8 tips for cleaning after a flood

Help David McGinnis clearing debris in a house that was flooded by the White River. (AP Photo / Eric Gay)

Many residents of Texas and Oklahoma should feel like Mickey Mouse in The Sorcerer's Apprentice segment of "Fantasia" Disney, as they watch the torrent of water, despite all efforts. Between storms businesses and residents they are trying their lives together, but a daunting task.

If you ' have to decide in this situation and try to do what to do first, here are some tips from the Accident Insurance Association of America (PCI) to follow the steps if you have flood damage, as well as proposals for the presentation and management a claim.

(Photo: Shutterstock / images)

Shovel or scrape the mud your floors, furniture and walls sludge before drying. Then sprinkle the walls with clean water from the roof.

(Photo: Shutterstock / Brian A Jackson)

Appliances such as refrigerators and stoves can be washed and dried thoroughly. In most cases they will not be damaged, unless at the time that the water covered it operates.

(Photo: Shutterstock / Spark Studio)

Diluted chlorine bleach used to clean household items, appliances, walls and floors. This will also help control odor.

(Photo: Shutterstock / Byjeng)

Wooden furniture are dried in the open air, but not in direct sunlight. Remove drawers and other moving parts before they dry.

(Photo: Shutterstock / FashionStock.com)

A flooded basement should be pumped gradually to avoid structural damage. Pump about a third of water per day.

(Photo: Shutterstock / rainman0008)

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Take precautions to prevent electric shock.

(Photo: Shutterstock / liza54500)

Food utensils and equipment must be washed and sterilized before use. Any food that is open and exposed to floods discarded.

(Photo: Shutterstock / PathDoc)

If you have a loss

If your home or business has been flooded, you are sure to have some sort of loss. Even if you have not been able to estimate the amount or a comprehensive assessment of the damage, the following steps. As soon as possible

• Call your insurance agent or company representative.
• Check the property and vehicle damage.
• Loss of inventory and photograph the damage and save support related receipts with claims management.
• Property insurance against damage or theft.
• Overview of the history and the legitimacy of the repair contractor. Ask your insurance company for help in finding a reputable contractor.
• Keep a detailed record of the activity and associated costs during the duration of the interruption, and prepare documents to the corporate earnings to show both before and after the loss.

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