Six Helpful Tips for Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim

When your home is damaged or destroyed, it should be a priority to file a claim with your insurance quickly. Being prepared and having a disaster plan will help homeowners avoid additional stress. It will be beneficial to go over your policy and understand your coverage limits and responsibilities as the insured. 

1. Maintain an inventory of household items

You should make a list of items in your home, particularly the more expensive items, and keep a list of what the actual or estimate cost is. Taking photos of the items and storing them on an online database like Dropbox will insure the photos will be easily accessible in a time of need. If you have any receipts for the more expensive items, it would be a good idea to take photos of them too. If you are not saving your receipts, you should start. 

2. Understand what your insurance policy covers

Knowing what your insurance policy covers and what it doesn't is essential to getting through the claims process quickly. You do not want to have to rely only on what claims adjusters tell you, especially as they go through the process of evaluating how much of a payout you are going to get. It is important to remember that standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. 

Flood damage is defined as any water that enters your home that made contact with the ground prior to. Unlike water damage which is defined as water that enters your home before it makes contact with the ground. For example, a leaky roof caused by heavy rain. Make sure you are insured to cover all casualties. 

3. Quickly document damage and make only temporary repairs

After the storm has passed and it is safe, it's important to take photos of the damage right away. Comparing these photos to the ones taken before the storm can be used to establish the value of items that are damaged or destroyed. You should cover up any holes in the roof or broken windows to prevent any further damage. You should not make any permanent repairs and make sure to take videos or photographs of the damages to your home. Do not throw out any damaged furniture or other expensive items until an adjuster has seen them.

4. Contact your insurer as soon as possible

Homeowners should call their insurer quickly and get the claims process started, regardless of how much or how little damage was done to their home. You can contact your insurance agent or the insurance company to get more information on the process of setting up a claim. You should document the name and number of whom you speak with for every call during the claims process. That can clear up any confusion that may arise along the way.

5. Be prepared to negotiate

Once insurance adjusters look over the damage, they will determine the size of your payout. But if that figure seems too low, there are ways to voice your disagreement and try to work out a better settlement. You will want to ask the adjuster to show you the contract language and justify the proposed amount. 

If you are still dissatisfied, get a second or third opinion on the cost of repairs from local licensed contractors. You can use that to argue for a bigger payout. In an ideal situation you will be able to work your claim out with your adjuster, but if not, you should look into legal action or possibly hiring a public insurance adjuster. They are experts on the insurance claims process and can assess the damage to a home and help build the case on behalf of the homeowner. 

6. Watch out for scam artists

Many homeowners want to immediately get started on repairing the damage to their property. This makes them targets for uninsured and unqualified contractors. It is important to do your homework and make sure you are hiring a reputable and insured company.

To verify a Pinellas County license, go to-

https://public.co.pinellas.fl.us/clbsearch/index.jsp 

To verify a State license, go to- https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp 

What You Should Know About Water Damage

For many in the Tampa Bay area, dealing with water damage is a mountainous task. This is further compounded by the fact that not many people can tell the difference between water damage caused by blackwater, greywater or clean water. There is a huge difference between the damage caused by the different kinds of water. It pays to have knowledge about water damage as you may soon find yourself dealing with water damage, especially if you live in the Tampa Bay area.

Failure to properly clean up a spill in your home will in most cases lead to more water damage and result in mold as well as other-moisture related complications. Bear in mind that water damage could easily extend health issues to you and your family members. Respiratory issues, itchy eyes and sore throats are some of the health risks related to mold exposure. Water damage to your home needs to be taken seriously. 

Various Forms of Water Damage

Blackwater is very dangerous and you should always use caution when coming in contact with this type of water damage. This type of water is not only unsanitary, but corrosive as well. Blackwater hosts very destructive bacteria, fungi and blood borne pathogens that could cause serious illnesses. Blackwater damage could be the result of a broken sewage pipe, flooded streams as well as stagnant water. 

Second in line is greywater. This type of water damage is also very hazardous because it comes with different contaminants, all which could easily damage your property and pose risks to your health. Greywater is common in toilets, washing machines and also from dishwashers. 

Finally, we have water damage resulting from clean water. Clean water damage could be the result of a broken water pipe resulting in flooding within the interior areas of your home. Although the water damage resulting from clean water is mild compared to blackwater or greywater, it can be costly and could also cause health problems. 

