Quick tips for recovering from flood damage

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - After Tropical Depression Imelda swept through the Houston area, Texas are going through the process of cleaning up. We have a few tips that will help that process go a bit smoother for you.

At the time of writing this report a federal disaster declaration has been made, so FEMA won’t be a part of the process for cleaning up after Imelda.

Whether your home or vehicle took on inches or feet of water, the process for making claims or repairs will be the same for people with flood insurance. It all starts with a call to the agent who provided the insurance policy.

As many learned with Harvey cleaning, salvage and drying out has to happen quickly.

Don’t forget to take pictures and video of any damage.

Move undamaged items to safety and save any receipts for expenses connected to the disaster.

If your car took on water, don’t try to drive it. Dry it out to limit any mold growth. Your vehicle could have hidden damage.

The Red Cross has two shelters open in Harris County at the House of Mercy on Cypress Street in Baytown and the New Light Christian Center-East on E. Houston Road.

There are also two local recovery centers where staff can answer specific questions about recovery programs and resources including access to food, temporary housing, cleanup and debris removal, legal services and guidance on how file insurance claims. The recovery centers are located at Kingwood United Methodist Church on Woodland Hills Dr. and Grayson Community Center on Corpus Christie St.

ReadyHarris.org is also a great place to find links to resources to help your storm recovery.