Release Date:
People affected by the flooding that began July 26 do not need to wait to begin cleanup efforts but should document and save receipts.
water damage restoration company such as Express Damage Restoration
If you have insurance, report your damage from the flooding to your insurance company as soon as possible.
Call a water damage mitigation company such as Express Damage Restoration
Before cleaning up, if you have insurance:
- Take photos of damage before you begin the clean-up process. Be sure to include photos or videos of the outside and inside of the building, including damaged personal property, and label them by room before you remove anything.
- Photograph the make, model and serial number for appliances such as washers, dryers, hot water heaters, kitchen appliances, TVs and computers.
- Save all repair receipts.
- If you have insurance, separate damaged items from undamaged items. The insurance adjuster may need to document damaged items when conducting an inspection.
- If possible, keep samples of carpet, flooring, wallpaper and drapes.
- After taking photos, immediately throw away flood-damaged items that pose a health risk after coming into contact with flood waters, such as perishable food, clothing, cushions and pillows.
When salvaging and cleaning up flood damaged property:
- Always wear protective clothing. This includes long-sleeved shirts, long pants, rubber or plastic gloves and waterproof boots or shoes.
- Take wet items outside. Your home could be contaminated with mold, which may raise the health risk for those with asthma, allergies and breathing conditions. For detailed tips on cleaning mold safely, visit the Centers for Disease Control’s site at cdc.gov/mold/cleanup.htm.
- Clean all hard surfaces and items with bleach. If possible, wash wet fabrics in hot water.
- Use caution when entering your home. Before entering your residence, look around the outside for damaged power lines, gas lines and other structural damage. If able, open doors and windows so your house can air out before spending any length of time inside.
- Watch for sharp objects such as protruding nails and screws, aluminum, and broken glass.
- Turn off main electrical power and water systems. Don’t use gas appliances until a professional can inspect them.
- Check all ceilings and floors for signs of sagging or other potentially dangerous structural damage. Remove all drywall and insulation that has been in contact with flood waters.
- Throw out any items that cannot be cleaned. This includes items like mattresses, carpeting and stuffed animals that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected.
For the latest information on Kentucky flooding recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663 and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion4.
Kentucky flood survivors can apply for FEMA assistance online at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
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What to consider when choosing a fire and damage restoration company
Certified experts
It is imperative to make certain that the company in question has all the required state and local certifications to complete the restoration job. These certifications should also be up-to-date.
• Certification: Look for credentials from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, also known as the IICRC, for well-trained fire and water damage experts.
• Sub-certifications: The IICRC has additional specializations such as mold remediation or structural and commercial Drying. Ask the company for details about their sub-certifications.
• Restoration vs. reconstruction: Note that the IICRC refers to restoration, not reconstruction. If the damage is to severe that contractors are required to partially or completely rebuild/reconstruct properties, make sure that they have all the proper local licenses and certifications necessary.
Experience
Every disaster is unique and requires the utmost care. If a company begins operating from the wrong starting assumptions, it can prolong or completely derail the restoration project unnecessarily.
• Relevant experience: Make sure that the company providing restoration has dealt with many previous situations that are similar to the current task at hand. For example, standing water from a flood could become contaminated with chemicals or substances that make it a biohazard. Make sure the company knows what they are dealing with before they come out to avoid added confusion that slows down the job.
• Comprehensive evaluations: Don't hold back any information. Even details that don't seem to be significant initially can greatly impact the company's professional evaluation of the restoration requirements or the extent of structural damage.
Asset protection
Different kinds of materials - such as furniture, computers, floors, etc. - require different treatments under very specific timetables.
• High-priority assets: Decide which assets have the highest priority and then look for the company that specializes in that particular area.
• Practicality: Replacing property or recreating data may be less expensive than restoration. Don't compromise your practicality.
• Pre-inspection reports: Some types of leases require a pre-inspection report by qualified restoration personnel to establish insurability levels.
Time to recovery
Hours, and sometimes minutes, can make all the difference in what is recoverable. Make sure the company will be ready the moment disaster strikes.
• Rapid response: The first few hours after a disaster can make all the difference in terms of what is recoverable. Look for rapid response times. Also critical, is advice on what to do immediately and what needs attention within the first 24 hours.
• Schedules: Look for a company that can give a full, detailed schedule of steps that they will need to perform before an estimated completion date.
• Variable costs: Be prepared for costs to vary greatly based on factors that aren't obvious at first, such as structural damage and the extent of smoke damage.
Storage facilities
Some restoration companies offer storage facilities. Find out how much space the company has to house your undamaged assets and what their storage rates are.
• Storage conditions: Make sure that storage facilities are nearby and adequate in terms of factors like temperature control and security.
• Packing services: Ask if they provide packing services, which means that they can thoroughly clean property before packing it up and putting it into the company's storage facility.
• Record keeping: Make sure to take photographic records of the condition of your property before it goes into storage.
Referrals
Ask for names of commercial or governmental agencies that the company has worked for and look for referrals.
• Referral limitations: Don't discount a company just because its referrals aren't perfect. Some items simply aren't restorable, and that fact creates disappointment.