Storm and Flood Water Cleanup

Hurricanes, tropical storms and heavy rain can bring water into a home in several ways: storm surge along the coast, rising water from rivers, lakes and drainage areas, wind-driven rain forced in around doors, windows and roofs, and roof or attic leaks. How the water got in determines how it has to be cleaned up, so every storm job starts with identifying the source and the conditions of the loss.

We answer water-damage calls 24/7. For emergency water damage, we typically arrive within 60–90 minutes in our primary service area of Hernando and Pasco counties around Spring Hill, with arrival times varying based on location, traffic, time of day and crew availability. Outside Hernando and Pasco counties, we give you an estimated arrival time when you call. After a widespread storm, many homes need help at the same time and access to some areas may be limited, so we give you an honest estimate when you call.

Safety first after a storm

• Wait until it is safe. Do not go into a flooded home until local authorities say the area is safe to enter.
• Electricity. Do not touch electrical equipment, outlets or panels while standing in water. Have power to flooded areas shut off, and do not use outlets, appliances or utilities that were under water until a licensed electrician or the utility has cleared them.
• Generators. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage or near windows and doors.
• Structure. Watch for sagging ceilings, soft floors and other signs that the structure may have been weakened.
• Contact with flood water. Avoid contact with flood water where you can, and keep children and pets out of affected areas. Wear boots and gloves if you must go in.
• Document. Take photos and video of the water, the water line on walls and damaged belongings before anything is moved or thrown away.

Storm water is usually Category 3

Under the IICRC water damage standard, flooding from seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, and wind-driven rain from hurricanes, tropical storms and other weather events are Category 3: grossly contaminated water that can contain harmful agents and trace amounts of chemicals such as pesticides. In coastal communities such as Hernando Beach, Hudson and Port Richey, storm surge brings seawater into homes. Rain that leaks through a roof outside of a major storm is assessed on site, because it can pick up contaminants from the attic and building materials it passes through.

What Category 3 means for the job

• Protective equipment for our crew and contaminated-water procedures throughout.
• Containing the work area. Affected areas are separated from unaffected parts of the home where needed, and HEPA air scrubbers can be set up as negative-air machines so air moves from clean areas toward the work area.
• Removing what cannot be saved. Porous materials reached by Category 3 water, such as drywall, insulation, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, wood paneling, and carpet and pad, are generally removed rather than dried. We photograph and document removed materials before disposal so you have a record for your insurance company.
• Cleaning and disinfecting before drying. The remaining structure is cleaned first. Hard, non-porous surfaces are then treated with an EPA-registered disinfectant, used according to its label, including keeping the surface wet for the full contact time the label requires. Disinfectant labels do not cover porous materials such as wood framing, so on those the products are used only as the label allows, for odor control. Until that is done, dehumidifiers control humidity without blowing air across contaminated surfaces.
• Drying. Structural drying with commercial dehumidifiers and air movers, adjusted based on moisture readings until the materials are dry.
• Documentation. Photos, moisture readings and drying records throughout.

Standing water is removed with submersible pumps and extraction equipment. See emergency water extraction.

Asbestos and lead in building materials

Before drywall, ceilings, flooring or other building materials are removed, we review them for materials that could contain asbestos or lead-based paint. Asbestos can be present in homes of any age, and homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint. When a building was constructed in 1986 or earlier, or a material in a newer building looks suspect, we have it evaluated by an independent environmental professional before it is disturbed. If asbestos or lead-based paint is present, that work is handled by appropriately licensed or certified professionals. This can affect the schedule; until then, we focus on removing water and controlling humidity.

Roof leaks and repairs

Roof repairs are made by a licensed roofer. Repair and reconstruction work that requires a contractor license is performed by an appropriately licensed contractor of your choosing. We coordinate our water removal and drying with whoever you hire so that drying can start as soon as the water is stopped.

Wet materials that are not dried properly are where mold starts, and Florida humidity after a storm makes prompt drying more important. See preventing mold after water damage.

Insurance after a storm

Damage from rising outside flood water and damage from wind-driven rain or a roof leak can fall under different insurance policies, and coverage depends on the cause of the loss and the terms of each policy. We document the restoration work with photos, moisture readings and job records, and we can communicate with your insurance adjuster about the work we perform. Coverage and claim decisions remain with your insurance company.

How we work with insurance

Service area