What is the first thing you do when water comes into your house and will not stop?
How Do You Clean Up After A Storm Surge?
You will feel shaken after a storm surge. You will see mud, broken items, and wet walls. You will want to fix everything at once. You must move slowly. You must put safety first. You must collect proof for your insurance claim. You must call a public adjuster if you want help with your claim.
This guide shows you clear steps you can take after a storm surge. You will get simple instructions. You will learn what to do now, what to wait on, and when to call help. You will hear why a public adjuster can help you get fair money from your insurance company. You will also see how Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals can help you in Florida.
What is a storm surge?
A storm surge is a rise of water that a storm pushes onto land. The sea moves in fast and high. The water can flood homes, roads, and yards. The water brings sand and mud into your home. The water can ruin floors, walls, furniture, and electrical parts. You should treat storm surge like a powerful force. You must act carefully.
Why you need to act fast
You must act fast to keep damage from getting worse. Water that stays in a home will make mold in a few days. Wet wood will swell and break. Electrical parts can short out. You must remove water and dry your home. You must save proof of damage for your claim. You must keep receipts for everything you buy for cleanup.
Safety first
You must check for hazards before you enter your home. Safety comes before property. If your home smells gas, do not enter. If the building looks unstable, do not enter. If you see downed power lines, stay away and call authorities. Wear shoes, gloves, and eye protection when you go in. Use a flashlight. Do not use candles. Use battery-powered light.
If you see animals, bugs, or snakes, keep a safe distance. The water can push things into the house. You can get hurt by broken glass, nails, or sharp metal. Look for bent beams or sagging floors. If you feel unsafe, go to a safe place and call for help.
First actions when you can enter safely
You must follow a clear order. Do not try to fix everything at once. The list below helps you know what to do first.
Stop more damage
You must try to stop more water and remove things that can cause more harm. Turn off the main power if the main breaker is safe and dry. If you cannot reach the breaker safely, call an electrician. If you smell gas, call the gas company now.
Open doors and windows to let air in, but only if the weather is calm and safe. Remove wet rugs and small items that you can carry outside. Move dry and valuable items to a dry room or higher shelf.
Take photos and videos
You must record everything before you clean. Use your phone or a camera. Take wide pictures of each room. Take close pictures of damaged items. Take pictures of the home from the outside too. Record videos where you show the damage and say your name and the date. This evidence helps your insurance claim.
Make a list of damaged items
You must list every item that shows damage. Write down the item name, brand, and what happened. Put the date you took the pictures. Keep boxes or papers that prove you owned the item. If you cannot find proof, write the best memory you have about the item.
Use this simple table to track items:
| Item | Brand/Model | Damage | Photo/Video Taken | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Couch | ACME | Soaked, frame bent | Yes (IMG_1234) | $600 |
This list helps you and the adjuster show what you lost.
Call your insurance company and file a claim
You must call your insurance company as soon as you can. File a claim even if the damage seems small. Be honest and clear. Give dates and facts. Do not guess prices. Tell them you will send photos and a list. Ask what documents they need.
Write down the claim number and the name of the person you speak with. Keep a short log of each call. This will help you later if there is a dispute.
Why hire a public adjuster?
You will find the insurance process hard and slow. An insurance company may hire its own adjuster to check the damage. That adjuster works for the insurance company. A public adjuster works for you. The public adjuster will read your policy and gather proof. The public adjuster will negotiate for fair payment. You will pay the public adjuster a fee only if you get more money. That fee is usually a percentage of the claim settlement.
A public adjuster can:
- Help you find and record damage you did not see.
- Write the claim so it shows full losses.
- Negotiate with the insurance company to get a fair payout.
- Help you hire contractors and get estimates.
If you live in Florida, you can call Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals. Otero is based in Pensacola and works across Florida. Otero offers a free initial inspection. Otero will assess your damage with no cost or obligation. Otero only gets paid when you get paid. You can reach Otero at:
Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
(850) 285-0405
https://oteroadjusting.com/
Understand flood vs. wind vs. storm surge coverage
You must check your policy to know what pays for storm surge damage. Storm surge damage can be covered in different ways. Often, flood damage is not part of a standard homeowners policy. In Florida, many homes need separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood policy.
Your homeowner policy may cover:
- Wind damage (roof, siding, windows) if the wind caused it.
- Water damage from rain that came through a broken roof after the storm.
Flood insurance may cover:
- Water that comes from the ground up or from the sea.
- Mud and debris carried by floodwater.
Ask your public adjuster to read your policy. The public adjuster will tell you what is covered and what is not. You must keep clarity on this point. Your adjuster will make sure the claim lists all covered items.
Document everything for the insurance claim
You must collect and keep the right papers. Your paperwork helps the adjuster and the insurer see what happened. Keep copies. Put everything in a safe folder or cloud storage. Give a copy to your public adjuster.
