Complete Storm Surge Recovery Guide for Homeowners, Technicians, and Property Owners

391

Living in coastal towns like Clearwater, Largo, and Tampa brings beauty and risks—storm surges and flooding can cause significant damage to your home. When disaster strikes, knowing how to respond can make all the difference in protecting your property, your health, and securing the compensation you deserve.

At Mold Solutions, we’ve helped countless homeowners recover from flood damage, and this guide is designed to offer you a clear roadmap through the recovery process. Whether you’re a homeowner, a technician, or a property manager, this guide will provide essential steps to ensure a successful recovery.

For assistance, contact Mold Solutions at 727-276-4787. We proudly serve Clearwater, Largo, Belleair, and the surrounding  areas in Pinellas County and Hillsborough County.

Experts Consulted in This Guide

This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace individualized health, home, insurance or financial advice from licensed professionals.

Step-by-Step Guide for Storm Surge Recovery

The first hours after a flood are critical to minimizing damage. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Ensure Safety Before Entering

• Check for structural damage: Look for cracks or weaknesses in walls, roofs, and foundations. Homes in areas like Clearwater Beach and Indian Rocks Beach are particularly vulnerable to storm surges and erosion.
• Avoid electrical hazards: Don’t enter standing water if you suspect live wires or submerged electrical outlets.
• Beware of contaminated water: Floodwater often carries sewage, chemicals, and bacteria, so avoid contact whenever possible.

2. Clean Up and Remove Wet Items Immediately

• Discard non-salvageable items: Water-damaged materials like carpets, drywall, and insulation should be removed immediately to prevent mold growth.
• Document everything: Take photos and videos of all damage before discarding anything. This documentation is essential for FEMA and insurance claims.

3. Document All Damage

• Photograph the waterline on walls and floors.
• Keep a detailed log of all damaged items, repairs, and associated expenses. This will help with claims.

FEMA vs. Homeowners Insurance: What’s Covered After a Storm Surge

Storms can cause multiple types of damage, and it’s important to understand what will be covered by FEMA and what may fall under your homeowners insurance. Let’s break it down with practical examples.

What FEMA Covers

FEMA primarily covers flood-related damage. This includes damage caused by water rising from rivers, lakes, or storm surge as part of a declared disaster. FEMA will cover flood-related damage, drying costs, and temporary housing if needed.

Examples of What FEMA Covers:

1. Flooded Floors and Walls (Storm Surge)

Scenario: After the storm, water from the surge flooded your home, damaging the floors and walls.

What FEMA Covers: FEMA will cover the drying of floors and walls, as well as water removal services if necessary. They will pay for drying equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers if used after the HVAC system has been cleaned.

2. Mold Growth from Flooding

Scenario: Mold starts growing 48 hours after water from the storm surge floods your home.
What FEMA Covers: FEMA may cover limited mold remediation if you acted promptly to dry your home. Delayed actions could lead to a denial of coverage.

3. Temporary Housing

Scenario: Your home is flooded, making it uninhabitable.
What FEMA Covers: FEMA will provide temporary housing assistance until your home can be repaired.

What FEMA Won’t Cover:

• Damage to soaked carpets, drywall, or insulation that cannot be salvaged.
• Roof damage caused by wind or fallen trees (this would go to homeowners insurance).

What Homeowners Insurance Covers

Homeowners insurance typically covers damage caused by wind, falling trees, and other non-flood-related issues. This is where you turn for coverage of damage that’s unrelated to rising water or storm surge.

Examples of What Homeowners Insurance Covers:

1. Wind-Driven Rain (Roof Damage)

Scenario: A tree falls onto your roof during the storm, creating a hole through which rain enters, causing interior water damage.
What Homeowners Insurance Covers: Homeowners insurance will cover the cost to repair the roof and the damage caused by water entering through the roof. This could include damage to the ceiling, walls, and floors underneath the damaged roof area.

2. Broken Windows and Interior Damage

Scenario: Wind from the storm breaks a window, allowing rainwater to enter and damage your floors and furniture.
What Homeowners Insurance Covers: Homeowners insurance will cover the replacement of the broken window and the damage caused by the rainwater to your floors and furniture.

3. Fallen Trees and Debris Removal

Scenario: A tree falls onto your home, damaging your roof and exterior siding.
What Homeowners Insurance Covers: Homeowners insurance typically covers tree removal and repairing the damage caused by the fallen tree. If the tree hits a structure, insurance often helps cover the cost of removing the tree from the property.

