Damage mitigation

The first most important task after a flood is assessing water damage and begin loss mitigation. It is important to document all damage with photographs or video. According to IICRC, waiting to start damage mitigation for an insurance claims representative is inappropriate and can result in the amplification of microorganisms, which may not be covered by insurance. Loss mitigation is defined by insurance policies as "reasonable and prudent measures designed to preserve, protect and secure property from further damage," including microbial growth and amplification.

According to IICRC, the growth of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) requires the following:

After a flood, typically all of these conditions are present and the growth of microorganisms