Important items to collect:
| Document | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Photos and videos | Shows damage to items and structure |
| Inventory list | Lists lost or damaged items |
| Receipts and invoices | Shows proof of ownership and value |
| Police or emergency reports | Shows official record of the event |
| Builder or contractor estimates | Shows repair cost estimates |
| Mortgage statements and deed | Shows home ownership |
| Policy declarations | Shows policy limits and deductibles |
Keep a daily log of the cleanup and repairs you do. Write down purchases and labor you hire. Keep receipts for cleaning supplies, pumps, and contractor work.
Short-term cleanup actions you can do
You can do many safe tasks yourself. These tasks help stop further damage and show the insurer you acted quickly.
- Remove water. Use pumps or buckets for standing water. Avoid wading in water that has live electricity or broken glass.
- Move wet items outside. Dry what you can in the sun. Place things on raised pallets or tables.
- Remove wet drywall up to the waterline. Cut out wet drywall and insulation to keep whole walls from growing mold. Use a professional if you do not know how.
- Dry floors and walls. Use fans and dehumidifiers if you can. Open windows if the air is dry outside.
- Clean mud and sand. Rinse with fresh water. Use a hose or pressure washer only if it is safe.
- Throw away soft items that cannot be cleaned. Mattresses, stuffed toys, and pillows often cannot be saved after saltwater exposure.
Keep a list of items you discard. Take photos before you throw items away. The insurer will want proof.
When to call contractors or specialists
Some tasks you must not do yourself. Call licensed professionals for complex or dangerous jobs.
You should call a professional for:
- Structural damage, like sagging beams.
- Major roof damage or broken windows.
- Electrical issues or water near electrical panels.
- Sewage backups.
- Mold that covers large areas.
- HVAC or plumbing damage.
Ask for local Florida-licensed contractors. Ask for references and written estimates. Do not hire door-to-door contractors who appear right after a storm and ask for full payment upfront. Keep small deposits only. Get a written contract and final payment only after work finishes.
Avoid storm-chaser contractors
You must protect yourself from untrustworthy contractors. Storm-chasers are people who follow storms to find work. Some ask for high deposits and then do poor work or disappear. Use these rules:
- Get at least three estimates.
- Check license and insurance.
- Ask for local references.
- Never sign a contract with blank spaces.
- Keep copies of all contracts and receipts.
A public adjuster like Otero can help you find reputable contractors. Otero can check repair estimates and make sure they match the damage.
Cleaning and drying steps in detail
Take these steps in order. Work room by room. Start with the worst rooms first.
- Remove standing water. Use a pump for deep water. Use buckets for small pools. Wear waterproof boots.
- Remove wet items. Take out soaked rugs, curtains, mattresses, and cushions. Dry salvageable items on racks or outdoors.
- Remove wet drywall and insulation. Cut at least one foot above the waterline. Remove all wet insulation.
- Clean hard surfaces. Use soap and water first. Then disinfect with a bleach solution if it is safe. Always follow safety label instructions.
- Dry the structure. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows. Drying may take several days to weeks.
- Treat for mold. If mold grows, call a mold remediation company if the area is large. Small patches can be cleaned with proper precautions.
You must document each step with photos and dates. This helps your public adjuster prove the damage and the cleanup cost.
Mold prevention and treatment
Mold will grow fast in wet homes. You must act before mold spreads. Remove wet materials and dry wood and concrete. Use dehumidifiers and fans. If you see mold over an area bigger than a few square feet, call a mold remediation specialist.
Write down all mold treatment costs and keep receipts. The insurer may pay for mold removal if your policy covers it.
Appliances and mechanical systems
Do not turn on appliances until a professional checks them. Water can damage wiring and controls. An electrician should inspect your home before you power the house back on.
HVAC systems must be inspected and cleaned. Replace filters and check ducts. A professional should inspect your furnace, air conditioner, and water heater.
Food and medicine
Throw away food that touched floodwater. Throw away medicine that got wet. Keep a list of what you discard. Take photos. The insurer may cover replacement costs under personal property coverage.
Personal items and valuables
You must list jewelry, documents, photos, and keepsakes. If you can safely salvage them, dry photos slowly to avoid further damage. Photograph any damaged papers. Contact a conservator for important papers, diplomas, or art. Your public adjuster can help you list and value heirlooms and special items.
Repairs and rebuilding
You will want to hire contractors to fix your home. Ask for detailed estimates for each task. Get a start and finish date. Get a payment schedule that protects you. Keep all change orders in writing.
A public adjuster can help you negotiate repair costs with the insurer. The adjuster will make sure you have enough payment to rebuild properly. The adjuster will also help you if the insurer underpays on repair estimates.
Living elsewhere: loss of use coverage
If your home is unsafe to live in, your policy may pay for temporary housing and extra living costs. This coverage is often called loss of use, additional living expenses (ALE), or civil authority coverage.
