SERVPRO of Central East Baton Rouge Parish
Flood and storm work across East Baton Rouge Parish
- Locally owned since 2005
- Water, storm and mold restoration
- 24/7 emergency service
Baton Rouge › Flood Cleanup
Flood Cleanup in Baton Rouge
When rising water gets into your home, the clock starts on mold and contamination. These three companies handle flood cleanup across the Baton Rouge area 24/7.
Updated October 2026We pick companies by rating, review volume and local presence. We may be compensated by listed contractors; any paid listing is labeled “Sponsored.” How we choose
United Fire & Water, a DKI Company
Large-loss and catastrophe resources
- Independent, local since 1999
- State-licensed mold remediation
- Open 24 hours
Paul Davis Restoration of Baton Rouge
Cleanup through full rebuild
- Locally owned office of a national brand
- Call-back within 30 minutes, 24/7
- Handles drying through full rebuild
Floodwater Is Not Clean Water
Water that rises from outside picks up whatever it crosses: sewage, fuel, fertilizer, animal waste and mud. The restoration industry's IICRC standard treats floodwater as Category 3, the most contaminated type. That changes what can be saved. Soaked carpet, carpet pad, insulation, mattresses and upholstered furniture usually have to be thrown out, and anything porous that stays should be professionally cleaned and disinfected.
Baton Rouge learned this on a huge scale in August 2016, when about 17 inches of rain fell at the airport in three days and roughly 146,000 homes and businesses across south Louisiana were damaged. Many flooded homes were outside mapped flood zones.
Before you go back in
- Don't enter until officials say it's safe, and never walk through water near electrical equipment.
- Have an electrician check the system before turning power back on in a flooded house.
- Wear boots, gloves and an N95 mask; floodwater and mud can carry bacteria.
- Photograph and video every room, the water line on the walls, and damaged belongings before removing anything.
What Professional Flood Cleanup Includes
- Mud-out and extraction. Standing water and silt are pumped and shoveled out.
- Flood cuts. Wet drywall is cut out in a straight line above the water mark, often two to four feet up, so insulation can be removed and the wall cavity can dry.
- Removal of porous materials. Carpet, pad, insulation and swollen trim go to the curb.
- Cleaning and disinfection. Studs, slabs and subfloors are cleaned and treated with antimicrobials.
- Structural drying. Dehumidifiers and air movers run until moisture readings reach normal levels, documented daily.
Don't close walls too soon. Studs that look dry can still hold moisture. Ask for final moisture readings in writing before any drywall goes back up.
Flood Insurance Claims
Flooding from rising water is covered by a flood policy, usually through the National Flood Insurance Program, not by standard homeowners insurance. File your flood claim as soon as possible and keep every receipt. If your home is substantially damaged and local rules require you to elevate or rebuild to a higher standard, NFIP policies include Increased Cost of Compliance coverage of up to $30,000 toward that work. Ask your adjuster about it early.
If you don't have flood insurance, register with FEMA after a declared disaster; assistance is limited but can help. And if you do get through this, consider a flood policy before the next storm season. New NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period.
Avoid storm chasers
After major floods, crews from out of state arrive within days. Some are fine; some take a deposit and disappear. Pick a company with a local office, get a written contract, and pay as work is completed.
Before repairs start, check the company on the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors website. Home repairs over $7,500 require a Home Improvement registration, jobs over $75,000 require a Residential license, and mold remediation projects of $7,500 or more require a separate Mold Remediation license.
Flood Cleanup FAQ
Is floodwater cleanup a do-it-yourself job?
Small amounts of clean water can be handled by a homeowner, but floodwater is considered contaminated. Professional cleanup with disinfection and documented drying protects your health and your insurance claim.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood cleanup?
Usually not. Rising water from outside is covered by a separate flood policy, usually through the National Flood Insurance Program.
What is a flood cut?
A flood cut is a straight cut in wet drywall above the water line, often two to four feet up, so wet insulation can come out and the wall cavity can dry and be disinfected.