After contacting your insurance agent and documenting all of the damage, you can begin the cleanup. Be sure to take precautions to protect yourself against floodwater contaminants. You should remember:
- Wear rubber boots and gloves
- Cover open wounds and sores
- Wash your hands frequently, especially when handling food or food containers.
- Drinking water must be disinfected through boiling and/or chlorination, or an alternative clean water supply must be identified and made accessible.
- Throw away foods that may have been contaminated. Clean and disinfect Eating utensils and inside surfaces (especially those used for food preparation).
- Save samples of fabric, carpet, and other materials as proof of quality. This will help in negotiating the replacement cost with your insurance company.
- Clean and disinfect schools and outdoor play areas, along with all toys, clothing, etc. Materials that cannot be readily disinfected should be discarded.
Recovering from a flood can be a difficult task, but there are ways you can recover quickly.
One way to speed recovery is to have a Flood Policy. Flood Insurance can help cover the cost of recovery. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance at an affordable rate. To make sure you can use your insurance quickly, save money to cover your deductible. Also, make sure you know how to file a claim to make the process as seamless as possible.
An excellent resource for flood insurance information is the Office of Flood Insurance Advocate (OFIA). They advocate for the fair treatment of policyholders and property owners by providing education and guidance on all aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), identifying trends affecting the public, and making recommendations for program improvements to FEMA leadership. You can contact OFIA through the contact page and receive an answer within two business days.
NFIP policy Holders can consult the NFIP Flood Insurance Claims Handbook. Be sure to document all damage before you begin cleanup and repairs — document as much of the process as possible.
