Dos and don'ts after your home is damaged.

After your home is damaged, it's natural to want to clean up. Timely action is a great help, but incorrect or delayed action seriously impacts satisfactory results. Click on the links below to see a list of dos and don'ts after your home is damaged.

Did you know?

Under the terms of most insurance contracts, it is the responsibility of each property owner to take the necessary steps to prevent additional damage as well as secure the property from being a hazard to the public. People are often drawn to a damaged house through curiosity, and may believe that it's contents has no value when this may not be true.

Temporary Repairs to Prevent Additional Damage:

Properly close and lock (if possible) windows, doors and any other openings that would allow people free access.

Cover any openings in the roof to protect your property against the elements.

In cold weather, if heat can't be restored to the structure immediately, drain all supply lines and water heaters, and blow out both hot and cold supply lines with air. Put anti-freeze in all sinks, toilet bowls and tub traps.

If moisture exists, every effort should be taken to remove it as quickly as possible.

A qualified person should restore the electricity to the structure as quickly as possible.

Completely seal the structure if it is cold so that heat will not escape from the building.

Take photos or video of all rooms affected by this disaster.