In a few lines, here are the emergency measures that remind you what to do and how to act when a disaster occurs.
Take the time to read them. They could save a life and help minimize damage to your property and building.
Floods and water damage can happen at any time, usually when you least expect it…
Here are some practical tips to limit damage and inconvenience.
Move as many furniture and objects as possible to higher floors or store them on higher ground.
Plug the drains of sanitary and sewer appliances in the basement, especially if they are not equipped with a backflow valve.
Turn off the electricity supply throughout the house and the gas supply, if applicable. HOWEVER, do not cut the power if the electrical box and you are not in a perfectly dry area. Instead, contact Hydro-Québec or the fire department.
Turn off the tap or valve of the pipe causing the leak, or, if not possible, shut off the main water supply.
Mop up immediately to prevent water from spreading and causing more damage.
Contact your insurer immediately.
Contact a company like ours to promptly pump out the water or dry out the area.
As mentioned earlier, if water is already on the floor, do not touch the electrical box under any circumstances. Contact Hydro-Québec, which can cut the power remotely, or the fire department, which can also assist.
Do not use a generator to compensate for the lack of electricity until the building has been dried and declared safe.
Evacuate the house and ensure no one is left behind if the water level forces you out or if authorities advise you to leave.
If possible, keep a mobile phone handy and bring warm clothes and any essential medications.
No matter the extent of the disaster, call your insurer first to inform them.
If you need to incur immediate expenses, keep all receipts as you may be reimbursed by your insurer or possibly compensated by a government program in the case of a major disaster. Remember, you can choose the company that will handle post-disaster cleaning. Choosing a company known for quality work is more advantageous than just going for the lowest bidder.
If possible, take photographs of all damages.
Consult Hydro-Québec and/or an electrician before restoring power.
Consult a specialist before restarting heating appliances.
Contact your municipality to ensure the water is safe to drink. If in doubt, boil it for 5 to 20 minutes. If your drinking water comes from a well, have it tested before consumption.
Dispose of all food and return any medications that have been in contact with water or humidity to the pharmacy for safe disposal. However, it is a good idea to make an inventory and take photos of all such items to justify your claim to the insurer.
If possible, close the door of the room where the fire started.
It is important to evacuate the premises IMMEDIATELY (call the fire department once outside). Leave all your belongings behind; your life is more precious!
Evacuate, ensuring no one is left behind! If there is a lot of smoke, remember to crawl to breathe more easily.
Once outside, if you have a mobile phone, call 9-1-1 immediately. If not, seek help from a neighbor. Stay calm to provide all necessary information so emergency services can be mobilized.
If one of your loved ones is missing, inform the firefighters as soon as they arrive.
NEVER return to a burning building, even to rescue a loved one or retrieve a pet. Leave it to the firefighters!
If a person’s clothes catch fire, they should stop, drop to the ground, and roll to extinguish the flames.
Contact your insurer.
Most people caught in a disaster are taken by surprise. It is wise to act with foresight. Here are some tips that could simplify your life if the worst happens.
By definition, a major disaster results in significant loss or damage to your property. To be able to present a detailed claim to your insurer and expedite its processing, it would be wise to prepare an inventory of your belongings and furniture now and keep it outside your residence. To simplify the task, you can use a camcorder, camera (or even your smartphone) to capture as many images as possible of each room’s contents (remember to photograph or film the contents of furniture, cabinets, and closets). Keeping your receipts, user manuals, and warranty certificates is another good way to maintain a tangible record of your property’s value.
Take the time to read your insurance policy and do not hesitate to ask questions to your insurer. Many people are surprised to discover after the fact that their insurance policy did not adequately cover or did not cover at all the type of disaster they just experienced.
Remember, you must act quickly to reduce the aggravation of damages or prevent new ones. After contacting the appropriate authorities and your insurer, experts like those at Qualinet can help you immediately with temporary emergency repairs. Generally, you should think about:
Securely obstructing all broken windows.
Cutting the power supply in areas that water could reach.
Ensuring a room is safe before entering.
Unplugging all electrical appliances.
Removing damaged belongings.
Shutting off the main water supply.
Securing or monitoring your property to prevent theft or vandalism.
Take photographs of the damages if repairs must be done before your insurer can visit the disaster site and approve the start of work.
If you must proceed quickly with expenses, it is essential to keep all receipts.
If you spill liquid on your carpet, it is important not to try various cleaning products, as this will only make the problem worse! It is best to blot the liquid as quickly as possible with a clean cloth, without applying any products to the stain. This will prevent fabric damage and make professional cleaning easier, if not possible. You can then entrust the work to experts to restore your carpet to its original condition.
