What to do in a flood emergency.

Some simple steps to handle a flood-related emergency.

When emergencies happen, it's important to be prepared. There are a lot of moving parts happening seemingly all at once, and when the stress is high, it's easy to forget what else needs to be done. Here are some simple steps to resolve the problem.

• Make sure you are safe.

  1. You may need to turn off the water and the electricity or simply exit the affected area to ensure everyone is safe.

• Submit a work order.

  1. Notify us of this situation by creating a work order. 
     1. You can also contact our 24/7 emergency service line (314-325-8328)
  2. If possible, make a list of damages with corresponding photos.
  3. Find and stop the source of the leak when possible.

• Prevent further damage.

  1. Maintenance should arrive soon to help you prevent further damage, but if the situation has affected multiple properties (such as in a flash flood), it may take time for help to arrive.
  2. If you can, some helpful prevention would include:
     1. Removing your belongings
     2. Draining the water (i.e., with a shop vac, or bucket, unclogging drains, or turning off the water)
     3. Pulling up carpets (if affected)
     4. Drying the area as much as possible (i.e., with towels, rags, etc.)
     5. Pointing fans at the affected area 
     6. Leaving cabinets and interior doors open to allow for airflow (if affected)
     7. Some items which may help are generators, temporary water heaters, fans, portable heaters or air conditioners, or flashlights.
        
        1. Please note that in providing this direction, the management company is not promising reimbursement of purchased products or services.

• Coordinate a temporary place to stay when needed.

  1. Unless otherwise instructed by property management, you should attempt to find a temporary residence until it is safe to stay at the property.
     1. Try contacting friends and family or finding a hotel room or Airbnb until you know it is safe to re-enter the residence.
  2. Depending on the severity of the flooding, electricity or gas may be unavailable. This can affect the use of refrigerators, stoves, hot water, heating and cooling, and more.
     1. Be advised that you may need to coordinate temporary use of such amenities as the management company works to solve the problem.

• Take inventory of the damages.

  1. Your property manager will likely be unable to cover the additional financial burdens you've encountered. This is why it is important to have renter's insurance and savings in case of emergencies. 
     1. In circumstances that have impacted a wide area, there may be relief from community services you can pursue.
     2. If the new financial stress impacts your ability to pay rent, you may want to consider applying for rental assistance.
     3. Some local drycleaners or laundromats may provide help to clean your clothing and belongings professionally.

• Contact your renter's insurance agent.

  1. It's a good idea to have renter's insurance any time you rent a property. This way, you can receive assistance for losses you may have encountered in emergencies like this. If you do have renter's insurance, make sure to file a claim as soon as possible to see how they can help.

• Take good photographs, videos, and inventory of the property.

  1. Unless you are not allowed access for safety reasons, taking plenty of photos, and high-definition videos is a good idea and saving these to your work order.
  2. Take good notes of any of your possessions that were damaged and need to be replaced.
  3. If you have a renter's insurance claim, they may want to use these as evidence for your claim later on. 

Once you are safe, with a place to stay, and the repairs have begun, you'll be notified when the property can be occupied once again. Please be patient as property damage can take some time to complete. Often the city, county, or municipality must be contacted to clear certain permits before a tenant can move back in. 

Our team will continue to notify you as we complete the repairs and will contact you when you can resume residency.