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19 HOW TO SUPPORT REPAIR & REBUILDING EFFORTS Flood damage can be just as impactful as the high winds during a hurricane. If your community floods, homeowners need to act quickly to assess damages and do what they can to mitigate mold. Here are 12 things your residents can do to repair water damage following a hurricane. 1. CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY One of your first calls after a hurricane should be to your insurance company. Find out exactly what you're covered for, and try to schedule the first available appointment for an adjuster to come to your home and assess any damages. In the meantime, make sure to document any damage and take pictures. 2. HIRE A CLEAN-UP COMPANY Any water in your home needs to be pumped out. All debris and anything that has been saturated must be removed. Sewage waste requires extra precautions and professional help. 3. FIND A CONTRACTOR You will need a contractor with plenty of experience in restoring water-damaged homes. Ask questions—don't assume every contractor knows what to do. Perform regular background and reference checks. Contact at least three prior clients (more is better) to inquire about the quality of their work. 4. HIRE A LICENSED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Hiring a licensed professional is crucial, especially if the water rose as high as your electrical panel, outlets, and switches, or if it seeped into fixtures and appliances. For safety's sake, you must have any electrical checked by a licensed contractor before turning the power back on.