FEMA urges citizens to file for home inspection, insurance

SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — FEMA is urging the citizens of San Angelo to file claims for flood insurance and home inspections as soon as possible if it has not been done already.

Topsoil and plants left damaged after floods

The government organization has released a fact sheet that the population can follow for help. There are two categories of what to do, and they follow as:

Before cleaning up:

• Take photos of the damage before you begin the clean-up process. Be sure to include photos or videos of the outside and inside of the building, including damaged personal property, and label them by room before you remove anything.

• Photograph the make, model and serial number of appliances such as washers, dryers, hot water heaters, kitchen appliances, TVs and computers.

• Save all repair receipts.

• If you have insurance, separate damaged items from undamaged items. The insurance adjuster may need to document damaged items when conducting an inspection.

• If possible, keep samples of carpet, flooring, wallpaper and drapes.

• After taking photos, immediately throw away flood-damaged items that pose a health risk after coming into contact with floodwaters such as perishable food, clothing, cushions and pillows.

When salvaging and cleaning up flood damaged property:

• Always wear protective clothing. This includes long-sleeved shirts, long pants, rubber or plastic gloves and waterproof boots or shoes.

• If the home needs a blue tarp to prevent further damage, install the tarp as quickly as possible.

• Clean all hard surfaces and items with bleach. If possible, wash wet fabrics in hot water.

• Use caution when entering your home. Before entering your residence, look around the outside for damaged power lines, gas lines and other structural damage. If able, open doors and windows so your house can air out before spending any length of time inside.

• Watch for sharp objects such as protruding nails and screws, aluminum and broken glass.

• Turn off main electrical power and water systems. Don’t use gas appliances until a professional can inspect them.

• Check all ceilings and floors for signs of sagging or other potentially dangerous structural damage. Remove all drywall and insulation that has been in contact with floodwaters.

Those looking to apply can do so at disasterassistance.gov, the FEMA mobile app or by calling 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. The official face sheet document can be downloaded below.

DR-4879-TX-FS-002-Dont-Wait-to-Clean-Up-or-Make-RepairsDownload

En Español

ES_DR-4879-TX-FS-002-Dont-Wait-to-Clean-Up-or-Make-Repairs-1Download

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