Be Ready Before Disaster Strikes

September is National Preparedness Month, and is a good reminder that the best time to prepare for property damage is before it even happens.

Storms, burst pipes, fires and other emergencies do not give much warning. Having a plan in place can help you act quickly and potentially limit the damage to your home or business.

Start with the basics. Know where your main water shutoff is (check out our YouTube video on this) and make sure your family or roommates also know (just in case you’re not home). A broken pipe or supply line can release a lot of water VERY quickly, and shutting off the source can make a big difference because water is extremely destructive.

It is also a good time to walk around your property and look for problems before they turn into emergencies. Check for leaks under sinks, around and behind appliances and near your water heater. Clean out gutters, make sure water drains away from the building and pay attention to water stains, bubbling paint or musty odors.

You should also take photos or video of your home, business and major belongings before a loss occurs. If you ever need to file an insurance claim, having a record of what was there before the damage can be helpful.

“Preparedness does not have to be complicated,” said David King, owner of First In Restoration. “Knowing where your shutoff is, keeping an eye out for problems and having a plan can save you a lot of trouble when something goes wrong.”

Of course, not every emergency can be prevented. When water, fire, mold, storm or other property damage does happen, acting quickly is important.

First In Restoration provides emergency restoration services for homeowners, businesses and property managers throughout Northeast Georgia and the Atlanta area.

When disaster strikes, call First In Restoration at 678-483-7284.