What to Do After a Hurricane or Flood
How you treat your home after a natural disaster can make all the difference in its future livability — and your own personal safety
Bud Dietrich, AIA
September 7, 2017
Houzz Contributor. My name is Bud Dietrich and I am an architect located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. I am licensed to practice architecture in Illinois, Florida, New Jersey & Wisconsin. Since 1996 I have worked from my home office and provide full architectural services exclusively to the single family residential market. My passion is to transform my clients' houses into their homes. I strive to have the "new" home accommodate my clients' lives without fighting them at every junction. I look to add curb appeal to encourage a beautiful streetscape. And I design any addition to look and feel like it has always been there.
Our projects have won numerous design awards as well as having been featured on television (CBS News Sunday Morning, HGTV, CLTV, etc.), in magazines (Better Homes...
Houzz Contributor. My name is Bud Dietrich and I am an architect located in the Tampa... More
This story from the Houzz archives was originally published in 2012 and has been updated.
In 2011 it was Hurricane Irene, in 2012 it was Sandy, and this year it’s Harvey and Irma. And while there’s much we can do to prepare our homes for these storms, we’ll also have to still deal with the aftermath. In this story you’ll see what to do when flood waters have left homes and communities damaged and soggy — and how to start to rebuild.
In 2011 it was Hurricane Irene, in 2012 it was Sandy, and this year it’s Harvey and Irma. And while there’s much we can do to prepare our homes for these storms, we’ll also have to still deal with the aftermath. In this story you’ll see what to do when flood waters have left homes and communities damaged and soggy — and how to start to rebuild.
American Red Cross
Before heading home, be sure it's safe to return. Check with your local authorities and utility companies to make sure that your neighborhood is a safe place to come back to, as downed power lines, standing water and debris present many dangers. Once you get home, make sure the utility connections are in good condition. Gas lines, electrical connections etc. should be inspected before you go through the house. If possible, have a utility company technician or building professional (a licensed electrician, plumber etc.) help you with the inspection. Even if you feel comfortable doing it yourself, having a second set of eyes looking will help. If you plan to stay in your home, make sure that smoke detectors and alarm systems are functioning.
Know whom to contact and how. Contact your insurance company and stay in touch with local authorities. Before a storm ever hits, be sure you have hard copies of phone numbers for insurance agents, first responders, building officials, medical personnel and utility companies.
Know whom to contact and how. Contact your insurance company and stay in touch with local authorities. Before a storm ever hits, be sure you have hard copies of phone numbers for insurance agents, first responders, building officials, medical personnel and utility companies.
American Red Cross
Inspect for and document the damage. Using photos and video, document the extent of the damage to your home, property and neighborhood. Camera in hand, walk around your home, both inside and out, to record the damage. While photos are great, a narrated video is better.
As you walk around, you'll be looking for both obvious and not-so-obvious signs of damage (waterlogged carpeting, furniture that's been tossed about). Things like cracks in basement floor slabs and foundation walls are signs of possible structural issues and should be addressed quickly.
Conduct the inspection with an expert. Your insurance provider will probably make an expert available to you, or you can certainly call in an architect or engineer that specializes evaluating properties after natural disasters. Have the expert look for damaged and wet drywall, wood, siding, roofing and so on. Document the damage. Pay particular attention to the structural components (foundation, concrete slabs, framing). Also carefully inspect for potential problems (places for future mold growth, roof damage, leaks).
As you walk around, you'll be looking for both obvious and not-so-obvious signs of damage (waterlogged carpeting, furniture that's been tossed about). Things like cracks in basement floor slabs and foundation walls are signs of possible structural issues and should be addressed quickly.
Conduct the inspection with an expert. Your insurance provider will probably make an expert available to you, or you can certainly call in an architect or engineer that specializes evaluating properties after natural disasters. Have the expert look for damaged and wet drywall, wood, siding, roofing and so on. Document the damage. Pay particular attention to the structural components (foundation, concrete slabs, framing). Also carefully inspect for potential problems (places for future mold growth, roof damage, leaks).
