Allstate Advises Caution as Clean-up Begins

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Receding waters may signal the end of a flood, but its danger and devastation can continue for weeks and months. Caution and clear thinking in the wake of a flood can help save lives as well as prevent further property damage. Typically, your standard homeowners insurance policy will not cover flood damage, though federal flood insurance for future flood events is available through your Allstate agent.

Additional government assistance and help from volunteer agencies may also be available. Allstate asks you to consider these steps to ensure personal safety and avoid further damage to homes and property…

Seven Steps To Flood Recovery

• Don’t return home without authorization from local authorities and don’t walk through floodwater, particularly if it’s moving. Currents even in small amounts of water can be strong enough to carry you away. If you must venture into still water, use a pole or stick to make sure the ground beneath the water is solid. When driving, observe barricades and avoid flooded roads.
• Drowning and electrocution are the leading causes of death from flooding. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Report downed wires to your local utility company or emergency officials.
• If you did not turn off your electricity before you left home, do it as soon as you return. Check appliances or electronic devices such as televisions for water damage, don’t use them until they have been taken apart and dried.
• Use caution when entering any building. Falling plaster, cracks in the foundation and unstable ceilings could make buildings extremely hazardous. Take care when walking anywhere the flood has reached, including the floors in your home. Snakes or small animals often take shelter or are washed inside during floods. Debris such as nails and broken bottles and even mud and sticks can cause slippery, uneven footing, making walking hazardous.

• Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing sound, open a window and leave. Make sure the gas is turned off at the main valve outside. Only a professional should turn the gas back on when the danger has passed. Don’t light candles, lanterns or matches until you’re sure the gas has been aired out. Don’t smoke. Exhaust from power generators or devices such as camping stoves and barbecues can be dangerous. Use them only outdoors.
• Keep in mind that floodwater usually isn’t clean. Discard spoiled food, wet medicine and cosmetics and anything else in question.
• Be patient when pumping water out of flooded basements. Do not drain your basement until you know the water table has receded below your basement. Then, eliminate only about a third of the water per day to help avoid structural damage.

Be Cautious When Hiring Help

As the rebuilding process begins, be extremely cautious when hiring contractors. Unscrupulous contractors may take advantage of people who have experienced a catastrophic event. Following are tips for homeowners looking to repair their dwellings.

• Take your time in choosing true professionals to repair your home.
• Get estimates from several licensed, bonded contractors.
• Check their credentials with your local Better Business Bureau or Home Builders Association.
• Ask your neighbors what they’re paying for similar work.
• Inspect contractors’ licenses and proof of liability insurance.
• Get a contract in writing.
• Avoid paying money up-front. Some reputable contractors will require partial, up-front payment, but these pre-work payments shouldn’t exceed the cost of materials or 20 percent of the total estimate.
• Follow local building codes and inspection procedures.
• If anyone performs work on your house or property without your permission, don’t pay them, and contact your local authorities.
• Avoid signing over an insurance settlement check to the contractor.
• Immediately report any suspicious behavior to your local police, sheriff’s department, and Allstate agent.

More information on the National Flood Insurance Program can be found on the web at www.fema.gov/nfip.

About the Allstate Corporation

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate^®” slogan, Allstate helps individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through approximately 14,900 exclusive agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate agencies, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate^®. Encompass^® and Deerbrook^® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers.