2. Notify your insurance and mortgage companies

Contact your insurance company as early as possible to get your claim started. Homeowner insurance policies deal with water damage in different ways depending on sources of flooding such as leaking pipes, sewer backup, or flooding. If you reside in some flood prone areas, your insurance policy may include a special flood protection (NFIP) which is backed by the U.S. government.

If you are not clear what your insurance policy covers, it may be worth of consulting experienced insurance claim attorneys. Most law firms and insurance litigation lawyers will provide victims of disasters with a legal consultation free of charge. This may help you understand better your insurance policy and equip you for working with the insurance company on your claim.

When your claim is approved you should be also covered for the cost of temporary housing and other living expenses while your house is being repaired or rebuilt.

Keep track of all receipts related to your living expenses and house repairs, list of lost household items and all legal documents. Your insurance company might request you to produce them for your claim later.

Also, notify your mortgage lender about the consequences of the disaster and keep them up-to-date about your insurance claim status.