Most of the water damaged items in your home will usually comprise of those made from porous material which readily absorb water. Such items include: pads, drywall, any kind of carpet, flooring as well as the wall insulation. Other factors which further contribute to water damage consist of flaws in the house structure as well as other accidental leaks. 

Water Damage Handled By PRS

If you live in the Tampa Bay area and suffer from water damage, you need an able team of professionals that will deal with your problem adequately. Made up of qualified and experienced experts, PRS is a company that will give you peace of mind even during a chaotic flood or water damage to your home. Water damage needs to be dealt with the moment it occurs. In this regard, we provide a fast response the moment you place a call with us. This greatly reduces any further damage as well as limiting health risks to you and your loved ones. 

Esporta Wash System - The Green Approach to Soft Contents Restoration

Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc. is pleased to announce their new soft contents restoration service. They purchased an Esporta Wash System this year and they are amazed with the results. The Esporta Wash System uses organic products and can restore heavily contaminated items to food grade clean.

Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay Inc.'s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Esporta Wash System

How Does the Esporta Wash System Work?

The Esporta Wash System uses hydraulic actions, Esporta made detergents and disinfectants along with specified wash recipes to efficiently restore soft contents. The Esporta Wash System's hydraulic actions force both organic and inorganic contaminants out of the contents to restore them to food grade clean. The Esporta is equipped with wash recipes that are specifically designed to tackle the contaminated items based on the type and level of damage to the items. 

The Esporta dispenses 2 detergents, a potent organic disinfectant and an optional fabric softener during the wash cycle. This wash system can decontaminate items in just 2 hours and has a 160 pound load limit. 

What Can the Esporta Wash System Restore?

The Esporta Wash System is able to restore a diverse list of soft content items. It was initially designed to clean and disinfect hockey equipment. The Esporta Wash System now restores items from your every day laundry to fireman safety equipment. The Esporta is capable of restoring sentimental and irreplaceable items to pre-loss condition. Items that are affected by categories 1-3 water damage can be washed in the Esporta Wash System. This mean items that are affected from a clean water loss in your home to black/sewage water can be restored. 

Mold contaminated leather shoes restored at Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc.

This is a list of some of the items the Esporta Wash System can restore:

• Leather goods (purses, jackets, shoes, etc.)
• Toys (stuffed animals, beanie babies, etc.)
• Bags (suitcases, duffle bags, etc.)
• Household items (linens/bedding, clothing, sleeping bags, cushions, etc.)
• Protective gear (body armor, fireman's PPE, hard hats, belts, etc.)
• Outdoor/Sports (backpacks, wet suits, sports gear, rollerblades, etc.)

Mold covered stuffed animal restored at Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc.

Mold contaminated leather flight jacket restored at Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc.

Restore - Don't Replace

If you face a situation where your home and belongings are destroyed and you feel like you have lost everything - restoring items versus replacing is a quicker and cheaper option. PRS is able to promise a next day turn around for your restored soft contents. If you were to wait for the insurance company to assess the damage and issue you a check you would be without the essential items for weeks. Give Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc. a call to bring some peace of mind to a hectic situation. PRS is available 24/7 to come to the rescue during a disaster. 

Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc.'s soft contents restoration facility in St. Petersburg, FL

Thermal Imaging - A Vital Part of Water Damage Restoration

Thermal imaging has become a vital part of the restoration procedures for water damage restoration. Thermal imaging is used to locate and identify moisture on structures. Thermal imaging can lead to immediate cost reduction and a faster turnaround time for water damage restoration.  

Thermal imaging is also used to evaluate the success of the restoration process. There has to be proof that moisture has been eliminated. It is important that property owners get the necessary proof that work has been done properly and completely. This also gives them assurance that damage has been remediated and the property is back to its pre-loss condition. 

Thermal Imaging and Structural Drying 

Thermal Imaging is used as an investigative means in determining hidden moisture. High moisture areas will relatively have lower temperatures. This will be detected by thermal imaging instruments like thermal cameras, monitors and sensors. When these areas are already identified, restoration companies can dry these areas thru structural drying. 

