This weekend has been unbelievable in the Williamson County area. Friday was a beautiful, perfect spring day. Saturday and Sunday were dark days punctuated by the piercing sounds of tornado sirens. Cute babbling creeks quickly became raging rivers and raging rivers became strange, swirling, muddy lakes. Many of our clients, neighbors and friends who lived in relative security above the 100 year flood plain suddenly found their homes, cars, and themselves quite literally underwater. This week, many will spend their week trying to determine what to do next. Here are some things you may want to consider:
1. Before You Enter Your Home
Gather supplies – Pen, notebook, cell phone, thick rubber gloves, boots, waterproof cover-alls, camera or video camera, tools, plastic tarps
Call your insurance company. Be patient, remember that they will be inundated with phone calls. You will be given a claim number. Write it down and keep it.
Take your camera or your video camera and walk completely around your home taking pictures from every angle.
Look closely at the electrical service. Make sure there are no downed wires anywhere around your home.
Look closely at your foundation. Make sure the foundation has not shifted or looks unstable in any way.
Find the main utility supplies for your home. Turn off the water service, Turn off the electrical service, Turn off the gas service to your home.
2. Enter Your Home
Before you enter your home, put on your protective garments. Flood water may have been contaminated with raw sewage, gasoline from mowers, etc.
Carefully enter your home with a friend. Look around and make photos and notes in each area. Remember water may have brought aquatic creatures into your home along with mud and debris.
Secure your home and remove valuables. Look for broken windows or doors and secure with plywood sheeting.
3. Beginnning the Restoration Process
Don’t hire the first person who shows up. Unfortunately, there may be unscrupulous contractors who are drawn to your tragedy. Ask your insurance company, your Realtor, your friends for recommendations.
Try to remove as much water soaked materials from your home as quickly as possible. Many types of furniture can be saved if placed on a plastic tarp outside to dry.
Remove as much standing water as possible.
Place fans and dehumidifiers inside your home as quickly as possible. Keep the house well ventilated when you are running sump pumps or any gasoline powered machinery. Remember they may produce carbon monoxide.
Act as quickly as you can to prevent further damage from water.
This will be a very stressful time for you and your family. Remember to take frequent breaks, find some stress relievers -laugh at the antics of children, keep yourself well hydrated, and eat nutritious meals. Most of all, take comfort in the thoughts and prayers of your friends and neighbors. There will be many moments of gratitude amidst the sorrow. Relish them!
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