Keep all receipts for hotels, meals, and travel. Use the receipts with your claim. Your public adjuster will make sure the insurer pays all covered expenses.
How the claim process works with a public adjuster
You will work with many people during a claim. The public adjuster will act as your advocate. You will still speak with the insurer, but the adjuster will handle the heavy lifting.
Typical steps:
- You contact the public adjuster. Otero offers a free inspection in Florida.
- The adjuster inspects the damage and collects evidence.
- The adjuster writes a detailed estimate and scope of loss.
- The adjuster submits the claim to the insurer and negotiates.
- You receive offers and the adjuster negotiates for a fair settlement.
- The adjuster helps you manage repair payments and contractor invoices.
Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals serves homeowners across Florida. Otero will negotiate with your insurer on your behalf and works on a contingency basis. You pay Otero only after you receive a settlement.
Common mistakes to avoid
You must avoid these mistakes. They can cost you money or delay your claim.
- Do not sign away your rights. Read any form before you sign.
- Do not accept a low initial check without asking why. Ask for an explanation in writing.
- Do not throw away damaged items without photos. Keep proof.
- Do not hire contractors who demand full payment first.
- Do not forget to track your time and expenses for cleanup.
- Do not assume flood means wind or vice versa. Confirm coverages.
If you feel unsure, call a public adjuster. Otero can review your policy and the insurer’s offer.
Typical timeline after a storm surge
Recovery timelines vary. You can use this simple guide as a plan.
| Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|
| First 24 hours | Document damage, call insurer, get emergency repairs, move to safety |
| First 3 days | Remove water, salvage items, dry what you can, collect receipts |
| First week | Call public adjuster, get contractor estimates, file full claim |
| 1–4 weeks | Negotiations, temporary repairs, mold checks |
| 1–3 months | Major repairs, rebuild decisions, final contractor billing |
| 3+ months | Final payments, close claim, review prevention steps |
Your public adjuster will help speed up the process and handle paperwork.
How Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals helps Florida homeowners
Otero knows Florida home damage from storms. Otero inspects your home for free. Otero writes a clear claim that shows all damage. Otero negotiates with your insurance company for fair payment. Otero keeps you informed at every step. Otero only gets paid when you get paid.
You can reach Otero at:
Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
(850) 285-0405
https://oteroadjusting.com/
Call Otero as soon as you can. The faster you get professional help, the better your chance of a full settlement.
Proof and receipts you must keep
You must keep good records. Records help you and your public adjuster.
Examples of receipts to keep:
- Cleaning supplies and tools.
- Pumps and rental equipment.
- Hotel bills and meal receipts.
- Contractor estimates and invoices.
- Photos with date stamps.
- Payment confirmations for services.
A public adjuster will use your records to build a strong claim.
Questions you can ask your insurer or public adjuster
You must ask clear questions. Keep notes on the answers.
Good questions:
- What losses does my policy cover for storm surge?
- How will the adjuster value my damaged items?
- Will the insurer pay for temporary housing?
- How long will the claim process take?
- Do I need flood insurance to cover this water loss?
- Will I get paid for debris removal and cleanup?
- What documents do you need from me?
- How does the public adjuster fee work?
Ask your public adjuster to explain anything that you do not understand.
What if the insurer denies the claim?
A denial can feel unfair. Do not panic. You can ask for an explanation in writing. A public adjuster will review the denial and your policy. The adjuster can appeal and present more evidence. If needed, the adjuster can recommend legal help. Otero can help you challenge denials and fight for a fair outcome.
Prevent future damage
You must plan for the next storm. Small changes can reduce future damage.
Ideas to reduce damage:
- Raise HVAC units and appliances on platforms.
- Move electrical outlets higher on the wall.
- Use water-resistant building materials in flood-prone areas.
- Install storm shutters and stronger doors.
- Keep important documents in a waterproof safe.
- Buy flood insurance if you do not have it.
A public adjuster can advise what repairs and upgrades will help your home and what changes have the best chance of being covered.
Final thoughts and your next steps
You will feel tired after a storm surge. You will feel overwhelmed. You must take one step at a time. Keep safety first. Record all damage. Call your insurer and file a claim. Bring in a public adjuster to protect your rights and help you get fair payment.
If you live in Florida and you want help with your claim, call Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals. Otero offers a free home inspection and will act as your advocate. Otero works on contingency, so you pay only if you get paid. Otero knows how to work with insurers and contractors to get your home fixed.
Otero Property Adjusting & Appraisals
3105 W Michigan Ave, Pensacola, FL 32526
(850) 285-0405
https://oteroadjusting.com/
You can recover from a storm surge. You can get the help you need. You can protect your home and your family. Start by staying safe, documenting the damage, and calling a public adjuster who will stand with you.