It is essential that thermal imaging be done accurately. The most advanced structural drying techniques are actually done only on the areas where moisture has been detected. Only the wet areas are dried. Accurate thermal imaging and fast structural drying will be able to bring back your water damaged property back to its pre-damaged state. 

Thermal Imaging is normally performed after water damage has occurred. This is done to identify all materials where moisture has reached. Thermal Imaging identifies the remaining wet areas and then structural drying techniques will take care of the rest. When drying is complete, secondary water damage is minimized if not eliminated. This will save your furniture, books, and documents, and will stop mold growth. 

Thermal Imaging by PRS 

Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc has the latest technology in thermal imaging. This is part of their water damage restoration process. PRS of Tampa Bay has the professional capacity to identify wet areas of your property and provide drying efficiently.

Efficient drying is a vital part of the restoration process. With fast drying techniques administered, construction materials will regain their strength, nullifying the need for any further construction. Structural drying, completed in time, is a drying technique that does not require demolition providing a faster service.

PRS Promises Fast Service 

It is important that a fast response is provided on the property. The owner of the damaged property has to immediately report the damage. This will lead to a faster assessment and reduce secondary damage. 

Notifying PRS is an easy task as they have a 24 hour, 7 days a week hotline – ready for any emergency work. PRS can automatically bill your insurance company or they do accept credit card if the loss isn’t covered thru insurance. This less hassle is actually part of PRS’ dedicated service. The faster they mitigate and dry your property, the faster things go back to normal.

Preventing Mold and Humidity - Don't Reach For Your Thermostat

It is a common misconception to people that running your air conditioner will prevent mold in your home and keep humidity levels down. Excessive humidity levels can promote mold growth. Humidity levels over 60% is all mold needs to grow. Mold needs water to survive. Humidity is water in a vapor form. If you can maintain humidity levels below 60% you can keep mold from growing. It is important to understand and know the facts especially if you experience water damage. 

While an air conditioner does dehumidify a room while it is running, it is only concerned with temperature, not moisture. Once the thermostat reaches the temperature you set it at, it shuts off, regardless of the humidity level in the room. Temperature and humidity have nothing to do with one another. 

Using A Dehumidistat to Prevent Mold and Humidity 

To prevent moisture and humidity in your home you can purchase a dehumidistat or a thermostat with a built-in dehumidistat that controls humidity. With a dehumidistat you select your desired humidity level. The air conditioner will kick on whenever humidity levels exceed your preset humidity setting. However, this may result in a more expensive energy bill every month. A dehumidistat will cause your AC to run often if you live in a very humid state such as Florida. 

Preventing Mold and Humidity with a Dehumidifier

The other option you have to bring humidity levels down would be to purchase a dehumidifier. These are great for those that are concerned with conserving energy. The dehumidifier does not add cool air to bring down the humidity like the AC does. A dehumidifier is more of a slow and steady approach to reducing humidity in your home unlike the AC unit which is either full on or full off. The result is a comfortable house year round that uses less power. 

Be sure to monitor and dump the collection tray often. Once the tray becomes full the built-in float switch will shut the unit off. It will no longer work until emptied. The ideal set up would be to install a drain line off the dehumidifier directly into a sink, outdoor through a wall or hard piped into an existing drain. Then the unit could be left unattended and continue to work as it purges regularly. 

Ways to Reduce Humidity  

• Never leave windows open in high humid environments as this can promote mold growth.
• Maintain your HVAC system. Change air filters regularly and get professional service once a year to clean the coils.
• Use bathroom exhaust fans to remove excess humidity after showers.
• Route exhaust fans (dryer, bathroom ventilation, stove top exhaust, etc.) completely outside of the home, not into any part of the home. 
• Minimize indoor house plants.
• Make sure your property is dried properly if you experience a leak or water damage.
• Seal windows properly to prevent condensation on the glass. Condensation becomes humidity as it evaporates. 

How Can PRS Prevent Mold and Humidity?

If you experience water damage or a leak, time is of the essence. Professional Restoration Services, Inc. is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year to efficiently and properly restore your home to it's pre-loss condition. With five state licenses, we are the one call does it all company. We have the necessary equipment to ensure your home will be properly dried to prevent mold. In the event you already have mold we are certified to assess and remove the mold as well. We are a certified and reputable company that understands the importance of an immediate response to your loss. 

Got Mold?

