Residents who had damage from Tropical Storm Helene do not need to wait for a FEMA home inspection or insurance adjuster before beginning to clean up. After you apply for disaster assistance, a FEMA inspector will contact you to schedule an appointment. Before starting any structural work, get a building permit from your local building authorities.
Before Cleaning Up
- Take photos of the damage. Be sure to include photos or videos of the outside and inside of the building, including damaged personal property, and label them by room before you remove anything.
- Photograph the make, model and serial number for appliances such as washers, dryers, hot water heaters, kitchen appliances, TVs and computers.
- Save all repair receipts.
- If you have insurance, separate damaged items from undamaged items. The insurance adjuster may need to document damaged items when conducting an inspection.
- If possible, keep samples of carpet, flooring, wallpaper and drapes.
- After taking photos, immediately throw away items that pose a health risk after coming into contact with floodwaters; these might include perishable food, clothing, cushions and pillows.
When Salvaging and Cleaning Up Flood Damaged Property
- Always wear protective clothing. This includes long-sleeved shirts, long pants, rubber or plastic gloves and waterproof boots or shoes.
- If the home needs a tarp to prevent further damage, install the tarp as quickly as possible.
- Take wet items outside. Your home could be contaminated with mold, which may raise the health risk for those with asthma, allergies and breathing conditions. For detailed tips on cleaning mold safely, review the guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters | Mold | CDC.
- Clean all hard surfaces and items with bleach. If possible, wash wet fabrics in hot water.
- Use caution when entering your home. Before entering your residence, look around the outside for damaged power lines, gas lines and other structural damage. If able, open doors and windows so your house can air out before spending any time inside.
- Watch for sharp objects such as protruding nails and screws, aluminum and broken glass.
- Turn off main electrical power and water systems. Don’t use gas appliances until a professional can inspect them.
- Check all ceilings and floors for signs of sagging or other potentially dangerous structural damage. Remove all drywall and insulation that has been in contact with floodwaters.
- Throw out any items that cannot be cleaned. This includes mattresses, carpeting and stuffed animals that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected.
Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance by Monday, Dec. 2
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Download the FEMA App.
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time. Operators speak most languages; if you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service.
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, visit fema.gov/drc.
- To watch an accessible video on how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance (youtube.com).
You may also apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal recovery funds for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes. To learn more or to apply, visit sba.gov/disaster or call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. Email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for more information or to have a loan application mailed to you.