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Key takeaways from this article: 

• Prioritize safety: Never walk or drive through floodwater and avoid downed power lines. 

• Contact authorities: Reach out to local emergency services if you need immediate assistance and consider contacting the American Red Cross of Indiana at 888-684-1441 once the immediate emergency has passed. 

• Shut off utilities: Turn off your gas, electricity and water if it’s safe to do so. 

• Document everything: Take photos and videos of the damage. 

• Clean carefully: Use the proper protective equipment while cleaning and picking up debris. 

As floodwaters rise, so do concerns about protecting your home and your property. Indiana has experienced severe flooding events in the past and will likely experience more in the future. If your home or business is impacted by floodwaters, it’s important to act quickly to minimize long-term damage. 

This guide includes tips from the  American Red Cross of Indiana, the  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that will help you respond to flood damage.  

If you have yet to experience flood damage but live in an area where floods are possible, it is important to note that  most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance must be purchased from the  National Flood Insurance Program managed by FEMA.  

If you’re an Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance customer and have experienced storm damage, we recommend you file a claim. Your claims representative will walk you through the process, determine coverage, and provide resources if the damage resulted from an uncovered flood event.  

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1. Make safety a top priority  

In addition to water damage, floods often present hazards like strong currents, debris and electrical dangers. The  American Red Cross provides flood safety tips to consider before and after your area experiences flooding. Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater, as doing so increases your risk of drowning. Avoid power lines, poles and wires. The combination of water and electricity can lead to electrocution. 

According to the CDC, floodwaters can be dangerous and expose you to infectious diseases, contaminants and may lead to injuries. The CDC advises washing with soap and water if you’re exposed to floodwaters, seeking medical attention if exposed wounds come in contact with floodwaters, and other tactics to reduce your risk of exposure.  

If your area has been evacuated, wait for officials to provide guidance on when it is safe to return.  

2. Know who to contact 

If you have a plan with the National Flood Insurance Program, they provide clear communication on  how to file a flood damage claim. Local authorities may be overwhelmed if the volume of their requests is high but reach out to them first in an emergency. The American Red Cross of Indiana can also  provide resources if you’ve been impacted by severe weather and need assistance, the Indiana Region phone number is 888-684-1441. 

3. Shut off utilities if possible 

If the damage is widespread in your area, utility companies may shut off gas, water and other utilities if deemed necessary. FEMA provides extensive guidelines on  how to protect utility systems from flood damage. If the utility companies haven’t shut off service to your area, and you know where your shut-off locations are , consider turning off your gas, electricity and water if it is safe to do so. These precautions can help reduce the risk of fires or electrocution. Do not go near appliances if you’re in contact with wet surfaces or standing water.  

4. Document the damage 

If you have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, their website provides valuable information on the correct  procedures to document the damage. FEMA recommends taking photos and video of all damage, recording serial numbers on personal property, keeping receipts for any costs related to the flood damage and documenting other relevant details.  

5. Clean up with care 

Once you receive confirmation that it is safe to return home, cleaning up the flood damage will be an important next step. The American Red Cross shares information on  how to safely clean and repair your home after a disaster. Their webpage includes tips on what type of personal protective equipment to wear, recommended cleaning products and includes a section dedicated to tips on cleaning water damage.  

6. Stay informed and seek assistance 

If damage to your area is widespread and severe, continuously check the American Red Cross and FEMA websites. Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance is proud of its partnership with the American Red Cross. You can download the  free American Red Cross Emergency App for weather alerts, open safety locations and safety steps. They will post frequent updates as new information is available, point you to valuable resources and share information on financial assistance if applicable.  

Inside Story is for educational and informational purposes only. Inside Story is compiled from various sources, which may or may not be affiliated with our family of companies, and may include the assistance of artificial intelligence. While we strive to provide accurate and reliable content, we make no warranties or guarantees about its completeness, accuracy, or reliability, and are not responsible for the content of any third-party sources or websites referenced herein. The inclusion of any content does not establish a business relationship or constitute our endorsement, approval, or recommendation of any third party. Testimonials and examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and do not guarantee future or similar results or outcomes, and may not consider individual circumstances, goals, needs, or objectives. Inside Story does not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. For individual guidance, please consult a qualified professional in the appropriate field. 

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