Planning for Flood Recovery

It’s always important to know how you can protect your family and your businesses from flooding, and how to recover from it. FEMA urges everyone to use extreme caution during the flood recovery process. Flood damage can also pose a serious threat to homes - from structural damage to your home to mold issues. Here are a few things you want to do and a few things you want to avoid if you are ever involved in a flooding situation.



Flood Recovery Dos

  • Do report any flood damage to local officials.
  • Do file a claim with your insurance company.
  • Do register for FEMA disaster assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. FEMA grants may help pay for a temporary place to stay, make essential repairs or replace certain damaged contents.
  • Do take photographs of flood damage because your insurance company may want to see them.
  • Do keep recovery-related receipts. Both FEMA and your insurance company may want to see them for reimbursement purposes.
  • Do inspect for structural damage to your home before entering it after a flood. Ceilings and roofs may be subject to collapse.
  • Do remove any excess water from your home.
  • Do ensure your home is properly ventilated during the flood cleanup by opening windows.
  • Do turn off the electricity if necessary, water and electricity don't mix.
  • Do wear sturdy work boots and gloves while cleaning up.
  • Do throw away wet contents such as bedding, carpeting, and furniture. These items can be contaminated with mold and become a health hazard.
  • Do clean and disinfect everything that was touched by flood waters and throw out any food items. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
  • Do listen to news reports to learn whether or not the community water supply is safe to drink or not.
  • Do service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are a serious health hazard.
  • Do consider hiring a professional restoration service if needed.

Flood Recovery Don'ts

  • Don't submit more than one FEMA registration per household.
  • Don't wait for an insurance settlement to register for FEMA disaster assistance.
  • Don't wait for visits from FEMA or insurance adjusters before cleaning up flood damage and starting repairs (just be sure to take those pictures first).
  • Don't return home until authorities indicate the area is safe.
  • Don't turn on household appliances.
  • Don't use lanterns, candles, or matches is the power is out, instead use flashlights.
  • Don't leave wet items sitting inside your home, instead take them outside to air out.
  • Don't use your household vacuum to try to remove excess water.
  • Don't attempt to clean upholstery or rugs with ordinary house cleaners, hire a professional.



Big Bags USA® is the perfect solution for flood control and water diversion. Whether you need to protect a building before the flood gets there or manage the water to move it off the roadways after one occurs, our innovative flood barriers will do the trick. Big Bags USA® is meeting flood mitigation and flood preparedness needs all across the United States! Give us a call today at 800-337-0537 to learn more about our flood protection products!

MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN  

If you have an immediate need for our systems or have any questions for us, please call us toll-free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.



D.R.I.P.S.
Disaster Relief & Innovative
Protection Systems, LLC
(573) 480-6699

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