Hurricane damage cleanup is different from cleanup after an ordinary storm because several hazards stack up. A house may have saltwater surge on the ground floor, a peeled-back roof letting rain into the attic, and a yard full of debris, all while roads, power, and local contractors are stretched across an entire region.
Fire & Water Energy is a referral service, not a contractor. Call (866) 937-3230 and we'll try to connect you with an independent restoration contractor serving your area; after a large storm, provider availability can be limited, and we cannot promise when anyone will be free.
The kinds of damage hurricanes cause
The National Weather Service lists several hurricane hazards that show up in cleanup work:
- Storm surge, which NWS calls the leading historical cause of hurricane deaths in the U.S. It can travel several miles inland along bays, rivers, and estuaries.
- Rain flooding, which can occur hundreds of miles inland and persist for days after the storm weakens.
- Destructive winds that damage buildings and turn signs and roofing into flying debris.
- Tornadoes in outer rain bands, often well away from the center of the storm.
The National Hurricane Center notes that water weighs about 1,700 pounds per cubic yard and that pounding waves on top of surge can destroy structures not built to resist them, while erosion can undermine foundations. Surge also brings saltwater, sand, and debris inside.
Safety when you return after the storm
Wait for an official all-clear before going back; the CDC advises staying inside until you hear or see an official message that the hurricane is over, even if conditions look calm. Follow local emergency management on road closures and re-entry.
- Do not drive through flooded roads. The CDC notes vehicles can be swept away or stall in as little as 6 inches of moving water.
- Do not enter a home with structural damage, foundation erosion, or a gas smell. Leave and call 911 or the utility.
- Do keep power off if the house flooded, and have it checked before turning it back on.
- Do run generators only outdoors and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Do wear boots, gloves, and protective clothing around surge debris, which can include nails, glass, and contaminated mud.
How contractors typically work a hurricane-damaged home
- Triage the property. Separate surge or flood damage from wind and rain damage, since each may follow a different process and policy.
- Secure the envelope. Tarp the roof and board openings so more rain does not enter during cleanup.
- Remove water, sand, and sediment left by surge or flooding, and haul out storm debris.
- Tear out soaked materials such as drywall, insulation, carpet, and cabinets. Contaminated surge water is generally treated like Category 3 water.
- Clean, disinfect, and rinse framing and slabs to remove salt and silt.
- Dry the structure with dehumidifiers and air movers, tracking moisture readings, often while power is still being restored.
- Plan repairs with a written scope covering roofing, interior rebuilding, and any mold work.
Need help with hurricane damage cleanup?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened and where.
Claims after a hurricane: wind versus water
Hurricane losses can involve more than one policy. Wind damage is often handled through a homeowners or windstorm policy, while rising water from surge or flooding generally requires a flood policy, since most homeowners policies do not cover floods. Coverage depends on your policies; check with your insurer or agent.
- Photograph the outside and inside before cleanup, including water lines on walls.
- For flood claims, FloodSmart recommends reporting the loss promptly, recording appliance make, model, and serial numbers, and keeping samples of carpet and flooring.
- FloodSmart describes advance payments of up to $5,000 that a flood insurance provider may offer without an adjuster visit; ask your provider whether this applies to you.
- Keep receipts for tarps, pumps, and emergency repairs.
Choosing a contractor when everyone is hiring
After a hurricane, demand for contractors is high, and out-of-area operators arrive. Slow down enough to check:
- Any contractor license your state requires, and proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance.
- A written estimate and contract before work starts, with no large cash payment up front.
- Whether technicians hold IICRC certification and follow IICRC S500 for water damage and S520 if mold develops.
- Whether they document moisture readings and share drying logs with you and your adjuster.
- A physical business address and references you can verify.
- Before signing, FloodSmart suggests talking with your agent or adjuster if a flood claim is involved.
How this page fits with related services
Hurricane cleanup combines flood and wind work. For wind and hail from ordinary thunderstorms, see storm damage cleanup. If rain came through a damaged roof without surge, storm water damage restoration is closer. For surge or river water inside, flood damage restoration covers the full rebuild, and mold remediation applies if growth appears. Check our service areas.
Frequently asked questions
When is it safe to go home after a hurricane?
Wait for local officials to say your area is open. The CDC advises staying put until an official message says the hurricane is over, even if it looks calm, and roads may still be flooded or blocked.
Is storm surge damage handled differently from wind damage?
Often, yes. Surge is rising water and is generally treated as flooding, which most homeowners policies do not cover, while wind damage is usually a homeowners or windstorm claim. Check with your insurer or agent about your policies.
Why is saltwater from surge a concern?
Surge carries salt, sand, and contaminants into the home. Materials need to be cleaned and rinsed thoroughly, and soaked porous items usually have to be removed, before drying and rebuilding.
Why can it be hard to find a contractor after a hurricane?
A hurricane affects a whole region at once, so local contractors may be booked and travel may be restricted. Fire & Water Energy will try to connect you with an independent provider, but availability depends on who serves your area.
How do I avoid contractor scams after a storm?
Get a written estimate and contract, verify licensing and insurance where your state requires it, and avoid large cash deposits or pressure to sign immediately. Talk with your insurer or adjuster before signing over any claim benefits.
Can rain from a hurricane flood homes far from the coast?
Yes. The National Weather Service notes that rain flooding from tropical systems can occur hundreds of miles inland and can persist for days after the storm dissipates.
Related services
Find hurricane damage cleanup help by state
- Florida
- Georgia
- Texas
- Louisiana
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- Arizona
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