Mold is dangerous to your health and will diminish the value of your home if it goes untreated. Mold is not necessarily always visible, it can grow and live behind walls or even wallpaper. If you have any reason to believe you may have mold, you should have a professional take air samples to determine if you do in fact have a mold issue.

Usually you will smell or see the mold if you have an issue. However, there are times when you do not see or smell the mold. If you or anyone in your home suffers from the common symptoms of mold exposure you should hire a professional immediately to begin assessing your home for mold.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Mold Exposure?

1. Runny nose and sneezing
2. Forms of nasal infection and congestion
3. Respiratory failures
4. Skin rashes
5. Throat irritation/infection
6. Chest pains
7. Irritated eyes

Mold does not always affect everyone. These symptoms will be more apparent in the elderly, infants or those who suffer from a mold allergy.

Mold Assessing and Remediation

Do a visual check of your home. You will have to go beyond just the visible areas and look in cabinets, below your kitchen sink and under carpets. Check all areas that are conducive for mold formation. If you do not find any mold but still believe you have mold in your home, you should contact a professional company that is able to assess your home for mold. If you have mold in your home the process of remediation needs to take place to bring your home back to a healthy living environment.

Mold assessment and mold remediation come in tandem. Mold assessment is the process of locating and determining the quantity of mold present in a residential or commercial property. Mold remediation is the process of removing the mold from the structure through intricate processes and techniques.  

Mold Remediation by PRS

When in or near the Tampa Bay area, you can always trust PRS to provide the right mold remediation.  Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc, PRS is duly licensed by the government to perform such activities. Mold Remediation #MRSR102 license is a privilege given to PRS because of the system and technology they are able to provide. 

PRS is a one stop service for restoration. Water and structural damage can be taken care of with a simple call. PRS will also help you with your insurance claims, just what you need to have a complete turnaround on your mold problems.

Water Damage Restoration

If you experience any kind of water damage to your property you need to have your home properly dried out to prevent mold and further damages. Moisture left behind will be a breeding ground for mold to develop. Once you have mold you will have another issue to deal with. Time is of the essence when it comes to water damage. Mold growth can begin within the first 24-48 hours after the water makes contact. 

When you are looking for a company to restore your property from water damage make sure they are certified. Look for a company that offers emergency water extraction, structural drying and thermal imaging. Hiring a company that is ill equipped and unskilled can lead to more costly repairs in the future. Be cautious when you are looking for a restoration company.

Thermal Imaging and Structural Drying – Vital Parts of Water Damage Restoration

When your home experiences a flood or any other type of water damage you need to get the water extracted as soon as possible.  Once the water is extracted thermal imaging plays an important role in detecting the source of a leak and any water that was not extracted. It also is a great tool to have to ensure the job was done correctly when it’s completed. Taking thermal images after the restoration is completed will confirm that all water has been removed from your home.

 Structural drying requires the necessary technology, equipment and staff competence to do the work correctly. Structural drying prevents secondary water damage to your property. This includes damages to furniture, books, artwork and mold development. Such damages are brought about by moisture remaining on walls, floors, carpets and furniture. Structural drying does not necessarily include destruction. Structural drying is done through the use of equipment such as turbo drying fans and dehumidifiers. Accurate thermal imaging and fast structural drying will be able to bring your water damaged property back to its pre-damaged state.

Water Damage Restoration by PRS

Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc. has the latest technology in thermal imaging and necessary equipment for structural drying. Efficient drying is a vital part in the restoration process. PRS has the professional capacity to identify wet areas of your property and provide drying efficiently. PRS is available to begin restoration to your home 24 hours, 7 days a week. The faster PRS mitigates and dries your property, the faster things go back to normal. PRS is dedicated to provide honest and efficient service to those in need.

Choose to Restore - Don't Replace

We all have possessions that we consider irreplaceable. If those items are damaged it's difficult to put a dollar amount on what that item is worth to you. For example, your child’s favorite stuffed animal is covered in toxic soot from a fire that destroyed your home. This is an irreplaceable item to your child and purchasing a new one will not be the same to them. What if you could give that stuffed animal to a company and they were able to restore it to better than pre-loss condition? The Esporta Wash System is capable of restoring a soot covered stuffed animal back to it's original state physically and will be able to bring that item to food grade clean by removing the toxins and bacteria. 

How does the Esporta Wash System work?

The Esporta Wash System is designed to wash and restore items from everyday linens to sewage contaminated items. Originally designed to clean and disinfect hockey equipment, the ES 3300 has a diverse list of items it is able to restore. How does this machine work? The Esporta dispenses detergents in 4 stages through-out the wash cycle. The first detergent the is released is a enzyme based detergent that is designed to attack and break down stains and weaken the bacteria. The second detergent contains surfactants and emulsifiers which break down oils in the water, it essentially balances the water and lifts the bacteria from the contents. A disinfectant is released in stage three in which kills the bacteria on contact. The disinfectant is organic and is completely safe to dispose of, it is primarily made up of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. Lastly fabric softener or fragrance are available as an optional stage. These are not to mask the odor but to simply add a pleasant scent to your clean items.

The machine utilizes water energy to force detergent water through items and the bacteria out. When you combine the hydraulic actions of this machine with the detergents, the result is restored and decontaminated items. The ES 3300 contains 8 compartments and the machine cleans up to 160 pounds of laundry per wash, removing 99% of the organic and inorganic contaminants.

When you restore contaminated items with the Esporta Wash System the items will look clean, smell clean, and the dangerous bacteria and toxins will be removed. ATP testing is used on every item to insure it is safe to return to the customer. A test is taken before the item is washed and after. In the picture below you can see the ATP testing device that shows a reading before a blanket was restored on the left and after it was washed on the right. The Esporta was able to remove bacteria from the item and bring the reading from 625 to only 9. The reading taken after the item is washed must show a number below 30 to be considered disinfected and food grade clean. For more information about ATP testing click here. 

What can be restored and what are the limitations?

·         Category 1, 2 and 3 water damaged contents. This includes water damage caused by clean drinking water to sewage waste.

·         Heavy smoke and soot damaged contents.

·         Smoke and water damaged leathers.

·         Mold contaminated contents and bio waste contaminated contents.

·         Leather Goods:

·         Wallets

·         Shoes

·         Purses

·         Household items:

·         Laundry

·         Sleeping bags

·         Comforters

·         Stuffed animals

·         Unique

·         Umbrellas

·         Survival gear

·         Tents

·         Sporting Goods

·         Football gear

·         Hockey gear

·         Helmets

Items that could pose a risk:

·         Furs

·         Extra-large items

·         Cardboard and paper products

·         Dry clean only

·         Large rugs

·         Large items: Full size luggage, Golf bags, Area rugs

When risky items such as those above are deemed a total loss we can still give the Esporta Wash System a shot. There are times when the items are restored and do not have to be thrown out. 

PRS – Esporta Certified Operator

ProfessionalRestoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc. has recently become one of the 250 companies in North America to own the Esporta Washing Systems – ES 3300. Within the next couple of months it is our goal to begin restoring soft content items for customers. We want to be your one call does it call restoration company. We will be the only company in Pinellas County to provide this service. In the event that your home floods or you have a fire, don’t feel like you lost everything. Give us a call to restore it all.

Why Should You Hire a Licensed Contractor?

Being a licensed contractor in Florida is a privilege. Many do not understand the difference in being licensed and why some are not licensed. Obtaining and keeping your contracting license in Florida is expensive and there are requirements you must meet. An unlicensed company is taking the easy and unethical approach to assisting those in need. 

Licensed or Unlicensed – Is It a Big Deal?

When you are in need for repairs questions run through your head: What does it mean to be licensed? Why are some contractors licensed and some are not? Does it really matter? Being a licensed contractor means they have passed all required testing, met the minimum experience level of four years, passed a credit and background check, and they must carry insurance to cover liability and workers compensation.

Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor:

• No insurance – No liability: An unlicensed contractor typically is uninsured – you may end up being liable for personal or financial injuries to others. If they happen to damage your property, there is no insurance to cover that.
• Poor qualifications and poor quality work: Unlicensed contractors usually do not have the education or qualifications required of a licensee. Therefore, they usually do poor quality work and do not finish the project, leaving the homeowner to pick up the pieces.
• Possible criminal background: Unlicensed contractors also pose the threat for having a lengthy list of criminal history. This list may include violent crime, sexual offenses, substance abuse, fraud, and/or theft. Do you want someone like that working on your private property?
• Scam artists: Unlicensed contractors often disappear after taking your money. The department cannot discipline an unlicensed person or help you with any recovery of repairs or money lost. These con artists usually try to scam those in need or urgent repairs such as hurricane damage.
• Not covered under homeowner’s policy: Most homeowner policies require any repairs be done by a licensed individual.
• Limited resources for broken contracts: If you have a dispute with a licensed contractor, you have rights and are able to contact the department who will take disciplinary action. However, this action is not available if the contractor is not licensed.
• Noncompliance with building codes: Most projects require permits and inspections, unlicensed contractors usually ignore such things. If your project isn't permitted or doesn't comply with the building code you may have to remove or repair the work at your own expense and be subject to fines.

Before you agree to any repairs confirm the individual is licensed and has insurance. Below are helpful links for you to use:

Click here to verify a Pinellas County license
Click here to verify a State license

Why Hire a Licensed Contractor?

•  A licensed person has the required education, experience, insurance and qualifications to obtain a license.  They must pass a competency examination before practicing.
• Licensed individuals are screened for prior criminal history.
• The department can discipline and even revoke a license if the person does not live up to professional standards.  This is a not a total safeguard, but is a strong incentive for the licensee to do good work.
• You may be able to sue the licensee in civil court for problems related to the work done.

Why Should You Hire PRS?

Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc. holds 4 state licenses, multiple certifications and the experience to get the job done right. We strive for customer satisfaction and believe in ethical work. We are dedicated to people in need and we are available 24/7 365 days a year to assist you. We are certified to handle all stages of home restoration. Please take a look at our licenses and certifications below: 

Understanding Flood Insurance and Water Damage Coverage

Flood damage is expensive and poses health hazards. Homeowners insurance will not cover you for flood damage. From an insurance companies view flood and water damage are two different things.Your homeowners insurance will deny a water damage claim if the water made contact with the ground prior to entering your home. Knowing your rights and how to obtain flood coverage can avoid this situation.

Flood Damage Coverage and Water Damage Coverage – What’s the Difference?

If water damages your property it will either fall under flood damage or water damage. The question to ask yourself is: Did the water that damaged my home make contact with the ground before or after it entered my home?

Flood damage: Water that damages your home after it has already made contact with the ground.

Examples of flood damage sources:

• A river overflowing
• Flooded streets
• Mudslide    
• A sewer back up caused by a storm

Water damage: Water that damages your home prior to it making contact with the ground.

Examples of water damage sources:

• A broken water pipe spews water into your home
• Heavy rain causes your roof to leak
• Rain enters your home through a broken window caused by a storm

Rule of thumb: Flood Insurance and water damage coverage offered under your homeowners insurance policy does not mean you are duplicating coverage. Instead, they complement each other. Click here to learn how to sign up for flood insurance. 

Understanding Your Coverage and Exclusions

You purchase your homeowner’s insurance and then disaster strikes… do you know what you’re covered for and what damages will be excluded from coverage? Water damage coverage can get tricky. It would be an ideal world if we bought one coverage and it covered anything to do with water, however, life is not that simple. For instance, water that backs up through sewers or drains is not covered unless you buy sewer backup coverage separately. Damage from sewer backup would most likely be covered under your flood damage policy. Although, it will be denied if the sewer backup was not caused by a flood in the first place. Insurance companies can deny your water damage claim if you do not file in a timely manner. You must report a water loss within 14 days of the first drop to your insurance company or they could deny your claim. The 14 day rule can complicate a situation such as a water leak that you can’t visibly see.   Such situations can become highly frustrating and unpredictable for the insured.

Useful information about coverage and exclusions:

• Flood insurance will only apply if either the flood affects two acres of land or it affects two homes, one being yours.
• Your personal contents may not be covered under a standard flood or water damage policy – get the details!
• Know the specifics – if a hot water heater springs a leak, the damage should be covered under your homeowners insurance. However, if the hot water heater springs a leak as a direct result of a flood, that would only be covered if you have flood insurance.
• Mold may not be covered under your homeowner’s policy. Usually with water damage comes mold damage. Know if your policy excludes mold or not.

You can purchase the coverage for personal belongings but usually there is a limit to how much you can cover. Floods and leaky pipes bursting can damage and ruin valuable items. Keeping a list of your valuable items and their worth will make it easier when it comes time to recover money for your losses. Valuable items such as artwork, rare books, jewelry, etc. may fall under a different property coverage limit. There may be a maximum coverage of $2,500.00 for such valuables.

Restoring Your Home and Peace of Mind with PRS

While PRS cannot assist you with your homeowners insurance issues, we can restore your home to pre-loss condition as well provide content restoration services to repair irreplaceable items.  We are certified and licensed to assist you with a complete restoration of your home. We provide services such as: structural drying, mold assessing, mold remediation, complete restoration, and content restoration. We are available 24/7 365 days a year and ready to assist you with an emergency. We know how time sensitive water damage can be, the first 24-48 hours are the most crucial. If you face any water damage to your home we promise to find the source and restore the damages to pre-loss condition. 

Handling Lightning Damage

There are nearly 200,000 homeowners insurance claims filed each year due to lightning strikes. Contrary to popular belief, lightning can indeed strike the same place twice. The Empire State Building is struck by lightning about 100 times a year. You should always take a thunderstorm seriously and understand how dangerous and powerful lightning is.  According to NLSI statistics, 1 out of every 200 homes will be struck by lightning each year.

Tips and Facts about Lightning Safety:

• Lightning rods can protect a building from catching fire, not from electrical surges. Although, they are not 100 percent effective.
• Do not use the telephone, because electrical wires may be hit by lightning. Even using a cellular phone is hazardous because the metal parts can conduct lightning.
• The odds of becoming a lightning victim in the U.S. in any one year is 1 in 700,000. The odds of being struck in your lifetime is 1 in 3,000.Lightning not only occurs during thunderstorms, but it may also take place during volcanic eruptions, forest fires, hurricanes and nuclear explosions.
• Lightning starts about 4,400 house fires each year.
• A motor car with a metal top can offer you some protection—but keep your hands from the metal sides.
• Victims of lightning do not retain the charge and are not "electrified." It is safe to help them.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.

What Do You Do If Your Home Is Struck By Lightning?

A bolt of lightning can reach temperatures up to 50,000 degrees, which is five times hotter than the surface of the sun. Do not take a shower, stay off your landline phone, avoid contact with electrical equipment and cords… you probably have heard these standard precautions to take during a lightning storm over and over again. But the fact is that the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries is phone use. Lightning can travel long distances in both phone and electrical wires, particularly in rural areas. Taking precautions can absolutely reduce your chance for injury.

Lightning can enter your home in three main ways: (1) a direct strike, (2) through wires or pipes that extend outside the structure, and (3) the ground. Once the lightning has entered your home it can travel through the electrical, phone, plumbing, and radio or television reception systems.  Lightning can ruin your electrical system in your home and it can also cause a fire. The fire could very well start within the walls so you may not notice it until it’s too late. You should call 911 immediately after your home is struck by lightning. The fire department handles all lightning calls and they are equipped with thermal imaging cameras to locate a possible fire burning in your home. They also will be able to survey the damages and let you and your family know when it is deemed safe to enter again.

Handling the Aftermath of a Lightning Strike

After you have gotten everyone out safely and the fire department has assessed your home you may be left with damages. A standard home owner’s insurance policy should cover damages caused by lightning, including fires and fried electronics. Below are some tips you can use that will help get your home back in order:

• Keep detailed records of all big-ticket purchases such as TVs, laptops and other expensive electronics. The insurance company will want to see proof of ownership.
• Report a lightning strike to your agent as soon as possible.
• Keep accurate records of how much you spend repairing or replacing items.
• Review your policy for specific coverage information.
• Check with your claim representative before you discard any items you plan to claim as damaged.

Lightning’s destruction can be random. In some instances your computer could be fried yet your T.V. still works. You should check all electrical equipment that was plugged in during the time when the lightning struck to inspect for damage. It could take weeks before you are able to discover all of the damages the lightning caused to your home. In the event that your home catches fire from the extreme heat produced from lightning, you will need to hire a professional to restore your home back to its original state. PRS is available 24/7 to assist with any disaster you may face. We are fully equipped to handle all fire and smoke damage. After you have assessed the damage and reported it to your insurance company, give us a call and let us handle the rest.