Plan now for springtime weather extremes

Spring is the time for extreme weather including tornadoes and flooding. The affects on both your home and business can be devastating. Now is the time to plan for the unexpected.

The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has outlined key steps to help residents and business owners work toward recovery.

Protect yourself. Always be careful when entering a damaged building. If there is serious structural damage, contact local officials before entering. Report downed power lines or gas leaks to officials immediately. Keep electricity turned off if the building has been flooded. Try to keep children and pets away from the wreckage to avoid injury.

Protect your property. Take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage. This could mean boarding up windows and salvaging undamaged items. It is a good idea to make copies of all important documents (including a copy of your insurance policy) in a fireproof and waterproof box so they are readily available and out of harm's way in the event of a incident. Your insurance company can tell you what they will pay for regarding protection.

Report the loss as soon as possible. Contact your insurance agent or insurer as soon as you can. Provide a general description of the damage and have your policy number handy if possible. Write down the adjuster's name, phone number and work schedule as soon as you have them. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your insurance agent for assistance.

Prepare a list. Keep damaged items or portions of them until the claim adjuster has visited, and consider photographing or videotaping the damage to document your claim. Prepare a list of damaged or lost items for your adjuster.

Keep receipts. If you need to relocate, keep records and receipts for all additional expenses. Insurance companies may ask for receipts in replacement cost pay outs. Don't worry if you have to temporarily relocate, most insurance policies cover emergency living arrangements.

Return claim forms. After your insurance company has been notified of your claim, it must send you the necessary claim forms within a certain number of days (time period varies by state). Fill out and return the forms as soon as possible. If you do not understand the process, be sure to ask questions and write down the explanation. Your agent can assist you.

Cleanup. When starting the cleanup process, be careful, and use protective eyewear and gloves if available.Keep an eye out for broken glass and other sharp objects that could be hazardous. Always be aware of your surroundings. Wear a protective face mask in areas that may have mold, excessive dust or other contaminants. Adjusters may tell business owners to hire a professional cleaning service.

Build stronger next time. When you're ready to start repairs or rebuild, work with your contractor to make the new structure disaster-resistant. Speak to your agent today about your homeowner's or business insurance policy to be sure you have enough coverage for your needs before disaster strikes.

This information was taken from the IBHS publications "You Can Go Home Again" and "Getting Back to Business." For more recovery and rebuilding information, visit the IBHS website www.disastersafety.org.