For some people, cleanup from flood waters just beginning

by Troy Kehoe (tkehoe@wsbt.com)

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ServiceMaster cleaning up flooded homes

Cleanup is under way in flooded homes across the area. Some homeowners are turning to professionals for help. (WSBT photo)

By Jim Pinkerton

Story Created: Jan 9, 2008 at 8:37 PM EST

Story Updated: Jan 10, 2008 at 9:55 AM EST

ELKHART COUNTY — Cleanup is under way in flooded homes across the area. Some homeowners are finding they have a tough job ahead.

Shani Johnson always wanted "waterfront property." Turns out, she got it.

When she came home from work Wednesday afternoon, she found her Elkhart home had turned into an island. When she looked inside, her surprise was evident.

"Oh! One more stair left [before the top!]" she said.

And the water is still rising.

"I'm pretty sure it's going to go up into my laundry room, then my dining room," she said.

It's a story repeated across the area. Streets turned into rivers, yards into lakes.

It's even forced some people out of their homes. That's why some are turning to professionals for help.

At home after home Wednesday, hoses went down to vacuum carpet.

"We pulled a 20-hour day yesterday," said Chuck Roach of Servicemaster. "And it looks like there's a long night ahead again. [We've seen] multiple inches of standing water [in basements]. There was more than a foot on some jobs we've gone to."

But if your house is flooded, experts say you shouldn't wait for help.

"They should always try and protect their property from further damage," said Cassady Neeser and Brasseur Insurance Agent Mary Jane Lawson.

If you have flood insurance, it's important to call your insurance agent right away, and document the damage with photos or video.

If you don't have flood insurance, cleanup can get a little more tricky. Most homeowners' insurance policies don't cover water damage unless it's caused by a malfunctioning appliance.

But you can cover yourself for future flooding problems. It's a simple step, but many homeowners are finding out flood insurance can help save a lot of hassle down the road.

There is a mandatory 30-day wait before flood insurance policies kick in, but anyone can purchase one, not just those living in flood prone areas.

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