What to Do After Storm Damage and Flooding: A Comprehensive Guide

Natural disasters like storms and floods can leave a devastating aftermath, turning lives upside down. If your home or property has been affected, it’s important to take immediate and thoughtful action to ensure safety, minimize damage, and start the recovery process. This guide will walk you through the critical steps you need to take after experiencing storm damage and flooding.

1. Ensure Safety First

Safety is your number one priority after any disaster. Floods and storm damage often create hidden dangers that can pose serious risks to your health and wellbeing.

• Avoid flooded areas: Never walk or drive through flooded areas, as the water could be contaminated, or there could be hidden hazards like downed power lines, sharp debris, or sinkholes. Even a few inches of water can cause vehicles to lose control.
• Shut off utilities: If it’s safe to do so, turn off the gas, water, and electricity at the main switches or valves. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix, and even if the power is out, damaged wiring could still pose a risk when the power is restored.
• Use protective gear: If you need to inspect or re-enter your property, wear protective clothing such as rubber boots, gloves, and face masks to protect yourself from contaminated water, debris, and mold.
• Be cautious of structural damage: If there is extensive damage to your home, avoid going inside until it has been deemed safe by a professional. Structural integrity can be compromised by heavy flooding or fallen trees.

2. Document the Damage

Before cleaning or repairing anything, thoroughly document the damage for insurance purposes. This is a critical step in ensuring that you get the financial support you need to recover.

• Photograph and video all affected areas: Be as detailed as possible, capturing all the damage to your home, property, and personal belongings. Make sure to document water lines, mold, and any structural damage.
• Create a list: Make an inventory of damaged or destroyed items, including furniture, electronics, appliances, and personal items. Note the brand, model, and year of purchase if possible.
• Save receipts: If you have to spend money on temporary repairs, hotel stays, or other immediate needs, keep all receipts to submit to your insurance company.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

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As soon as it’s safe, reach out to your homeowner’s insurance provider to report the damage and start the claims process. Depending on your policy, flood and storm damage may require different claims procedures.

• Review your coverage: Flood damage is often not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies and requires a separate flood insurance policy. Check the specifics of your coverage so you know what to expect.
• File a claim: Provide your insurance company with the documentation you’ve collected. The insurer may also send an adjuster to assess the damage in person.
• Ask questions: Make sure to ask your insurance provider about coverage limits, deductibles, and what steps are needed to expedite your claim.

4. Prevent Further Damage

Once you’ve documented everything, it’s important to take steps to prevent further damage to your property.

• Temporary repairs: If possible, make temporary repairs to prevent further water intrusion or structural damage. Cover broken windows with plywood, tarp roof damage, and remove any standing water to avoid mold growth. However, avoid making permanent repairs before the insurance adjuster assesses the damage, as this might affect your claim.
• Remove excess water: If it’s safe to do so, remove standing water from your home using a pump, buckets, or towels. The longer water sits, the more damage it can cause to flooring, walls, and furniture.
• Ventilate the area: Open windows and doors to promote airflow and reduce humidity, which can prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

5. Hire an IICRC-Certified Restoration Service

For large-scale damage, it’s critical to hire a restoration company certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This ensures that the professionals handling your property are trained to industry standards in water extraction, drying, mold removal, and repair after a disaster.

• IICRC certification: This certification guarantees that the company is using proper techniques and industry-approved methods to restore your property. The IICRC is the gold standard in cleaning and restoration.
• Xactimate certification: Choose a company that is also certified in Xactimate, the leading claims estimating software used by insurance companies. Xactimate certification ensures that the restoration company can accurately estimate the costs of repairs, making the insurance claim process smoother and more efficient.
• Water damage restoration: Trained professionals can use industrial-grade equipment to extract water, dry out your property, and restore it to a habitable condition.
• Mold remediation: Mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours of flooding, leading to health hazards. Mold remediation professionals can safely remove mold and treat your home to prevent future outbreaks.
• Structural repairs: A licensed contractor may be needed to repair severe structural damage, such as weakened foundations, collapsed walls, or roof damage.

6. Stay Aware of Health Risks

Floodwaters often contain hazardous contaminants like sewage, chemicals, and bacteria, which can pose serious health risks.

• Dispose of contaminated items: Any items that have been submerged in floodwater, especially porous materials like carpets, upholstered furniture, and mattresses, should be thrown away. These can harbor dangerous mold and bacteria that are difficult to remove.
• Disinfect surfaces: Clean hard surfaces (walls, floors, countertops) with a disinfectant to kill germs and reduce the spread of bacteria.
• Monitor your health: If you or your family experience symptoms like nausea, headaches, skin rashes, or respiratory problems after exposure to floodwater, seek medical attention immediately.

7. Prepare for Future Storms

As you recover from the immediate aftermath, it’s important to start thinking about long-term measures to protect your property from future storms and flooding.

• Install flood barriers: Consider installing sump pumps, backwater valves, or other flood protection systems to reduce the risk of future water intrusion.
• Landscape for drainage: Ensure that your property is graded properly so that water flows away from your home. Adding French drains or rain gardens can also help manage excess water.
• Secure your home: Invest in storm shutters, reinforce your roof, and anchor large outdoor items like sheds, decks, and fences to prevent wind damage.

Final Thoughts

Storms and floods can cause overwhelming damage, but with careful planning and prompt action, you can begin the process of recovery and rebuilding. Prioritize safety, document the damage for insurance claims, and ensure that any restoration work is done by certified professionals. By choosing an IICRC-certified and Xactimate-certified restoration company, you will have peace of mind knowing that your home is in capable hands and that your insurance claim will be handled efficiently.

While the process may take time, knowing the right steps to take after storm damage and flooding can make all the difference in getting your life back to normal.