Water back-up - safety first!

Picture this: Your sewer lines backed up or your sump pump has overflowed and raw sewage is all over your basement or bottom floor.

Resutling damage to your home and valuables from a mess like the one described above could be disastrous. Not only could your furnishings, electronics, or appliances be in danger, but your health as well. Health risks are considerable when you or your family are exposed to raw sewage, mold, or mildew which could be a biohazard.

ServePro specializes in fire, water damage, and disaster clean up. They recommend the following safety precautions after a biohazard event:

• stay out of affected areas
• call emergency service personnel if the situation is life threatening
• treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated
• turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage
• don't attempt a clean up of any kind
• don't touch or handle items that may be contaminated with bodily fluids
• don't eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses in affected areas

In addition OSHA(Occupations Safety and Health Association) recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.

Once you and your family are out of harms way, you will need to contact a Residential Water Cleanup and Restoration Company, such as ServePro, InStar, or PRO4MANCE along with your Insurance Agent. The question now becomes, are you covered or will you have to pay for clean up on your own?

Most Homeowners policies do not automatically include coverage for Sewer Back-up or Sump Pump overflow. However, this coverage may be added by endorsement. The amount of coverage and deductibles vary by company. If you don't have water back-up of sewers and drains coverage, please contact your Personal Lines Buckley & Company Insurance agent for a quote today!

Now picture this: A beautifully cleaned and sanitized basement or lower floor completely restored or replaced possessions.