Recovery Resources - NOLA Ready

Flooded Vehicles

Move stranded vehicles

Residents with stranded vehicles in the middle of the roadway or an intersection are expected to move their vehicles to the side of the road, preferably a parking lane, immediately. To reopen traffic flow, the Department of Public Works has towed some abandoned vehicles blocking roadways. Owners can pick up vehicles free of charge at the Auto Pound Lot at 400 N. Claiborne Ave. The lot hours are 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and can be reached by phone at 504-658-8284.

Clean a flooded vehicle

Disconnect the battery and do not start the car.
Remove standing water from your vehicle's floor using rags, buckets, and/or a dry vacuum. Remove the seats if necessary.
Dry out your car interior by air drying or using high-volume fans. Do this as quickly as possible to avoid mold growth.
Deodorize your vehicle with baking soda, towels, and a vacuum.
Evaluate the extent of the water damage, including controls, electronic system, and dashboard indicators.
Consult a mechanic. Depending on depth and duration of flooding, other services and repairs may be needed.

File an insurance claim

Contact your car insurance company and have your policy number and contact information ready.

Clean up Safely

NOLA Ready guide to cleaning up after safely

Prevent Mold Growth

Clean wet or moldy surfaces with bleach. See the guide on the following page for how to safely clean with bleach.
Use fans to dry wet building materials, carpets, and furniture.
Throw away anything that you can’t clean or dry quickly.
If mold growth is large, contact a licensed mold removal professional.

Prevent Mosquito Breeding

Remove trash and clutter like old tires, buckets, and tarps.
Empty standing water from containers like pet dishes, children's toys, and flowerpots.
Keep water fresh in containers like bird baths and kiddie pools.
Clean gutters and catch basins.
Call 311 to report illegal dumping, abandoned swimming pools, and water leaks.

Organize Debris for Sanitation Pickup

Sanitation collection will occur as scheduled. For properties eligible for collection by the City:

During the 2nd collection this week, the Sanitation Department will pick up bulky waste including debris, carpeting and other large items. Residents are encouraged to inform 311 of bulky waste pickup needs.
Tree limbs, branches and carpeting must be cut in four feet (or less) lengths and bundled. Tree limbs cannot be more than 12 inches in diameter.
Leaves should be bagged and the bags secured.

File a Claim for Flood Damage to Your Home or Business

Start the Claims Process by Contacting Your Insurer

After experiencing a flood, contact your agent or insurance company to file a claim. Make sure you have the following information handy:

The name of your insurance company
Your policy number
A telephone and/or email address where you can be reached at all times

An adjuster should contact you within a few days of filing your claim. If you do not hear from an adjuster, you can contact your insurance agent or company again.

Document the Damage

Separate damaged from undamaged property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage to your home and possessions to prepare your repair estimate.

Take photographs of all of the damaged property, including discarded objects, structural damage, and standing floodwater levels.
Make a list of damaged or lost items and include their date of purchase, value, and receipts, if possible.
Officials may require disposal of damaged items so, if possible, place flooded items outside of the home.

Complete a Proof of Loss to Support Your Claim

Your adjuster will assist you in preparing a Proof of Loss (which is your sworn statement of the amount you are claiming including necessary supporting documentation) for your official claim for damages. A Proof of Loss can be many things, but must contain the specific details set forth in the Standard Flood Insurance Policy. You'll need to file your Proof of Loss with your insurance company within 60 days of the flood. This document substantiates the insurance claim and is required before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or insurance company can make payment.

You'll receive your claim payment after you and the insurer agree on the amount of damages and the insurer has your complete, accurate, and signed Proof of Loss. If major catastrophic flooding occurs, it may take longer to process claims and make payments because of the sheer number of claims submitted.