After a flood in College Station, go back only when local officials say it is safe and stay out of standing water. Call (855) 727-0147 and we’ll connect you with an independent restoration company that serves College Station to remove water, mud and soaked materials.
What to do in the first 24 hours in College Station
- Stay out of floodwater. It can be contaminated and hide debris. Return only when authorities say it is safe (Ready.gov).
- Watch for electrical hazards. Don’t touch electrical equipment if it is wet or you are standing in water. College Station Utilities takes outage reports at 855-528-4278.
- Smell gas? Leave first. Atmos Energy is the natural gas utility in College Station (Railroad Commission of Texas). From a safe place, call 911 and Atmos at 866-322-8667.
- Photograph the water line on walls, every room and damaged belongings before cleanup.
- Call the right insurer. Flood is usually a separate flood policy. Wind or roof damage goes to your homeowners insurer. Report both if both happened.
- Stop more water getting in. Tarp roof damage and cover broken windows, and keep receipts.
- Start drying within 24 to 48 hours where you can, to limit mold (EPA).
- Find a place to stay. The American Red Cross helps after home fires at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If you have insurance, ask about additional living expenses coverage (TDI).
Local numbers to keep handy in College Station
| Who | Why you might call | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency | Fire, injury or gas leak | 911 |
| College Station Fire Department (non-emergency) | Re-entry questions, fire report | 979-764-3700 |
| College Station Utilities | Power outage or reconnection questions | 855-528-4278 |
| Atmos Energy (gas emergencies) | Gas smell, gas service after damage | 866-322-8667 |
| College Station Planning & Development Services | Permits and inspections for repairs | 979-764-3570 |
| American Red Cross | Emergency help after a home fire | 1-800-733-2767 |
| Texas Department of Insurance | Help with an insurance claim | 800-252-3439 |
What flood damage cleanup involves
Floodwater is treated as contaminated, so cleanup goes further than a clean-water leak:
| Stage | What happens | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Safety check | Power, gas and structural hazards are checked first. | On arrival |
| Water and mud removal | Standing water is pumped out and mud and debris removed. | First days |
| Flood cut and tear-out | Wet drywall and insulation above the water line, carpet and pad are removed. | First days |
| Cleaning and disinfection | Surfaces that touched floodwater are cleaned and treated. | Before drying ends |
| Drying | Air movers and dehumidifiers run, with moisture readings logged. | Several days to a few weeks |
| Rebuild | Materials are replaced once dry. Floodplain rules may apply. | After drying and insurer review |
What it typically costs
Flood cleanup costs depend mainly on:
- How high the water rose and how many rooms it reached.
- How long the water stood.
- Mud and debris removal.
- How much drywall, insulation and flooring must come out.
- Disinfection and drying time.
- Rebuild work, including floodplain permits and any elevation requirements.
How does insurance work for flood damage cleanup in Texas?
Your adjuster decides what your policy covers. The restoration company documents the damage and writes the estimate the adjuster reviews. It can’t negotiate your claim for you.
- Timelines: insurers have 15 business days to acknowledge a claim, then 15 business days to accept or deny it after receiving what they need. They can take 45 more days if they explain why (TDI).
- What to photograph: every affected room, the source of the damage and damaged belongings, before cleanup.
- What the restorer documents: photos, moisture readings or residue notes, a written scope and an itemized estimate.
- Deductible: you pay it. Texas law bars contractors from offering to waive, rebate or absorb it. A contractor also can’t act as your public adjuster (TDI: know the law).
- Living expenses: if covered damage makes the home unlivable, additional living expenses coverage may pay for a hotel and meals (TDI).
- Flood is separate: standard homeowners policies don’t cover flood. National Flood Insurance Program policies also don’t pay additional living expenses (TDI).
Problems with a claim? Call the Texas Department of Insurance help line at 800-252-3439 or file a complaint.
What’s specific to College Station?
- Thirteen mapped creeks. The city has mapped floodplains along these creeks: Burton, Carters, Wolf Pen, Bee, White, Alum, Lick, Spring, Hudson, Harvey Hillsides, Hopes, Peach Creek South and Fox Fire (City of College Station).
- Flood insurance discount. The city is a Class 6 community in FEMA’s Community Rating System. That cuts flood insurance rates by 20% for buildings in high-risk flood areas and 10% elsewhere.
- Waiting period. The city warns that standard homeowners policies don’t cover flood, and new flood policies have a 30-day waiting period.
- Permits in the floodplain. A development permit is required for all work in the floodplain. Work costing over 50% of a building’s value can trigger current floodplain standards. The City Engineer’s office is at 979-764-3570.
- Most homes are rentals. Only 35.4% of College Station’s occupied homes are owner-occupied (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024 estimate), so landlords and tenants often deal with the same damage. Single-family and small multiplex rentals must be registered with the city (City of College Station).
How getting help works
When you call or send the form, we connect you with an independent restoration company that serves your area. They inspect, document the damage and give you a written scope — you decide whether to hire them.
Questions to ask the company that comes out
- Which IICRC certifications does the lead technician hold (for example WRT, FSRT, OCT or AMRT)?
- Do you carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance, and can I see the certificate?
- Will I get a written scope of work before anything starts?
- Who will talk with my insurance adjuster, and what will you send them?
- If mold is involved: what is your TDLR mold remediation license number, and who did the independent mold assessment?
Frequently asked questions
Ask the City Engineer’s office at 979-764-3570, which handles floodplain questions and permits.
Standard homeowners policies don’t. You need a separate flood policy, usually through the National Flood Insurance Program.
It depends on the water line and moisture readings. Wet drywall and insulation above the water line are usually removed.
For work in a mapped floodplain, yes. Large repairs can also trigger rules about floor elevation. Check with the city before rebuilding.
The water line on walls, every room, damaged belongings and anything you remove, before it is moved.
Related help nearby
- Fire, smoke and water damage help in College Station
- Fire Damage Restoration in College Station
- Smoke Damage Restoration in College Station
- Water Damage Restoration in College Station
- Mold Remediation in College Station
- Flood Damage Cleanup in Bryan
- Flood Damage Cleanup: the full guide
Get connected with a local restoration company
Free. No obligation. Prefer to talk? Call (855) 727-0147.