Has Your Home Flooded in Water Color?

If you live in Water Color, Florida, and your home has flooded, Noble Public Adjusting Group would like to be the first phone call you make. No matter the reason for the flooding; a burst pipe, a broken water heater, or flooding from a storm, Noble can handle filing your insurance claim for you and take care of everything involved with the claim moving forward. We know all about flooding claims, having handled hundreds across Florida. Our main office is in Panama City Beach, right down the road from Water Color.

However, first let’s discuss what you need to do about the flooding of your Water Color home once you discover it. Below are steps to take that will make things much easier, efficient, less stressful and help assure you get the best settlement from your insurance provider:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency warns that you should check for any visible structural damage, such as warping, loosened or cracked foundation elements, cracks, and holes, before entering your flooded Water Color home. You should also contact utility companies if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric, and sewer lines.

“It’s important to have a working flashlight and turn off all water and electrical sources within the home,” says Dr. Maurice A. Ramirez, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Disaster Preparedness. Dr. Ramirez goes on to say, “Even if the power isn’t operational, it’s a good idea to go to your fuse box and turn off the main, plus all of the individual fuse connections. That way, if the power is reactivated, you’re not at risk for mixing standing water and electricity.”

One important thing to note. Even if the water in your Water Color home is clear, it could be contaminated by sewage or household chemicals. We recommend wearing waders, hip or waist-high, waterproof boots. Wear rubber gloves to remove water-damaged possessions and to avoid contaminants. Be sure to throw out any food that may have come into contact with flood waters. In times of flooding catastrophe, FEMA recommends boiling water until authorities declare the water supply is safe.

Record the Damage with Pictures

Before you remove any water or make any repairs, fully document the damage from the flooding to your Water Color home to use in your homeowner insurance claim. You can do this by taking photos or making videos. Digital versions of your proof of damage are best.They can be stored electronically and easily copied. If you start removing water or making repairs before you photograph or record the damage, you could potentially decrease the amount of your insurance settlement.

The possibility of mold damage must also be discussed. “Mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours of a flood,” says Ashley Small of FEMA. Your water restoration specialist is quite aware of this danger and they will remove wet contents, including carpeting and bedding, as soon as possible. If an item has been wet for less than 48 hours, it may be salvageable. However, you’ll need to decide whether it holds enough monetary or sentimental value to try to do so. Your water restoration specialist in the Water Color area, which will be suggested by us after we have vetted them, will consult with you about precious items in your home you may not want to part with before any removal is done. They will also take more photographs for the insurance company before removing wet wall boards and baseboards. The insurance company’s adjuster will want to see the height of any water damage to walls.

One very important thing to note. If the flooding of your Water Color home is severe enough that you and your family have to leave, Noble can get you full-reimbursement for the cost of a hotel. If you call us the minute you have a flood, we can even set up the cost of housing for you on the insurance company’s dime. Noble is well-known for getting homeowners on average 747% more on their settlement than they would have received had they not called us first. We are the best and most trusted public adjuster in the Florida Panhandle. Call us today.