| Here is a helpful checklist to minimize damage to | | | | there is any damage to your home’s |
| your property following a fire, flood, storm or | | | | exterior, including to the gutters, windows, siding, |
| other disaster event. | | | | chimneys, etc. |
| Alert your insurance company immediately. Your | | | | - Inspect the property for any signs of water |
| insurance agent is your partner during this | | | | infiltration. |
| stressful time. He/she will guide you through the | | | | - Determine if the insulation is wet or damaged. |
| claims and clean-up process. | | | | Be sure to check the insulation around your |
| Take photos of the damage prior to the property | | | | windows and doors and in your attic, crawl spaces |
| being cleaned-up, boarded-up or demolished. | | | | and walls. |
| Having photographic documentation of the | | | | - Look closely to verify that your foundation walls |
| damage could be helpful for insurance purposes. | | | | are intact. |
| Determine whether your house or place of | | | | In most cases your insurance agent will make |
| business is structurally safe. If not, you will need | | | | clean-up/restoration contractor recommendations. |
| to evacuate the facility and make alternate | | | | However, in some situations, you may be advised |
| arrangements. | | | | to hire a restoration company in Maryland of your |
| Shut down the electrical and water supply and | | | | own choosing. The following are tips for hiring the |
| close the main gas valve, after the threat of | | | | best professional restoration company: |
| physical danger has passed. These steps will help | | | | - Look for a professional restoration company |
| you avoid further damage, so it is important to | | | | that specializes in working with property owners |
| know in advance where these important systems | | | | after a fire, flood, storm or other disaster. These |
| are located. | | | | companies are a better choice than general |
| Protect and secure property assets and/or | | | | contracting companies that may offer restoration |
| personal belongings. | | | | services. |
| - Relocate all valuables to a safe and dry place. | | | | - Be sure that the company you choose is |
| - If there is standing water, try to remove as | | | | licensed, bonded and insured in the state where |
| much of it to the outdoors as possible and run | | | | the work will be performed. |
| the air conditioning, a dehumidifier or a fan to help | | | | - Do not sign a contract unless the job is |
| dry out the area. WARNING: Standing water will | | | | described in detail including what will be done, a |
| begin to produce dangerous mold within 48 hours, | | | | price estimate and what materials/tools will be |
| making it imperative to remove all standing water. | | | | used. |
| Accomplish water clean up with dryout services | | | | - Ask for a list of references. Also, look at before |
| Maryland professionals. | | | | and after pictures of the company’s work. |
| - If conditions allow, cover broken windows and | | | | - Do not hire a company that requires a larger |
| doors as well as damaged walls and roof areas | | | | than normal deposit in order to start work. |
| with plywood or plastic sheeting to prevent | | | | The most effective way to recover from a fire, |
| additional moisture entry and to protect the | | | | flood, storm or other disastrous event is to take |
| property from the elements. | | | | action quickly Carefully following the Emergency |
| Inspect the property thoroughly. Your | | | | Restoration checklist will help the disaster relief |
| observations and comments will help speed up the | | | | experts restore your home and property to |
| restoration process when professional help arrives. | | | | normal as quickly as possible. |
| - Determine if there are roof shingles missing or if | | | | |