Wise Information all HomeOwners should know..........
Water can ruin more than your day
In 2008, the Insurance Information Institute stated water damage accounted for 21% of all homeowner insurance losses. Water damage from appliances or plumbing systems cost homeowners billions of dollars each year.
Potential water damage sources:
Appliances – washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, air conditioning units and refrigerators.
Plumbing fixtures – toilets, tubs, showers, and sinks.
Showers and bathtub tile grout.
External building structure – the exterior walls and roof of your dwelling.
Preventing or reducing the effects of water damage
The following are some tips to reduce the chance of loss or to limit the amount of damage that can occur.
When using the garbage disposal, flush with plenty of water to prevent the drain line from clogging.
Check under sinks regularly for signs of water damage, as small issues may become larger problems.
Know and follow the maintenance schedule of your appliances – water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines. Check regularly for signs of rust or corrosion which can warn of imminent failure. As appliances start to age, so do connections.
Regularly check shower and tub tile for cracking or deteriorated grout and caulk as needed. Sometimes such leaks occur over an extended period of time, which may not be covered by your homeowner policy.
In the event of a freeze, allow faucets to drip. Maintain heat in the home to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Periodically (every few months) check refrigerator water supply lines for signs of aging, cracking, or leaks and replace as needed. Make sure the line has not crimped or pinched while moving the refrigerator.
Roof and exterior wall leaks should be repaired immediately. Failure to do so could result in undetected damage and could lead to costly repairs and/or restoration.
Keep collectibles, photo albums and other valuables in plastic bags or containers. DO NOT STORE THEM ON THE FLOOR. For additional information regarding water and other perils, please visit the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety at www.disastersafety.org.
If you are going away
Shut off the water supply or at least turn off water to toilets, washing machines, appliances and sinks.
Alert a neighbor or family member if you plan to be gone for an extended period of time. Provide contact information in the event of an emergency.
Never run a dishwasher or washing machine when you are not at home. If either fails to drain completely, there may be a clogged drain line in need of cleaning.
Inspect the toilet water tanks regularly and the “fill valves” for signs of corrosion and wear and tear. Replace as soon as there are signs of deterioration.
Washing machine water supply hoses should be routinely checked and replaced every three years. A new hose can cost less than $10. A water loss can total $10,000 or more.
Check toilet and sink supply lines regularly for signs of deterioration and replace as needed. Failure of water supply lines and toilet fill valves can cause significant damage.
Have your air conditioning system serviced annually to maximize the efficiency of your system as well as to prevent a clogged condensation drain line.
Invest in a leak alert system to notify you of a water loss. Some systems can even shut off the water supply.
What to do when a loss occurs
Turn off the water.
After the water source is turned off, begin the process of removing the water. If the loss is too big for you to handle alone, please contact a professional water damage restoration company or contact HomeWise Insurance Company for a recommended service provider in your area.
Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to remove excess water. Never use a regular vacuum.
If wall-to-wall carpeting is affected, pull back the carpet and remove wet padding. Padding tends to hold water and is difficult to dry. Carpeting can be dried; however, your claims adjuster will determine if it can be restored or cleaned. DO NOT DISPOSE OF CARPET UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.
Place blocks of wood or Styrofoam under furniture to lift these items above the water on the floor.
Increase air circulation as soon as possible withfans or blowers in affected areas.
Run the air conditioning to keep humidity levels low.
Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture.
Remove wet personal property and relocate to a dry, secure area. DO NOT DISPOSE OF ANY DAMAGED PERSONAL PROPERTY.
Wipe down wet surfaces with dry towels.
Hire only properly licensed, insured and bonded contractors. Be sure they are experienced in water restoration repairs and always check references.
HomeWise Insurance Company is here to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have restoration specialists and adjusters standing by to assist you in the event of an emergency.
Hurricane Facts
A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is the threat of hurricane conditions within 36 hours.
Don't walk or drive through a flooded area. The average person can be swept off their feet in six inches of moving water. The average car can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water. Many automobiles will float in just two feet of water.
A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 mph or great) are expected in 24 hours or less.
With hours of continuous rainfall, flooding can occur in almost any area. Heavy rains from a hurricane can cause flooding hundreds of miles from the coast, endangering lives, property and homes, even if the winds have significantly diminished. A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is the threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.
Before Hurricane Season Begins
Have a stockpile of emergency supplies on hand (prescription medicines, drinking water, canned goods, non-perishable foods, manual can opener, flashlights, batteries, candles, first aid kit, matches in waterproof containers, portable radio, etc.) Plan for three-to-five days without utilities and without any outside aid.
Plan for food and water for pets too.
At the first hint of a threatening storm, top off automobile gas tanks.
Develop an emergency communication plan in case you're separated from family and friends.
If you live near the coast, know your evacuation zone and evacuation route.
If you plan to stay in a shelter, make provisions for your pets because many shelters cannot accommodate pets.
Hurricane shutters that have been tested and certified offer the best protection for your home and property. While not as effective, affixing plywood over all of your home's openings will provide some level of increased protection. The thicker the plywood the better. Secure the plywood with nails or screws placed at least every 18 inches along the edges of the sheets of plywood.
Trim tree branches that appear to be weak or dead, particularly if they extend over the house. Your safety is important, it may be best to hire a professional tree trimmer or arborist.
Have a written, video or photographic inventory of your possessions stored in a safe place away from your home. If your home is damaged an inventory will be invaluable in settling the claim.
Review your homeowners insurance to ensure the limit is adequate to rebuild your entire home. Fierce hurricane winds and the tornadoes that can be spawned from a hurricane place every home in jeopardy.
Flooding, including tidal or storm surge caused by a hurricane, is not covered by your Homeowners or Wind-Only Policy. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program and is sold by your agent. You can assess your exposure to a flood loss at the FEMA web site: www.floodsmart.gov. Just because your mortgage company did not require Flood Insurance does not mean you are not at risk.
After The Hurricane
If you evacuated, return to your neighborhood only after authorities say it is safe to do so. Do not drive through standing water to get home. Exercise care in driving over roads littered with debris.
Before entering your home, make an inspection of the outside. If you discover downed power lines or a gas leak report them immediately to your utility company, police or fire department.
If your yard is still flooded it may not be safe to enter your home because sometimes snakes, insects and animals may have come inside for refuge and may not have left yet.
When you do enter your home, be careful. The ceiling may be damaged and in danger of falling.
If there has been water intrusion, open windows and doors to ventilate and begin drying out your home.
If power is lost, turn off breakers for major appliances and electronic devices in the event of a power surge when electricity is restored.
If you discover a gas leak open a window, step outside the home and call the gas company.
Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage from occurring to your home and property. Save your receipts for these temporary repairs, they may be reimbursable under your policy.
Take pictures of the damage - inside and out. You may need it for your insurance company.
Weathering a Hurricane
Hurricanes aren't strangers to Floridians. Knowing what to do can make the difference when it comes to protecting yourself and your home.
During A Hurricane Watch And Warning
Pay close attention to progress reports.
Put your hurricane shutters in place. If you are using corrugated steel or plywood panels, make sure you budget enough time to secure all of the panels.
Check emergency supplies, make sure you have full tanks of gas in your vehicles and review your communication and evacuation plans.
Bring outdoor furniture inside or submerge it in your pool. Anchor other outdoor items that can't be brought inside.
Set your freezer and refrigerator at the coldest setting in case you lose power.
If you're along the coast, or in an area that floods with heavy rains, elevate your furniture to protect it.
Back up computer files. Store computer disks, portable drives, items of value and important papers in watertight containers at the highest level of your home. Your dishwasher is watertight and may also be used to protect small, important items.
If evacuation is necessary, unplug appliances, turn off electricity, gas and the main water valve and leave as quickly as possible.
The Top 3 Hurricane Protection Myths
(And why believing them can be dangerous)
Gearing up for hurricane season can often mean well-intentioned friends and relatives will provide you with their own tips and advice.
The Institute for Business & Home Safety wants to help residents in vulnerable states avoid some potentially dangerous ideas, by identifying The Top Three Hurricane Protection Myths.
Open the windows so the air pressure doesn't explode the house.
This would not only be unsafe for you and your home, but it would also allow wind-driven rain to stream through your house and ruin belongings. The normal leakage of air around windows and doors will tend to keep the pressure in your house slightly lower than the atmospheric pressure caused by the storm outside. The greatest danger comes when a large window or door fails on a wall facing the wind. The key is keeping all wind and water out with proper opening protection.
You only need to protect the openings facing the ocean or gulf.
Because hurricanes are a moving, rotating storm, winds can come from any direction, which can change rapidly if you are near the eye. Your best bet is to protect windows and doors on all sides of your home.
You should tape windows with a big "X".
Taping glass does nothing to address the main point of protection - keeping the glass in its frame and securely attached to the home.
Remember - never lean or push against a window or door that is being blown inward by wind pressure. And no matter what kind of glass you have, stay away from all windows during a severe storm.