What Homeowners Insurance Won’t Cover:

• Damage caused by flooding or storm surge (this would go to FEMA).
• Water that rises from the ground or enters from the street due to flooding.

Quick Overview of Coverage

Type of Damage	FEMA	Homeowners Insurance
Flooded floors/walls (storm surge)	✅ Covered by FEMA	❌ Not covered
Mold from flood (storm-related)	✅ Covered by FEMA (limited)	❌ Not covered
Temporary housing (due to flooding)	✅ Covered by FEMA	❌ Not covered
Roof damage from falling trees	❌ Not covered	✅ Covered by homeowners insurance
Water damage from broken windows	❌ Not covered	✅ Covered by homeowners insurance
Tree removal after storm	❌ Not covered	✅ Covered by homeowners insurance
Broken pipes resulting in water intrusion	❌ Not covered	✅ Covered by homeowners insurance
Water rising from streets	✅ Covered by FEMA (storm surge)	❌ Not covered

FEMA Coverage, Exclusions, and Proper HVAC Sequence After a Flood

After a storm surge or flood, understanding what FEMA covers, what it does not cover, and the correct sequence for handling HVAC systems and mechanical drying is crucial for successful recovery. This document provides a comprehensive guide to FEMA coverage, exclusions, and the steps you need to follow to ensure both HVAC restoration and drying costs are covered.

What FEMA Covers After a Flood

FEMA provides assistance for certain damages caused by flooding, especially when it comes to salvageable materials. Here’s a breakdown of what FEMA covers:

1. Structural Drying for Salvageable Materials

FEMA covers drying for salvageable materials such as wood studs and subflooring, provided the damage is directly caused by the flood.

2. Water Extraction and Cleanup

FEMA covers water extraction services to remove standing water using professional equipment like pumps and wet vacuums.

3. Dehumidification

FEMA covers dehumidifiers used to dry salvageable materials. Dehumidification helps regulate moisture levels to prevent further damage.

4. Temporary Housing

FEMA may assist with temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable due to flood damage.

5. Limited Mold Remediation

FEMA may cover mold remediation if it directly results from the flood. However, FEMA expects homeowners to act promptly, and delays could lead to claim denials.

6. Cleaning and Sanitizing HVAC Systems

FEMA covers the cleaning and sanitizing of HVAC systems affected by the flood. It is critical that mechanical drying does not begin before the HVAC system is cleaned.

7. Salvaging and Preservation

FEMA may assist in preserving materials that can still be salvaged. However, items considered non-salvageable or where the cost of drying exceeds the value of the item will not be covered.

Proper HVAC Restoration and Mechanical Drying Sequence

To ensure FEMA covers HVAC restoration and mechanical drying costs, it’s essential to follow the correct sequence. The following steps outline the process to maximize coverage:

1. Inspect the HVAC System

After a flood, inspect the HVAC system for damage or contamination. Floodwater often carries harmful substances that can affect the system. This can be done by our sister company Real Duct Cleaning at www.realductcleaning.com

2. Clean and Sanitize the HVAC System

Before mechanical drying begins, the HVAC system must be cleaned and sanitized. This includes removing contaminants, dirt, mold, and bacteria from the system to ensure it operates safely.

3. Begin Mechanical Drying After HVAC Cleaning

Only after the HVAC system has been fully restored and cleaned should you begin mechanical drying using air movers and dehumidifiers. If mechanical drying is started before the HVAC cleaning, FEMA will not cover related costs.

4. Continue with Drying and Dehumidification

Once the HVAC system is sanitized, proceed with drying out the rest of the home using professional-grade equipment to ensure the building is properly dried and mold-free.

What FEMA Does Not Cover After a Flood

There are several limitations to FEMA’s coverage, especially when it comes to non-salvageable materials and items not directly damaged by the flood. Here’s what FEMA will not cover:

1. Non-Salvageable Materials

FEMA does not cover the cost to dry or clean non-salvageable items like soaked carpets, insulation, or drywall. These items need to be removed to prevent mold growth.

2. Mechanical Drying Prior to HVAC Restoration

If mechanical drying begins before the HVAC system is cleaned and restored, FEMA will not cover the costs associated with the drying process.

3. Exterior Materials

FEMA does not cover drying costs for materials exposed to outdoor elements, such as items in crawl spaces, garages, or utility rooms.

