Ever had the experience where there is water leaking out of your ceiling and you have no idea where it’s coming from? Or your house is being flooded and you are frantically looking for the number of a plumber that you were sure was under the telephone directory, somewhere.

Your home insurance provider should be the first call you make when you have such an emergency, says Joe Szemerei executive head of Indwe Risk Service’s direct division.

“We have a national list of accredited service providers such as plumbers and electricians who we can immediately refer to our clients”, says Szemerei.

Emergencies have a tendency to come unannounced and there is an endless list of emergencies that can strike at home, at any given time. The best way to avoid things getting out of hand is to be prepared for an emergency. How is this possible? Let’s take a look at a typical scenario. If you do have a burst geyser or flooded house, here are some tips to minimise the damage as much as possible:

• Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours so call for professional assistance immediately.
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Remove loose rugs or other floor coverings that are not permanently attached. Do not attempt to start removing your wall-to-wall carpet.
• Lift draperies off the floor, loop through a coat hanger and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
• Wipe furniture, prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil under furniture legs.
• Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location.
• Do not remove books from shelves. Rather pack them tightly to prevent warping of pages until a restoration professional can begin specialised drying.
• Open drawers and closet and cabinet doors to enhance drying.

What NOT to do:

• Do not enter a room with standing water until electricity has been turned off.
• Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water.
• Do not lift tacked-down carpets without professional help.
• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpets or flooring.
• Do not disturb visible mold.

Keep the number of your insurance company handy by sticking it onto your fridge and keeping the number on speed dial. Not only will they be able to recommend a reputable supplier, such as a plumber or electrician, but they can probably also refer you to suppliers in your area to help with damp removal, the replacement of carpets and furniture repairs.

For insurance advice and information on Indwe Risk Service’s emergency assist services, visit www.indwerisk.co.za