Sandbags blocking a door in a flood

Flooding resources

Flooding is the single most common weather-related natural disaster. BBB has tips for individuals and businesses before and after flooding, including:

  • Preparing for flooding
  • Dealing with damage
  • Finding a trusted professional

Insurance

Floods can cause tremendous damage to your home, car, and other valuable possessions. If you are in flood zone, make sure you protect your family’s financial security by purchasing flood insurance.

You will probably consider many types of insurance through your life. These are the things you should keep in mind when buying any kind of insurance.

Find insurance companies near you by using your Better Business Bureau directory. Get BBB ratings and read consumer reviews and complaints by people in your community.

Before and during a flood

Plan, prepare, respond, and recover. Having a disaster plan in place for your business is a secure way to be ready to get back in business after disaster strikes.

Taking steps to prepare your home, business, and car for flood damage can save you large amounts of money when it comes time to assess the flooding's impact.

Being forced to evacuate your home is scary and stressful. Take some steps to prepare before disaster strikes to make it easier.

After a flood

If your insurance policy has been lost or destroyed, or if you are confused about the policy benefits or exclusions, contact your insurance company to find out what coverages you have and request a copy of the policy.

Better Business Bureau offers the following seven tips when dealing with insurance after a disaster strikes.

The moments after a natural disaster can feel overwhelming. Victims should never feel pressured to make a hasty decision or choose an unknown contractor. Make temporary repairs if necessary so you can take the time to choose a trustworthy contractor. 

Laundry room Flooded
Dealing with flooding damage

When contemplating the cleanup of mold or water damage, verify the extent of the problem and contact a trustworthy water damage restoration company.

Follow these BBB tips to protect yourself from mold growth after flooding.

The faster you act if your pet has disappeared, the better your chances are of finding it.

People often find that the cost of high-demand items skyrockets during times of emergencies such as ice storms, a severe cold snap, power outages, hurricanes, floods or other types of disasters. Better Business Bureau is here to keep you up to date on unfair ans illegal practices.

Prevent fraud and scams after a disaster strikes:

Hire a trusted profesional

Search BBB.org for trusted services and professinals near you.

Report scams and illegal business practices

Help warn others by reporting scams to BBB.org/ScamTrackerPrice gouging is illegal! Report it and misleading ads to BBB Ad Truth.

Research

View business profiles for unbiased information on a company and their marketplace reputation. 

Beware

Use caution when hiring a home improvement contractor, especially following a major disaster when many homeowners are trying to repair their homes. However, contractor scams can happen any time, so be wary of high-pressure sales tactics, up front fees, and fly-by-night businesses.

After a disaster or very public tragedy, people want to help in any way possible, and that often means contributing to fundraisers to help the survivors and the families of the victims. Sadly, scammers often take advantage of these moments of vulnerability to deceive donors. 

Better Business Bureau is warning homeowners affected by natural disasters to beware of “storm chasers” and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes, or make big promises they can’t deliver.

Check business profiles for BBB rating, customer reviews, and customer complaints. Make sure you're dealing with a trustworthy business. 

BBB Wise Giving Alliance is here to help you make wise giving decisions. Find an Accredited Charity that follows BBB Standards for Charity Accountability

Help us investigate and warn others by reporting what you know. Search for local scams happening in your area.

If you see price gouging or misleading ads, report it to BBB Ad Truth. Check out BBB Code of Advertising to learn advertising best practices.

Price gouging is illegal during a declared state of emergency. File a complaint if you suspect a business is taking advantage of consumers. 

Hiring a trustworthy contractor is one of the most important steps in your project. Search this list to find an Accredited general contractor near you.