4. Basements and Below the Lowest Elevated Floor

FEMA will not cover drying costs for areas like basements or areas below the lowest elevated floor of a Post-FIRM elevated building.

5. Overhead and Profit

Contractors’ overhead and profit costs are not automatically covered unless a properly completed drying log is submitted and deemed necessary.

6. Non-Flood Damage

Any materials not directly damaged by the flood will not be covered. Additionally, drying costs exceeding the value of the item will also not be covered.

7. Equipment Cleaning

The cost of cleaning or maintaining drying equipment, such as air movers or dehumidifiers, is typically included in the rental price and is not covered separately by FEMA.

FEMA Disaster Assistance vs. Private Flood Insurance: Understanding the Differences

When dealing with flood damage, it’s important to know the difference between what FEMA disaster assistance offers and what a private flood insurance policy provides. Both options are valuable, but they serve different purposes and have distinct coverage limits and rules.

FEMA Disaster Assistance

FEMA disaster assistance is government aid provided after a major disaster (like a flood) is declared by the President. This aid is designed to offer temporary relief for homeowners, renters, and businesses, but it is not a full insurance policy.

Key Features of FEMA Assistance:

• Eligibility: Only available if your area is part of a federally declared disaster.
• Limited Coverage: Primarily covers emergency needs, such as temporary housing and basic home repairs to make a property habitable again.
• Grants & Loans: Assistance comes in the form of grants, which do not need to be repaid, or low-interest loans (from the Small Business Administration – SBA), which must be repaid.
• Maximum Grant Limits: Grants are typically capped at around $37,000 (as of 2023), so they are meant to cover temporary and essential repairs, not the full restoration of your home.
• Basic Repairs: FEMA will help make your home safe, sanitary, and functional, but it will not cover major rebuilding costs or replace everything you’ve lost.
• Personal Property: FEMA may offer limited aid for essential personal property like clothing or appliances, but it won’t replace high-value items like jewelry or electronics.

What FEMA Does Not Cover:

• Full Rebuilding Costs: FEMA is not a substitute for insurance. It provides immediate relief but won’t pay for complete rebuilding or replacing all damaged belongings.
• Non-Essential Property: FEMA will not cover luxury items or non-essential repairs beyond basic functionality.
• Pre-disaster Conditions: It is not designed to restore your home to its pre-disaster condition—just to make it livable again.

Private Flood Insurance Policy

A private flood insurance policy provides comprehensive coverage for flood damage, regardless of whether a federal disaster is declared. It offers higher limits and broader coverage compared to FEMA assistance, but you need to purchase it before the flood occurs.

Key Features of Private Flood Insurance:

• Available Anytime: You can purchase a private flood insurance policy at any time—no need to wait for a disaster to be declared.
• Higher Coverage Limits: Private flood insurance typically covers up to $250,000 for the structure of your home and $100,000 for personal belongings under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Private insurers may offer higher limits.
• Comprehensive Repairs: Unlike FEMA, private flood insurance will pay for complete restoration of your home and belongings after a flood.
• Personal Property Coverage: Private flood insurance covers personal property (e.g., furniture, electronics, clothes) and may even cover high-value items like art or jewelry, depending on the policy.
• Basements and Other Structures: Many private policies cover damage to basements, garages, and other exterior structures that FEMA may not cover.

What Private Flood Insurance Covers:

1. Structural Damage: Covers repairs or rebuilding of your home, including walls, floors, roofs, and foundations damaged by flooding.
2. Personal Belongings: Covers replacement of personal property such as furniture, appliances, clothing, and electronics.
3. Temporary Living Expenses: Many private flood policies will cover temporary living expenses if you need to move out of your home during repairs.
4. Basement Flooding: Private flood insurance often covers water damage to basements, including walls, floors, and items stored in the basement, which FEMA typically excludes.
5. Exterior Structures: Some policies cover detached garages and other outbuildings on your property.

What Private Flood Insurance Does Not Cover:

• Water Damage from Inside the Home: Flood insurance does not cover damage from leaks, broken pipes, or sewage backups (unless they result from flooding). This type of damage would typically be covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy.
• Mold Remediation (Limited): Some policies may have restrictions on mold remediation coverage if mold grows due to delayed action. Always check your policy for specific limitations.
• Earth Movement (Mudslides): Flood insurance typically does not cover damage caused by landslides or earth movement, even if it occurs due to flooding.
• Long-Term Water Exposure: If water damage results from long-term neglect or exposure, it may not be covered by flood insurance.

