Helping HOAs Clean up After a Flood

By Laura Otto
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As hurricane season continues, residents along the coastal U.S. should be prepared to respond to a natural disaster in an effective and efficient manner. Residents should brace for strong winds, heavy rain, and flash flooding.

CAI outlined important steps to start the clean up process and begin repairing your home after a flood.

  • Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Document the damage before you start making repairs.
  • Protect yourself. The water in your home may be contaminated. Wear waders, hip- or waist-high waterproof boots, and rubber gloves. 
  • Remove water. Once you receive confirmation from your insurer to remove the water, use a sump pump and a wet vac. Open doors and windows.
  • Mitigate mold by removing wet items. Mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours.
  • Secure the property. Place boards over windows, secure tarps, and document your efforts.
  • If you hire cleanup or repair contractors, check references and be sure they are qualified to do the job. Check out CAI’s Professional Service Directory to find a service provider.

HOAresources.com explores questions and comments from community association members living in condominiums, homeowners associations, and housing cooperatives. We then assemble trusted experts to provide practical solutions to your most commonly asked, timely questions. We never use real names, but we always tackle real issues. Have a question or comment about your community association? Submit here for consideration:

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Laura Otto

Laura Otto is the Senior Editor of Digital Content at CAI. A seasoned journalist, Laura previously worked for a creative, advocacy agency in Washington, D.C., where she wrote and edited content for a variety of public health clients. Prior to that, Laura served as a senior writer and editor for the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Laura is a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia.