Site icon Delaware Valley News

Insurance Tips For Home and Car Damage From Storms


PHILADELPHIA, PA (July 10, 2020) Tropical Storm Fay, the earliest “F” storm ever in the Atlantic, is set to batter the mid-Atlantic much of today and into Saturday morning with heavy rain (potentially one to four inches) and wind.  The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch and hazardous weather outlook for southeast Pennsylvania, New Jersey and parts of Delaware through 8:00 p.m. tonight.  AAA reminds motorists that even if you don’t live in an area that typically floods, remain alert when out on the roads and delay driving if at all possible during periods of heavy rain.

“Many motorists view rain storms as more of an inconvenience than a hazard,” said Jana L. Tidwell, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “As a result, drivers tend to be less cautious than they should be. The most important steps to take when driving in wet weather are to buckle up, slow down, and if you see ponding water turn around, don’t drown.”

 

On Monday, the Philadelphia-area saw flash flooding result in more than 20 water rescues on flooded roads.  Some areas saw two to four inches of rain in a matter of minute, sweeping vehicles from dry land into raging flood waters. Rapidly rising flood waters may quickly inundate roadways and areas of poor drainage. Streams and creeks could leave their banks, flooding nearby properties.

AAA Driving and Insurance Tips

AAA Driving Tips:

·    Sign up for emergency alerts – alerts are often provided by agencies like the National Weather Service and can help notify you when there is a risk of flooding.

·    Turn Around, Don’t Drown! As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your car and potentially stall your engine.  Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads. Turn around; find another way to get to your destination.  Pull over to a safe location if needed.

·    Seek higher ground – If your vehicle stalls or is suddenly caught in rising water, leave it immediately.

·     Never drive through standing water – Standing water can be deceiving and motorists should avoid it. No matter how shallow it may appear, water may be concealing downed power lines, be deeper than it appears, or have significant force from flooding, etc.

·     Standing water may also be hiding potholes – Another good reason not to drive through it!

·    Watch for hydroplaning – No car is immune from hydroplaning on wet surfaces, including four-wheel drive vehicles. Even if brakes work under normal conditions that doesn’t mean they will react the same on slippery roads where tires roll with less traction. Also, turn off cruise control as it can cause hydroplaning.

·    Take the nearest exit – If conditions worsen to the point where there is any doubt about your safety, take the nearest exit. Don’t just stop on the shoulder or under a bridge. If your visibility is compromised, other drivers may be struggling too.

AAA Tips on Auto Insurance Coverage:

AAA Tips on Auto Insurance Claims:

AAA Tips on Home Insurance Coverage

AAA Tips on Homeowners Insurance Claims:

·    The first step to recovery is inspecting your home for damage and then notifying your insurance company as soon as possible.

·     Prepare an inventory and take photographs of damaged property.

·    Store undamaged property in a protected place if possible.

·    If carpet is soaked, remove the carpet and the carpet pad.  Keep a two-foot square piece for the claims adjuster.

·    Look for hazards such as broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, submerged furnaces or electrical appliances and damaged sewage systems.

·    Proceed with extreme caution as you inspect your basement. There may be hazards from electrical lines and heating units.  If your basement has flooded, do not pump it out all at once.  Remove about one-third of the water per day.  The wet ground surrounding your basement may cause the floors to buckle and the walls to collapse.

·     Remove contaminated materials from the home. Be aware of exposure to mold.

·     Carpeting, mattresses and upholstered furniture should be disposed of or cleaned and disinfected by a professional cleaner.

·     Cover broken windows and other holes to prevent further damage.

·     Test drywall for moisture softness. If soft, cut holes at base to help dry out.

·      If possible run AC, dehumidifier and fans constantly.

·      If power is out, disconnect all computers and appliances from electrical sources.

·     Open cabinet doors and elevate furniture allowing air to circulate.

·      Save wet books or photo albums by putting them on edge in a frost free freezer.

·      Be present when the adjuster inspects your damage.

 


Exit mobile version