After the storm: a water damage checklist for Treasure Coast homes.

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. When a storm passes over Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Fort Pierce or Vero Beach, the water that gets inside is often the most expensive damage. If your home needs drying, one free call connects you with a local restoration company.

Our phone line opens soon.

If you have water in your home right now, shut off the water, take photos, and call your insurance company. Many insurers can send a restoration company out quickly.

We're a referral service, not the company doing the work.

keep this handy

Right after the storm

Check for hazardsDowned lines, gas smell, standing water near outlets, structural damage. Stay out if it isn't safe.
Generators stay outsideNever run one in the garage or near windows. Carbon monoxide kills.
Photograph before cleanupOutside and inside, every room, roof and window damage.
Stop more waterTarp roof openings if safe, catch drips, move belongings.
Call your insurer earlyClaims pile up after big storms. Get yours in line.

Rain damage or flood damage?

The difference matters for insurance. Water that came in through the roof, windows or doors from wind and rain is usually handled under a homeowners policy, typically with a separate hurricane deductible. Water that rose from the ground, like storm surge or overflowing canals, is flood damage, which usually needs a separate flood policy.

New flood policies through the National Flood Insurance Program generally have a 30-day waiting period, so buying one when a storm is already coming usually won't help for that storm.

The first 48 hours

Flood water is dirty: Water that rose from outside can carry sewage and chemicals. Wear boots and gloves, keep kids and pets away, and treat soaked porous items as contaminated.
Get air moving: If the power is on and it's safe, run the AC to pull humidity down. Open windows only if it's drier outside than in.
Start drying: Wet drywall, insulation and carpet pad can start growing mold within 24 to 48 hours. Professional drying equipment and moisture readings make sure walls are dry inside.
Keep receipts: Tarps, fans, hotel stays, meals. Many policies reimburse reasonable costs to prevent more damage.

Watch out for storm chasers

After a big storm, out-of-town crews knock on doors across the Treasure Coast. Be careful with anyone who asks for a large payment upfront, pressures you to sign that day, or asks you to sign over your insurance benefits. Check any contractor's license at myfloridalicense.com, and get the company's name, address and insurance in writing.

Before the next storm

Photograph your home and belongings now
Know where your water shutoff is
Clear gutters and the AC drain line
Check window and slider seals
Keep policies in a waterproof bag
Know your hurricane deductible

How this works

You call and tell us your ZIP code and what happened. We connect your call to an independent, licensed restoration company that works in your area. They come out, look at the damage, and give you a quote.

We don't do the work and we don't charge you. The company you're connected with may pay us for the referral. Any price or agreement is between you and them.

Questions people ask

Should I wait for the adjuster before drying out?

Generally no. Document everything with photos and video, then start drying to prevent mold and more damage. Ask your insurer if you're unsure.

How long do I have to file a hurricane claim in Florida?

Florida law sets deadlines for hurricane claims, and they have changed in recent years. Check your policy and file as soon as you can.

Is mold after a hurricane covered?

It depends on what caused the water and on your policy's mold limit. Mold from a covered event is more likely to be covered than mold from flooding without a flood policy.