Flood Assistance Advisory: What You Should Do Right Away Amidst The St. Louis Floods

On July 26, a severe thunderstorm brought record-breaking heavy rainfall to the St. Louis, MO area, resulting in widespread flash flooding. The National Weather Service received reports of up to 10 inches of rain in some areas, and over 100 water rescues were conducted by emergency personnel. Several roads and pedestrian bridges were closed due to high water, and many homes and businesses were damaged by the flooding. Many people and several cars are stranded, and unfortunately, one fatality has been reported.

This storm was particularly unusual because of how much rain fell in such a short period of time. Normally, storms like this produce what’s known as ” training rains.” This is when rain falls in bands that move over the same area multiple times, allowing the ground to absorb some of the water before the next band arrives. However, this storm brought all of its rain in one large band that moved very quickly, resulting in widespread flooding.

While the flooding from this storm was significant, it’s important to remember that it could have been much worse. By being prepared and knowing what to do after a flood, you can help minimize the damage and make the recovery process as smooth as possible.

According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the following are the things you should do right away after a flood:

Step 1 – Contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report your loss:

Once you have returned to your home or business, contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report the damage. Your agent will need to know the extent of the damage and will begin the claims process.

Step 2 – Report the loss to your insurer:

Your insurer will require a notice of loss to be filed in order to begin the claims process. This notice can usually be done online, over the phone, or in person with your agent.

Step 3 – Separate your belongings:

You will need to separate the damaged property from the undamaged property. This includes any clothing, furniture, or other items that were in contact with the floodwaters. These items will likely need to be thrown away as they can harbor mold and other contaminants.

Step 4 – Determine which items have been damaged:

You will need to make a list of all the damaged personal property, including the type, quantity, brand, age, and value of each item. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage for your records.

Step 5 – Make a list of structural damage:

Make a list of all the areas of your home or business that sustained structural damage. This includes walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and any other areas that were damaged by the floodwaters. Again, take photos or videos if possible.

After you follow these steps, your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage and begin the process of reimbursement. In most cases, your insurer will cut you a check for the repairs that will need to be made. However, in some cases, the damage may be too severe and your home or business may need to be completely rebuilt. In these instances, your insurance company will provide you with a lump sum payment that you can use to rebuild your property. 

We’re Here To Help You With These Recent Floods

Unfortunately, the flooding from this storm has left many people in need of assistance. If you have been affected by the floods and need help with the cleanup or repairs, Pride Cleaning And Restoration, Inc is here to help. 

We are a full-service damage restoration company that specializes in flood damage restoration. We will work with your insurance company to make sure your claim is processed quickly and efficiently. We can also help you with the paperwork and other necessary steps that need to be taken in order to get your home or business back up and running.

Should you require assistance, we will be more than happy to help. Our team is by your side during this difficult time. If you wish to know more about reporting and recovering from flood damage, get in touch with us today.