscraper fires, and crime dangers, you also have a lingering chance of having your children suffer from lead poisoning effects. Whether you live in an affluent or a more humble section of the city, thousands of children per year are still diagnosed with the heartrending and long-lasting terrible side effects from ingesting or breathing in lead-based paint particles and dust. These include often permanent brain damage, problems with fine motor skills, speech difficulties, and more. The best remedy for this particular threat is to have your apartment or house tested for lead based paint. It becomes dangerous if it is peeling and you have children of six years of age and younger living there. Typical Home Disasters that Are Far Too Prevalent During the Holiday Season Besides the normal year-round dangers of life in the city, there are also a range of home disasters that are most prevalent in the usually joyous holiday season. Two of the most common of these are fire and water damage, but there are others including ensuing mold, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even increased chances of becoming a victim of burglary. The National Fire Protection Association warns that structure fires caused an incredible $10.3 billion worth of property damage in year 2015 alone. The risks of such a fire breaking out around the holidays and winter season are significantly higher than other times in the year. Fires start from many causes that are not always so obvious. An average of 8,200 different home fires are reported because of candles (every year on average from 2012 to 2016). The three most likely days to suffer from a candle fire turn out to be Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s day too. Cooking fires are another common cause of preventable tragedies. The second and third most frequently reported cooking fire days in a year are Christmas day and Christmas Eve. The specific cause of such senseless and often dangerous or even lethal fires is unattended cooking. Another fire hazard to be particularly aware of around the holidays and winter months when they are most common are dryer fires. You should never leave your dryer running while you are away from the house or at night while sleeping. Water disasters, damage, and resulting mold are a second significant risk around the holidays and winter months. Frozen pipes are the prime culprit. They lead to burst pipes that can create enormous damage and completely ruin your holidays. Apart from potentially having no water at this time when cooking, washing, and other needs are so necessary, there are other potentially terrible results including the formation of sometimes hidden (but usually) toxic mold. Frozen pipes can be prevented in many cases. They most commonly result from thermostats that you set too low, poor insulation of your piping, and sudden or rapid temperature drops. Two other dangers to be on the lookout for this winter and around the festive season include carbon monoxide poisoning and burglaries. With heat and furnaces running constantly this time of year, there is always an increased danger of lethal amounts of carbon monoxide building up inside your home or apartment. You can buy carbon monoxide monitors to place in your bedrooms to prevent this senseless tragedy that leads to death in far too many cases. Where burglaries are concerned, the holidays unfortunately bring an increased number of incidents of break-ins and robberies. This is particularly the case in large cities with significant crime issues. Now is the time to ensure that you lock doors and windows securely and set your alarm systems whenever you go out. Tips to Prevent Becoming A Senseless Victim This Holiday Season Fire and water-related disasters are dangers that you can mostly prevent if you take some basic precautions. With fires, there are many prevention tips that make great sense. Start with a basic one of only plugging in a single high watt appliance at once. This prevents dangerous overloading. You should never allow extension cords to become pinched in tight areas such as between furniture so that wires do not suffer damage and become shock and fire hazards. Flammable objects should not be
What to do after Water Damage in NYC Apartment
Water Damage is not something you can really prepare for or always avoid. A sudden flood or discovery of a water damage from an underfloor leaking pipe can be a cause for significant damage and stress so knowing what to do when disaster strikes to minimize the short- and long-term damage is important. Renters Insurance Living in NYC may very well mean living in a rental and almost definitely means living in a building shared with others. In addition to your own disasters, water damage can affect you if your neighbor doesn’t fix their leaky toilet, leaves the bath to overflow or has flooding that seeps through their flooring to your ceiling. Whether your landlord demands it as a prerequisite to moving in or not, renter’s insurance is something anyone who rents an apartment or house should have. There are different coverages, ranging from covering just structural damage to walls, floor and pipes, to personal content cover and even alternate rental arrangements while restoration is done. Depending on your lease and what your landlord covers you will want to ensure between the two you are fully covered in case of water and fire damage. Landlords Insurance – Water damage home insurance As a landlord you have both legal, moral and financial responsibilities to ensure the property meets certain standards. Dealing with natural disasters, hidden leaks and water damage from neighbor’s floods and burst pipes is likely to come up in addition to regular property maintenance and upkeep. Landlord insurance policies should make sure that your property is insured adequately against any liability you may come across and offers options that are suitable to your unique budget requirements and property needs Make sure to read the fine lines of your home owner insurance coverage so you understand what is or isn’t covered. When inquiring about different insurance policies make sure to ask question like does homeowners insurance cover water damage? Is water damage caused by negligence, like leaving a bath running covered? Is mold resulting from dampness or water damage included? Be smart and find out apartment water damage laws and landlord responsibilities so you know you are covered in case of flooding or other water fiascos. When Disaster Strikes The first thing to do is stop the flow. If a pipe has burst or drain is blocked turn off your water mains, attempt to seal or at least contain the water. Get valuables and as much as you can out of the water. The faster you get things away from the water the more likely you are to save them or at least minimize the damage. In case of a flood move things as high as possible or out of the apartment if you can. Call an Emergency Water Restoration Company (or contact your insurance company to see if they have one) to carry out water extraction and drying. If renting, contact your landlord or management to see if they have any agreements or companies they use. Once the water has been extracted as much as possible, you need to ensure the next stage of water damage restoration is carried out. You may be aware of the damage that you see was done but unfortunately with water there is a lot more potential damage than meets the eye. If the ceiling, walls, floor, cabinets etc. are not completely dry, dampness can lead to mold. Contaminated water can also be potentially harmful, and you will need an expert using specialized equipment to really inspect and evaluate what needs to be done in terms of remediation and restoration. Your insurance company may have their own adjustor or allow you to bring an evaluation from your own adjust regarding the restoration work and damage costs. Unfortunately, this is where a lot of people lose out. You need to be sure the adjustor and the water restoration contractor are of agreement to the true nature, damage and costs involved. Insurance companies will always look to save – which in the long term may cost you. Sometimes an external adjustor or advice from professional contractors can help you get significantly more from the insurance company so choose your restoration company with care. Whether you are a tenant, landlord or home owner, taking the necessary steps to be covered in case of flooding, water damage or other water related problems and knowing what to do when they occur will help to lower stress levels, minimize damage and maximize the coverage of restoration and renovation from your water damage insurance provider.