Florida Hurricane Prep – What to Do If Your Property Floods

When a hurricane strikes, flooding is one of the biggest threats to your home or business. Even with the best hurricane prep, flooding can cause devastating damage. Knowing what to do before, during, and after a flood can make all the difference in minimizing damage and getting back to normal quickly.

As a restoration company with firsthand experience in helping our Florida communities recover from storm damage, we’ve seen the challenges homeowners face with their insurance claims. We genuinely care about helping our neighbors get back on their feet, which is why we want to share some tips to make sure your insurance claim has the best outcome.

Hurricane Prep: How to Protect Your Florida Property

1. Create a Hurricane Emergency Plan

Before hurricane season hits, develop an emergency plan for your family or employees. Identify evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and a safe meeting point. Make sure everyone understands the plan to reduce confusion during the storm.

2. Check Your Insurance

Flooding caused by hurricanes usually isn’t covered by standard homeowners or business insurance. Check your policy to see if you have flood insurance. If you don’t, consider adding it. Contact your insurance agent to confirm coverage and document valuable items in your home or business for insurance claims.

3. Fortify Your Property

Take these steps to minimize flooding damage:

• Install flood barriers– Sandbags, flood shields, and other barriers can help prevent water from entering your property.
• Seal cracks and gaps– Use waterproof sealant on cracks in the foundation and gaps around windows and doors.
• Elevate utilities– Raise electrical panels, HVAC systems, and major appliances above expected flood levels.
• Clear gutters and drains– Remove debris to ensure rainwater can drain properly.
• Backup important documents– Store essential documents in a waterproof container or digital cloud storage.

What to Do During a Flood

If a hurricane causes flooding in your area, your safety is the top priority. Here’s what you should do if flooding occurs:

• Stay informed– Listen to weather updates and evacuation orders. Follow local emergency management instructions.
• Turn off utilities– If it’s safe, shut off electricity, gas, and water to prevent electrical shock or gas leaks.
• Move to higher ground– If flooding becomes severe, move to the highest floor in your home or building.
• Avoid floodwaters– Never walk or drive through flooded areas. Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and floodwaters can hide hazards like debris or downed power lines.

Steps to Take After Flooding

After the floodwaters recede, it’s time to assess the damage and begin the recovery process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Document the Damage

Before starting any cleanup, take photos and videos of all the damage. This is crucial for insurance claims and will help UWRG, your trusted Florida flood damage restoration team, assess the extent of the damage.

2. Call UWRG – Your Florida Restoration Experts

We strongly recommend hiring a local company chosen by the homeowner rather than one that travels to the area solely for the storm and is selected by the insurance company. Local, vetted restoration companies like UWGR are better prepared, fully staffed, and committed to the community’s long-term recovery and can address warranty issues later on. UWRG is a professional water damage restoration company you can trust. Reach out anytime at 561-866-8750.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance agent as soon as possible to report the flooding. Provide them with photos, videos, and an inventory of damaged items. They’ll guide you through the claims process.

4. Mold License

In Florida, mold contractors must be licensed within the state, as out-of-state mold contractors are not recognized. This regulation is in place to protect you and ensure that only qualified professionals familiar with Florida’s specific requirements handle your mold remediation.

United Water Restoration is here to support you every step of the way.

5. Start Cleanup and Drying

If you’re tackling minor damage on your own, be sure to:

• Wear protective gear– Gloves, boots, and masks protect you from contaminants in floodwater.
• Remove standing water– Use wet/dry vacuums, pumps, or mops to remove as much water as possible.
• Dry out the property– Open windows, use fans, and run dehumidifiers to speed up drying.
• Dispose of damaged materials– Remove water-damaged drywall, carpet, and insulation to prevent mold.

6. Watch for Mold Growth

Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours of flooding. Watch for musty odors, discoloration, and fuzzy patches on walls or furniture. If you suspect mold, call UWRG for expert mold remediation at 561-866-8750.

Why Call UWRG?

• 24/7 Rapid Response– We’re on call day and night to start water removal quickly and minimize further damage.
• Choose local – better preparation, full staff, and community commitment for long-term recovery and warranty support.
• Specialized Equipment– We use industrial pumps, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to ensure thorough water removal and drying.
• Mold Prevention– Our antimicrobial treatments and fast drying techniques stop mold growth before it starts.
• Certified Technicians– Our team is trained and certified to restore your home or business safely and efficiently.
• Peace of Mind– You can focus on getting back to normal while we handle the restoration process.

For emergency flood restoration, call UWRG at 561-866-8750.

Protecting Your Business After a Flood

For Florida business owners, flooding can be especially devastating. Not only do you have to repair your property, but you also have to consider the impact on your customers and operations.

• Create a Business Continuity Plan– Have a plan for how to continue serving your customers, even if your property is temporarily closed.
• Communicate with Customers– Use email, social media, and your website to keep customers updated on reopening plans and available services.
• Save Business Records– Back up important data and financial records to protect your business’s future.

Flooding from hurricanes can be overwhelming, but with the right preparation and quick action, you can minimize damage and restore your property. Remember, safety comes first – and when it’s time to rebuild, our experts at UWRG are available 24/7 for fast, reliable restoration services in Florida.

Need help with flood cleanup? Contact UWRG at 561-866-8750 today for a free inspection and let us help you restore what matters most!