Key Differences Between FEMA Assistance and Private Flood Insurance:

Feature	FEMA Assistance	Private Flood Insurance
Availability	Only after a federal disaster is declared	Available any time, no disaster needed
Coverage Limit	Up to around $37,000 for temporary relief	Up to $250,000 for building, $100,000 for contents (higher with private)
Scope of Coverage	Emergency repairs and basic needs	Full restoration of structure and belongings
Rebuilding Costs	Limited, only to make the home livable	Covers full repair or rebuilding
Personal Belongings	Limited to essential items like clothing	Comprehensive, including furniture, electronics, and high-value items
Basement and Exterior Structures	Not covered	Covered (in most policies)
Temporary Living Expenses	May cover temporary housing	Usually covers living expenses during repairs
Premiums	No premiums, but assistance is capped	Requires annual premiums

Summary of What’s Covered and What’s Not

FEMA Assistance: Covers immediate relief like temporary housing and essential repairs, but has limited financial assistance and is not a replacement for flood insurance. You get basic help to get back on your feet, but not full coverage for rebuilding.

Private Flood Insurance: Covers comprehensive flood damage, including structural repairs, personal property, and often higher limits for basements and external structures. It’s a policy you must purchase in advance and maintain with annual premiums, but it provides far more protection than FEMA alone.

Essential Drying Guidelines for Homeowners and Technicians Based on FEMA Requirements

Drying out the home after a flood is a critical step to preventing mold growth and long-term structural damage.

1. Use Air Movers (Fans)

• How many to use: Use 1 fan per room or closet, and for wet walls, use 1 fan per 16 feet of wall space.
• For floors: Use 1 fan per 200-400 square feet.

2. Use Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are essential to remove moisture from the air and prevent further damage.
Measure the room’s cubic footage (length x width x height) and divide the cubic footage by 50 to calculate how many pints of dehumidification are needed per day.

3. Monitor Drying Times

• Day 1: Begin drying immediately. Use all available air movers and dehumidifiers.
• Day 2: Reduce the number of air movers to 50% of what you used on Day 1.
• Day 3 and onward: Continue monitoring moisture levels daily. 
• Homes in humid areas like we have here in Pinellas may require 5-7 days to fully dry.  FEMA will only cover 3 days if moisture logs and documentation are net kept. 

4. Keep a Drying Log

Keep a daily log that tracks:

• Moisture levels in walls and floors
• Indoor and outdoor humidity levels
• Equipment used (air movers, dehumidifiers)

Mold Remediation: Health Risks and Why It’s Essential

Mold can start growing within 48 hours of a flood. Even if FEMA doesn’t cover full mold remediation costs, it’s important to address it immediately.

Health Risks Associated with Mold:

– Respiratory issues: Mold exposure can cause or worsen asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections, particularly in children and the elderly.
– Structural damage: If left untreated, mold can cause long-term damage to walls, floors, and furniture, leading to costly repairs.

Mold Solutions offers professional mold remediation services to protect your home and health.

Beware of Unlicensed Contractors and Storm Chasers

In the wake of natural disasters, it’s common for unlicensed contractors and storm chasers to target vulnerable homeowners, offering quick fixes at discounted prices. These contractors may do substandard work—or disappear entirely, leaving homeowners with unfinished projects.

How to Avoid Contractor Scams:

• Verify licenses: Always verify that a contractor is licensed through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
• Check reviews: Look up contractors on reputable review platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Get a written contract: Legitimate contractors will provide a written agreement detailing the scope of work, timeline, and costs.

Final Dos and Don’ts for Homeowners and Technicians

Do:

• Act quickly: Mold can start growing within 48 hours, so it’s essential to begin drying your home immediately.
• Document everything: Keep detailed records and take photos of all damage before cleaning or repairing.
• Hire professionals: Mold Solutions offers expert drying, mold remediation, and flood recovery services.

Don’t:

• Wait to start drying: Delays in drying your home could result in irreversible damage and mold growth.
• Throw away damaged items without documentation: FEMA and insurance companies will need proof of loss before processing your claim.

For professional help with mold removal, drying services, or guidance with your insurance and FEMA claims, contact Mold Solutions today at 727-276-4787. We proudly serve Clearwater, Largo, Belleair, and the surrounding areas in Pinellas and Hillsborough  County.