Your Natural Disaster Questions Answered

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

Anytime you have a question about cleanup or restoration after a natural disaster call us at 860.649.0836

Quick! An unexpected water disaster, a fire, or damaging storm has hit your house or place of business. What do you do first? We’ve put together some of the most frequent questions SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield receives from both homeowners and business owners whose property has been severely damaged. If you want more information just call us at 860.649.0836. You can reach us 24/7.

Q: After a natural disaster what do I do first?

A: After any disaster or emergency make the life and safety of you, your family, and those around you the number one priority. If you’re not certain your home or business is safe, evacuate and call 9-1-1 immediately. Check to make certain everyone is accounted for and is safe.

Q: What if someone is missing?

A: If a family member—child or adult—is missing, first call your local law enforcement agency for help. You can also check the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. They provide a variety of resources, including the ability to print missing persons posters and receive free biometric collection and testing assistance.
If your child is missing, or if you’re caring for a lost child, you can call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). NCMEC maintains the Unaccompanied Minors Registry.

Q: If the damage doesn’t look extensive can I turn the power back on?

A: If your electric, gas, or water supply has been affected or turned off by first responders, do not turn your utilities back on. Have a qualified official check the systems and give you the okay.

Q: If my business has a facility maintenance team do I need to call an outside disaster recovery team like SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield?

A: Yes. Even experienced and highly trained building maintenance staffs are not equipped or prepared to handle all aspects of the aftermath of an emergency or natural disaster. Let SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield be your cleanup and recovery partner. Our teams are trained to safely, thoroughly, and professionally handle the effects of practically any emergency or storm damage.  SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized equipment, tools, and techniques that minimize business interruption, long-term damage, and costs. We work with you, your maintenance team and any emergency preparedness team.   

For Disaster Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649.0836

Q: What is a work authorization form and why do I need to sign one?

A: Before your cleanup and restoration process begins, you must legally grant permission to the group performing the work. The work authorization form gives SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (or any cleanup and restoration company you choose) permission to work in your building or facility and to communicate with and provide a courtesy copy of the invoice to your insurance company.

Q: How can I best work with my insurance company to get a fast damage assessment so restoration can begin as soon as possible?

A: After a disaster, do contact your insurance company representative right away. Provide your insurer with detailed information about the damage. Before you contact them conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Don’t throw away any damaged goods until your inventory is complete.

Document all telephone calls with the date, time, parties who spoke, and highlights of all conversations. Take pictures of all damages for later reference. Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to the loss. Your insurance company may need those receipts to verify all your losses.


For Disaster Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At (860) 649.0836

Q:  How can I best protect my business or commercial facility from another disaster?

A: One critical step every business should take is to create a disaster preparedness plan. Use an all-hazards approach and include the four phases of disaster recovery: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. You’re also wise to call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield at any time to discuss your concerns about handling or preventing future disasters. We’d be glad to come to your home or business, answer your questions, and discuss your needs. For some details, see the short blog post on Emergency Ready Profile.

Your Help Is Here
Our cleanup and restoration teams at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield all have specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, natural disaster cleanup, and natural disaster restoration. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) anytime, 24/7.

We’re proud to serve our local communities: Columbia, Coventry, Ellington, Hebron, Manchester, Mansfield, Somers, Stafford, Tolland, Vernon, and Willington.

SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
540 N. Main Street
Manchester, CT 06042
Call 860.649.0836
24-hour emergency service