GENERAL QUESTIONS:

What tips do you have for recovering from a house fire?
What hints do you have for recovering from floods or general water damage?
What is the National Flood Insurance Program?
What should I consider before I purchase flood insurance?
How can I prepare for the financial consequences of a disaster?

WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR RECOVERING FROM A HOUSE FIRE:

Cleaning fire damage can be difficult. Cloths can be used to clean soot off hardwood furniture, however for upholstered furniture or more extensive damage, you may consider contacting a restoration company. Smoke damaged clothes should be taken to a professional cleaning service. Wash canned foods in detergent and water. Do not use canned foods when the cans have bulged, dented, or rusted, and do not re-freeze food that has been thawed.

WHAT HINTS DO YOU HAVE FOR RECOVERING FROM FLOOD OR GENERAL WATER DAMAGE:

Your first concern should be water extraction. If the floors have carpet, it may be necessary to pull up the carpet and pull the pad out to dry. If you do not dry the carpet and pad, permanent damage (including mold and mildew) may occur. If your furniture becomes wet, place aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent"bleeding" on the carpet. If you suffer only damp carpets, furniture, and walls, adjust your air conditioner to "cool" and your furnace to "hot." Both air conditioners and heaters dry the air, and the drier the air, the faster your personal belongings will dry. Any remaining mud and dirt on the walls should be cleaned with plain water and a brush.

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM:

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was created by Congress in 1968, and is currently administered by the Federal Insurance Administration (FIA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The NFIP was created to reduce financial losses (resulting from flooding) incurred by private citizens and public entities. Standard homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage caused by flooding, yet flooding results in over 90% of all property damage caused by natural disasters. You are eligible to purchase flood insurance if your community participates in the NFIP. Flood insurance policies can be purchased through any licensed insurance agent. Premium rates are established by the NFIP and vary according to the property's location, building design, the age of the building, elevation, and other risk factors. Flood insurance is available to protect single family homes, condominiums, apartments and non-residential buildings including commercial structures.

WHAT SHOULD I CONCIDER BEFORE PURCHASING FLOOD INSURANCE:

Determine if your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program by either contacting your local insurance agent or by referencing the world wide web at: http://www.fema.gov/home/fema/finifp.html.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A DISASTER:

Conduct a Household Audit. Start by documenting your household possessions. You can create a written list, produce a videotape or take still photographs. It is important that you include all items that could be lost if disaster strikes. Include your clothing, kitchen appliances, bedding and house wares. Remember, this is your opportunity to insure a fair accounting of your possessions. Recommendations:

1) Record serial numbers found on electronic equipment and other critical items.

2) Photograph or videotape your automobiles, recreational vehicles, bicycles, and other outdoor equipment.

3) Retain receipts, canceled checks or invoices on particularly valuable items.

4) Appraise art work, jewelry, and collectibles.

5) Original wills should be kept with the local registrar of wills or with your attorney. Copies can be kept elsewhere.

6) Photograph or videotape the exterior of your home. Include landscaping and other outside improvements. This provides a visual record of your home before and after a disaster.