CatManDo is devoted to settling your claim fast and getting you a fair settlement. We recognize that having your home damaged can be a very stressful time, and we want to help get your home and your life back to normal.

Preparations taken before a hurricane damages your property and actions taken in the wake of a storm can make recovery faster, easier and can guarantee you recover the maximum amount for your loss. Here are some valuable tips on how to deal with catastrophe and non-catastrophe property losses.

Before the Storm

After the Storm

Tips for fire, smoke, water and vandalism damage

If you cannot find an answer to your question below, please feel free to submit a question to us.



Before Hurricane Season or Before a Storm Hits:
Make an itemized inventory of your belongings, including costs, purchase dates and serial numbers. Attach receipts to the inventory sheet. Consider taking dated photographs or videotapes of your possessions.
ü You may have made improvements or purchased expensive items. Review your insurance policy and check your coverage limits. Consider increasing your coverage if your policy doesn’t cover the current value of your home and its contents. Your agent can help you establish proper coverages.
Write down the name of your insurance company, policy number and telephone number to report your claim. Keep it in a secure, dry place along with a credit card with at least $1,000 cash available. Take these with you if you evacuate and withdraw cash before disaster hits – ATMs may not be working. Pay any bills that may become due in case services are interrupted or you have to evacuate for an extended period.
Consider purchasing flood coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program, as standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Your insurance agent should be able to write a flood policy, but it takes 30 days to become effective. Do not wait until a storm is on the horizon.
After the Storm Passes, If You Sustain Property Damage You Should:
Keep materials such as plywood and plastic on hand in case you need to make temporary repairs after a storm. Keep receipts for those repairs so that your insurance company can reimburse you.
Never use a generator indoors or in any enclosed area including a garage, carport or sunroom.
Avoid using candles and never use a candle or lantern near a generator or stored fuel.
Make emergency repairs to protect property from further damage. Document the damage and repairs in writing with receipts and photos.
Immediately report property damage to your insurance agent and company.
Maintain copies of your household inventory and other documentation including photos. This will assist the adjuster in assessing the value of the destroyed property. Do not dispose of damaged or destroyed property during initial cleanup.
Take precautions if the damage requires you to leave your home. Let your agent or insurance company know your temporary forwarding address and phone number
Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses. Hire licensed and reputable service people. Check with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to make sure they are licensed.
If you are considering the assistance of a public insurance adjuster, verify that they are licensed with the Florida Department of Financial Services. Remember, whatever percentage of your claim the public adjuster charges will come out of your settlement and may leave you without enough to repair or rebuild your property. Be sure you understand how much a public insurance adjuster is charging and what services are included before signing any contract.
Tips for Fire, Smoke, Water and Vandalism Damage:
Fire & smoke damage dos:
Cover upholstery with sheets
Replace furnace and AC filters
Loose soot particles on upholstery, drapes and carpets should be vacuumed or blown off.
If you’ve lost power empty the refrigerator and freezer and prop the doors on the unit open.
Cover traffic areas on carpets with towels or old linens to prevent further soiling.
Cover air registers with double layers of cheese cloth.
Minimize movement on property to prevent soot from being impregnated into upholstery and carpets.
Wash both sides of houseplant leaves – water softener can help.
Put a light coating of Vaseline or oil onto chrome of kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances to clean and protect
Strongly consider contacting a professional restoration service before cleaning carpets, surfaces or walls.
Fire and smoke damage don’ts:
Do not use any food or beverages that were close to fire or heat as they may be contaminated.
Do not turn on any ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, as wiring could be damaged.
Do not send smoke damaged garments to ordinary dry cleaner as the smoke odor could be set permanently.
Water damage dos:
Put wood blocks, saucers or foil between furniture legs and carpets.
Mop and blot up as much excess water as possible.
Promote even drying of wet upholstery by removing or propping up cushions.
Release trapped water in ceilings by punching holes – put pans underneath to catch water.
In summer, use air conditioning to promote drying, in winter open windows if it is cool outside. Also, open drawers and cabinets to promote drying.
Oriental or colored rugs should be removed from wall-to-wall carpeting.
    Put valuable paintings and art in a safe place.
Water damage don’ts:
Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet
Do not leave wet fabrics in place; they need to be dried as soon as possible. Let leather and furs dry at room temperature.
Do not leave wet books, magazines and other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
Do not use a household vacuum to remove water, only use a wet/dry vacuum.
Do not use TVs or other electrical appliance if they are on wet floors, especially wet concrete floors.
Vandalism damage dos:
Egg damage to property exterior should be hosed off ASAP.
Glass particles should be vacuumed from carpet and upholstery ASAP
Spilled food should be removed from carpet and fabrics ASAP. Scrape and blot to remove, but do not rub, and do not over wet.
Containers that reveal the composition of spilled paints, cosmetics and paint should be saved.
Vandalism Don’ts:
Do not attempt to remove inks, paints or cosmetics.
Avoid using damaged appliances or electrical items.

P.O. Box 89239, Tampa, Florida 33689, Phone: (813) 689-5513, Fax:813-689-5461

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