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AFTER A FLOOD – Take Care of Yourself and Your Family A disaster is traumatic for everyone, and your emotional health is very important for the recovery process. Visit our disaster mental health page for more information. The American Red Cross publication, "Repairing your flooded home", has detailed information for the steps to take after a flood. Each section is summarized below: – Make Sure Your Home is Safe Check your home before you go in Turn off the electricity, gas, and other fuels Go inside carefully Rescue the most valuable items Protect your home from further damage – Recovery Call your insurance agent Start listing the damage Check for structural damage – Dry Out Your Home Make sure electricity and gas are turned off. Lower the humidity Sort contents and discard debris Drain the ceilings and walls Dry the ceilings and walls Dry the floor – Check on Financial Assistance Call 2-1-1 for a list of agencies available to help. Follow up with your insurance agent for Flood insurance claims You must have purchased as separate flood insurance policy for you to be covered. Home insurance policies WILL NOT cover flood damage. Contact your agent to purchase Federal Flood Insurance. There is a 30 day waiting period for your policy to to into effect. RELATED PUBLICATIONS Helping you with your insurance complaint by the Texas Department of Insurance Understand your coverage and protect your interest if you have to file an insurance claim. Repairing Your Flooded Home by the American Red Cross How to perform simple home repairs after flooding, including cleaning, sanitation, and determining which professionals to involve for various needed services. Effectively Handling Water Damage and Mold Claims: A Consumer Guide by the Texas Department of Insurance Guidelines to help consumers with claims involving water or potential mold damage. Safety Tips for Flood Victims by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Safety alert that illustrates some dangerous practices which consumers may be tempted to do while rebuilding, staying in temporary housing, tents, or partially damaged homes. Historic Preservation Tips for Saving Water-Damaged Items by FEMA and the Heritage Emergency National Task Force RELATED LINKS National Flood Insurance Program by FEMA All about flood insurance. City of Austin Development Review Process by the Watershed Protection and Development Review Department Information about building permits and floodplain development restrictions. Air Quality Problems Caused by Floods by the National Safety Council Consumer and Business Alerts and News by Central Texas Better Business Bureau Provide recovery tips, scam alerts, and more after a specific disaster. Hazards in Austin — Before A Disaster During A Disaster — After A Disaster CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TOP Muddy yard photo courtesy of Robert A. Eplett/OES CA. Phone call photo courtesy of Andrea Booher/FEMA News. Washing photo courtesy of FEMA news. Bible photo courtesy of Leif Skoogfors/FEMA News.