What to Do After The Flood

Returning Home After A Flood

If flood waters reached inside your home or structure, the first 24-hours are an important time for the recovery process.  

• If you have flood or homeowner’s insurance, you should contact your insurance agent to begin the claims process.  
• You should take pictures of any damaged areas or items that were damaged or destroyed due to the flooding.  Damaged or destroyed items should be removed from the structure.  This includes any drywall and insulation that was exposed to flood waters.  
• Anything that cannot be cleaned or washed should be thrown out, including carpeting, furniture, or toys, though samples, swatches, and model or serial numbers should be saved for insurance purposes.  
• Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and attire and footwear.  Conditions for mold or mildew should be monitor where flooding occurred.  
• Residents and business owners will need to obtain permits before starting certain repairs.  Flooding can be a traumatizing and stressful event, so it is important to know that help and resources are available and to take recovery one step at a time.

Read more about what to do after a flood here Version OptionsWhat to Do After The FloodHeadline.

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in your home after flooding is a major undertaking - and it needs to be done right to prevent further damage to the property and help prevent illness. Choosing and using the right cleaning product for the job is critical. Keeping cleaning products in a secure location after a flood and during cleaning is crucial. Read more about cleanup from the EPA here Version OptionsWhat to Do After The FloodHeadline.

Rebuilding after the Flood

While residents, businesses, and properties begin cleaning and making repairs to properties, it is important to remember that permits, and compliance with building and zoning regulations, is still required.  This is particularly important for areas within the Special Flood Hazard Areas.  While permits are required, the City will be waiving any fees associated with permits related to flood damage.  The fee waiver for damage will remain in place through mid-February.  Those with questions on the permitting process should reach out to the Planning and Zoning Department by emailing Permitting@richmondhill-ga.gov.

Find guidance from FEMA on Repairing Your Flooded Home. 

Price Gouging & Fraud

We understand that many Richmond Hill residents have a long road to recovery.  We want to make sure that our residents are protected during the recovery process. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has issued a Consumer Alert warning against price gouging and fraud following Tropical Storm Debby. Read the alert here Price Gouging & Fraud.

City Assessments 

The City will be going through flood impacted areas over the next several days to assess damaged properties.  These assessments will be to ascertain any potential structural damage to residents’ homes.  Residents will see City vehicles driving through neighborhoods, taking pictures, and then stopping back by to provide letters and post placards on properties.  The letters will detail information related to the assessment for structural or hidden damage to homes as well as information on other resources and additional inspections.  The placards will serve as notices in relation to any potential structural issues or hidden problems that should be looked at in more detail and will likely require permits.

While some possible repairs will not require a permit, others may.  Even during a disaster homeowners and business must obtain any necessary permits to ensure all building and development regulations are complied with.  These regulations are to ensure the safety of the resident and that the work is being performed by a qualified contractor and done properly.  Residents should be on the lookout for contractor or others trying to take advantage of the situation.  You should check first with the City’s Permitting and Inspections office before moving forward with any work to see if a permit is required.  While the permit is required, the City is waiving all permit and inspections fees for work repairing or replacing features damaged by TS Debby.