BONUS: Post Natural Disaster Tips for Homeowners Facing Flood Recovery
If your home was affected by recent flooding, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. In this bonus episode, Katy sits down with Jay Caldwell, a licensed contractor who helped homeowners recover during the 2016 Louisiana flood, to share essential post natural disaster tips that can help you recover faster and smarter. From filing your insurance claim to safely gutting your home, we break down the steps you need to take to avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary delays. Whether you’re navigating FEMA, hiring a contractor, or considering DIY demolition, this is the guide you didn’t know you needed.
Step 1: Contact Your Insurance Provider
If your home has flooded, your first call should be to your insurance company. Determine what kind of coverage you have—flood insurance is separate from homeowners insurance. If your policy does not cover flood damage, apply for FEMA assistance. Don’t delay this step, as it starts the clock on your recovery timeline and helps you get in line for adjusters and aid.
Step 2: Document Everything Thoroughly
Before you touch anything, take pictures of every room, item, appliance, and structural detail. Capture images of model numbers for appliances, visible water lines, and all damaged materials. Make sure your phone is set to show time and date stamps or that the metadata is intact. These photos will serve as your proof of damage for insurance or FEMA claims. If you’ve already started gutting, salvage what you can and photograph the rest before it’s removed.
Step 3: Remove Salvageable Items
Remove undamaged belongings quickly. Clothing, furniture, and valuables that haven’t been submerged may be cleaned and reused. Reach out to local charities or laundromats—many offered free cleaning services during past floods. The sooner you remove items, the better your chance of saving them.
Step 4: Start Gutting—But Gut Smart
When it comes to demolition, time matters. Water damage can lead to mold in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Start by turning off power, gas, and water to prevent additional damage. Use a moisture meter to find where water has wicked into drywall. Cut at least 12 inches above the moisture line—or straight to 4 feet, which is easier to repair. Be sure to remove all baseboards, wet insulation, water-logged door frames, and cabinets. Even small amounts of water require full removal.
Step 5: Dry It Out Completely
Drying the structure is crucial to prevent mold. Use multiple fans and dehumidifiers per square footage. Open doors and windows to create airflow, and don’t underestimate how long this step takes. You can rent drying equipment or hire a company—but act fast. Supplies go quickly in post-disaster zones.
Step 6: Understand Insurance Adjustments
Insurance adjusters are human and may not get everything right on their first report. Don’t panic. Expect to go through a correction process. Review their measurements and estimates carefully. If something is missing or incorrect, ask for revisions. Having your own documentation—like pre-measured room sizes—can help speed up this process.
Step 7: Know What Can Be Saved
Not everything needs to go. Ceramic tile flooring, for example, can often be dried and salvaged. However, outlets, coaxial cables, and other electrical components that touched water should be replaced to prevent future fire hazards. This is also a great time to make upgrades—like replacing water valves or adding smart wiring—while your walls are open.
Step 8: Watch for Overpriced Services
One of the most important post natural disaster tips is this: be cautious about who you hire. During a crisis, many out-of-town contractors show up. Some are helpful professionals; others are opportunists. Always ask for references or verify credentials. Gutting services, in particular, are often overpriced. Compare prices with neighbors and ask for quotes before hiring anyone.
Step 9: Consider Using a HELOC to Get Ahead
If you plan to stay in your home and you have equity available, consider opening a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This allows you to hire contractors and begin repairs faster, rather than waiting weeks for insurance payments. Once your insurance claim is processed, use that money to repay the HELOC. This approach can put you ahead in the long contractor waitlist.
Step 10: Stay Realistic and Safe
Don’t try to do everything at once. Wear protective gear during cleanup and be mindful of airborne particles or mold. If you plan to live in your gutted home during repairs, make sure it’s dry and safe. And if you want to upgrade during the rebuild, know that insurance won’t cover upgrades—only restoration to the previous standard. But it’s still a good time to invest in meaningful changes if you can.
You’re Not Alone in the Recovery
This is a challenging season, but with these post natural disaster tips, you can make informed choices that protect your home and your finances. If you or someone you know was affected, please share this episode. If you have questions, email us—we’re here to help however we can.
And stay tuned—Alyssa and Katy will return with a follow-up bonus episode focused on how disasters impact the real estate market and what to expect long-term.
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