Get rid of the water. As much as you'll want to get rid of the water immediately, you'll have to wait for all of the flood waters to recede outside before doing so. When they do, remove any water from your basement or crawl space to prevent further damage to the home's structure. You want to avoid putting any undue pressure on your foundation from groundwater.
American Red Cross
Remove the damaged contents. As difficult as it can be, you'll have to get rid of anything that's been damaged beyond repair. Things like furniture, toys and carpeting all have to go to avoid mold growth. For insurance purposes, document each item you must discard.
Follow the disaster-recovery procedures your local authorities have established to avoid just moving the mess from inside your home to the street.
Follow the disaster-recovery procedures your local authorities have established to avoid just moving the mess from inside your home to the street.
Air out and disinfect affected areas. Once the water is out and the damaged items have been removed, dry out flooded areas using portable fans and dehumidifiers. Make sure everything is dry before attempting any restoration. Use cleaning agents such as bleach to get rid of any water stains and mold spores.
Once the basement is dry, test for air quality and any evidence of damp areas and possible mold spores. Use bleach or something similar to clean up any remaining areas of concern.
Once the basement is dry, test for air quality and any evidence of damp areas and possible mold spores. Use bleach or something similar to clean up any remaining areas of concern.
American Red Cross
Clean up the yard. Downed trees and loose branches, plus damaged shrubs, patios and decks, are going to need cleaning and restoration. First make sure it's absolutely safe to walk around your yard. Check to make sure there are no trees or branches about to come down and no weakened or downed power lines nearby. Document the condition of your property prior to cleanup. Cracked and heaved driveways, walkways and patios should all be documented.
American Red Cross
Think ahead. As devastating as these natural disasters are, they offer us a chance to rebuild for the future. So unless your house is too far gone to restore, use this as an opportunity to make improvements to be better prepared for the future. Incorporate a generator for emergency power in your rebuilding plans. If you’re really close to the ocean, consider rebuilding the house on stilts. In fact, you might have to do these things to comply with local building codes and regulations anyway.
However you rebuild, remember that more than likely, we haven’t seen the last of hurricanes like those we’ve seen this year.
More: Read other disaster recovery stories
However you rebuild, remember that more than likely, we haven’t seen the last of hurricanes like those we’ve seen this year.
More: Read other disaster recovery stories
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Recently, I was asked how should the public respond to the disastrous events that transpired in the Carolinas. Please allow me to share my answer. Now that the water is receding, the assessment process has started, involving government agencies, VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters) partners, and the insurance companies. It is estimated that this phase of the disaster will take "months".
Additionally, there will be those who don't have insurance or the financial resources to return to normalcy without the involvement of the faith-based organizations trained in disaster recovery. This will add appreciably to the recovery time. Simple Math would indicate that the return to normalcy for the communities affected by such a disaster is going to take "years".
We need to constantly remind the survivors, and their families and friends, that the long-term recovery efforts will continue long after the press has finished publishing their stories. In time, this disaster will lose the attention of the general public. And for some survivors, patience will surely decrease as frustration and despair increase. If you have family or close friends affected by these events, don't let them lose hope. They're going to need your caring and support and the willing efforts of many volunteers. That's how to respond to a disaster.
Thanks for the article. Like you, I was recently affected by Irma.
To add to your list, those of us living in hurricane prone areas really need to consider fortification. Impact-resistant windows, gable end bracing, enhanced roof tie-downs and garage door bracing really do work. Don't wait until it's too late. Do it now, and have your work performed by and inspected by professionals. You will likely be eligible for wind insurance discounts if you do the work properly.
My own home and property was recently hit by a tornado during Irma. My recently completed project, Mike's Hammock, took a direct hit to a floor-to ceiling window by a 30' tree. This was during the passage of the eye wall. The damage? There was none. These new building systems work when well applied.