After the Flood: FEMA offers recovery tips
<span>The Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is offering the following tips on what to do after a flood.</span>
<span>"We want to ensure that local residents are aware of hazards as they re-enter flooded areas and provide guidance on filing flood insurance claims for those who have coverage through the NFIP," said FEMA spokesman Michael Cappannari in a news release. "We encourage area residents who are not insured for flooding to protect themselves from the financial costs of future floods by obtaining flood insurance through the NFIP."</span>
<span>More information about NFIP and FloodSmart can be found at www.FloodSmart.gov.</span>
• Check for damage
<span>Check for structural damage before re-entering your home. If you suspect damage to water, gas, electric, or sewer lines, contact authorities.</span>
• Remove wet items
<span>Immediately remove wet carpeting, furniture, and bedding. Any item holding moisture can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours.</span>
<span>Clean and disinfect everything touched by floodwater. Get cleanup tips at emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods.</span>
• Plan before you repair
<span>The rebuilding decisions you make now to lower your risk and insurance costs can result in big benefits over the long term.</span>
<span>Contact your local building inspection or planning office or your county clerk's office to get more information.</span>
• File your flood insurance claim
<span>To file your claim, you'll need your insurance company's name, your policy number, and a number where you can be reached.</span>
<span>Take photos of any water in the house and anything damaged in your home. Make a detailed list of all damaged or lost items.</span>
• Contact your local building inspections or planning office
<span>Or contact your county clerk's office to get more information on local building requirements before repairing your structure.</span>
<span>If you can't find a local contact, call your State NFIP coordinator. Contact information can be found at floods.org/statepocs/stcoor.asp.</span>