In Brooklyn, after a hurricane or big winter snow storm, often people wander their neighborhoods to see what kind of damage might have been done to the streets, other people's homes, and shops and restaurants. But it's important to get on the case right away, in your own home, if you want to both minimize damage and prepare a good file to send to your insurance company. Here are some recommendations, based on communiques with insurance companies:
- Inspect: Carefully inspect the inside and outside of your home, car or business. Look for broken or damaged elements: fences, windows, cornices, trees.
- Document, Document, Document!: Write down every item and document that damage with a photo. If contents of your home have been damaged, do the same. Keep it itemized and organized.
- Dry Out: If there's been water damage or flooding, it's important to start the process of removal and drying as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Call a restoration company to get an appointment as quickly as you can. Meanwhile, mop up what you can, use a fan or open the doors and windows to dry it out.
- De-Humidify: If you have an air conditioner, run it to dehumidify the house.
- Triage: Remove wet items if you can. Lift up rugs, remove window treatments, and so on.
- Know What's Covered and Prepare Your Case: Read your insurance policy carefully so you know what might be covered, and what might not be. The best you can do is document carefully so that months later, when haggling over a claim, you have evidence.
