Texas Hurricane Harvey (DR-4332)

Resources / Cleaning Up / Mold

Returning Home

• NFIP Policyholders Must Follow the Guildelines of Their Flood Policy When Cleaning Up
• Mold Cleanup after Floods (EPA)
• Public Assistance: Contracting Requirements Checklist

Related Informational Videos

• Videos on the following topics
  • Federal Disaster Assistance
  • FEMA Questions
  • Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA)
  • Aid Registration

Other Items

• To talk to a professional who can help you cope with emotional distress from the storm, call the @disasterdistressline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746

Tips for Cleaning Up

Tips for Clean-Up

Below are a few simple guidelines to follow that will make the clean-up and salvage process safer and easier:

• Always wear protective clothing including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, rubber or plastic gloves and waterproof boots or shoes.
• Before entering your home, look outside for damaged power lines, gas lines and other exterior damage.
• Take photos of your damage before you begin clean up and save repair receipts.
• Your home may be contaminated with mold, which raises the health risk for those with asthma, allergies and breathing conditions. Refer to the Center for Disease Control for more info on mold: www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/pdf/flyer-get-rid-of-mold.pdf.
• Open doors and windows so your house can air out before spending any length of time inside.
• Turn off main electrical power and water systems and don’t use gas appliances until a professional can ensure they are safe.
• Check all ceilings and floors for signs of sagging or other potentially dangerous structural damage.
• Throw out all foods, beverages and medicines exposed to flood waters or mud including canned goods and containers with food or liquid.
• Also, throw out any items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or disinfected (mattresses, carpeting, stuffed animals, etc.).
• Beware of snakes, insects, and other animals that may be on your property or in your home.
• Remove all drywall and insulation that has been in contact with flood waters.
• Clean all hard surfaces (flooring, countertops, appliances, sinks, etc.) thoroughly with hot water and soap or detergent.

Beware of Fraud & Price Gouging

After a disaster scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals may attempt to prey on vulnerable survivors. The most common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Survivors should keep in mind:

• Federal and state workers never ask for, or accept money, and always carry identification badges
• There is NO FEE required to apply for or to get disaster assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration or the state
• Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text or in person

Price Gouging

Price gouging occurs when a supplier marks up the price of an item more than is justified by his actual costs. Survivors are particularly susceptible because their needs are immediate, and have few alternatives to choose from. If you find price gouging, contact you the Texas State Office of the Attorney General.

Report Price Gouging

• Call: 1-800-621-0508
  Email: consumeremergency@oag.texas.gov

Dealing with Contractors:

Survivors should take steps to protect themselves and avoid fraud when hiring contractors to clean property, remove debris or make repairs.

Simple rules to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:

• Only use contractors licensed by your state
• Get a written estimate and get more than one estimate
• Demand and check references
• Ask for proof of insurance
  • i.e., liability and Workmen's Compensation
• Insist on a written contract and refuse to sign a contract with blank spaces
• Get any guarantees in writing
• Make final payments only after the work is completed
• Pay by check.

The best way to avoid fraud is to arm yourself against it by having a checklist to remind you of what you need to demand when hiring a contractor.

National Flood Insurance Program

Step One: Notify Your Insurer

After experiencing a flood, contact your agent or insurance company to file a claim. Make sure you have the following information handy:

An adjuster should contact you within a few days of filing your claim. If you do not hear from an adjuster, you can contact your insurance agent or company again.

Step Two: File Your Claim

Separate damaged from undamaged property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage to your home and possessions to prepare your repair estimate.

Step Three: Complete a Proof of Loss to Support Your Claim

Your adjuster will assist you in preparing a Proof of Loss (which is your sworn statement of the amount you are claiming including necessary supporting documentation) for your official claim for damages. A Proof of Loss can be many things, but must contain the specific details set forth in the Standard Flood Insurance Policy. You'll need to file your Proof of Loss with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood. This document substantiates the insurance claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or insurance company can make payment.

You'll receive your claim payment after you and the insurer agree on the amount of damages and the insurer has your complete, accurate, and signed Proof of Loss. If major catastrophic flooding occurs, it may take longer to process claims and make payments because of the sheer number of claims submitted.

Unsatisfied With Your Claim Payment?

If after you recieve a denial letter (for all or some of your flood insurance claim) from your insurer you are unsatisfied with the dollar amount being offered for flood-loss repairs or replacements, you may explore other options. These options are only available for policyholders who have received a denial letter.

Need Additional Assistance?

If you still have claim questions, try searching this site or glancing through the page titles on the left side of this page (in the navigation menu) to look for answers. If that doesn't help, visit our Got a Problem? page.

• Ask for identification and don’t be afraid to hang up on cold callers.
• Contact government agencies using information posted on their websites or in other official sources.
• Don’t sign anything you don’t understand or contracts with blank spaces.
  • To help people affected by the storm, visit @nvoad’s page for a listed of trusted organizations: https://www.nvoad.org/
  • To find family & friends or to register yourself as safe, visit the @americanredcross Safe & Well site: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/
  • To report a missing child, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-866-908-9570
  • To talk to a professional who can help you cope with emotional distress from the storm, call the @disasterdistressline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
  • Visit the FEMA Social Hub for updates from official emergency management social media accounts.
  • Download the FEMA Mobile App to receive alerts from the National Weather Service, get safety and survival tips, customize your emergency checklist, find your local shelter, and upload your disaster photos to help first responders.
  • How to file an NFIP claim
  • How to file an NFIP claim (Infographic)
  • NFIP's Write Your Own insurance companies
  • The name of your insurance company
  • Your policy number
  • A telephone and/or email address where you can be reached at all times
  • Take photographs of all of the damaged property, including discarded objects, structural damage, and standing floodwater levels.
  • Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their date of purchase, value, and receipts, if possible.
  • Officials may require disposal of damaged items so, if possible, place flooded items outside of the home.