Did your home, car get flooded from Hurricane Beryl? Here's what to do first

Is your car or home flooded? Hurricane Beryl might have you wondering if your insurance covers flooding. 

According to the Harris County flood warning system, some areas received up to 12 inches of rainfall between July 7 and 9, and several bayous rose up to 24 feet.

Hurricane Beryl's landfall on the Texas coast has caused several road closures and delays in the Houston area and beyond.

More:Millions without electricity in Texas the day after Beryl. See power outage map

If you’re driving near flooded areas or your car was in a flood, here is what you should be aware of. 

What to do if my vehicle is flooded? 

If you have comprehensive coverage, your car insurance will cover damage if your car is in a flood, according to the Texas Department of Insurance.

If your vehicle was submerged in water or the water level was over your engine, it's very likely a total loss.

Here are tips on what to do if your car is flooded: 

• Contact your insurer.
• Don’t start it. If water has gotten into your engine, transmission or fuel system, starting it could make it worse. It’s possible the car is safe if the water level didn’t reach the door and the inside is dry. But make sure to get it checked out by a professional first.
• Take photos of your car and any damage.
• Disconnect the battery to avoid shocks or damaging the electrical system.
• Open the doors and windows. Start to dry out your car to avoid electrical or mold issues.
• Remove any personal items from the car and dry them.
• Check the oil dipstick for water. Change the oil and transmission fluid. If the vehicle is driveable, do this again after you've driven it several hundred miles
• Remove water-damage cylinders and check for corroded spots.
• Check the electrical components.
• Check the fuel tank and line.
• Vacuum the water out. For minor flooding where the vehicle is salvageable, use a shop vac to get excess water from the carpets and upholstery and remove the mats to dry separately. You may need to remove the carpeting entirely for deeper cleaning.
• If your vehicle was in a lot of water, don't bother with the carpets. Muddy water can get into engine seals within a few hours, according to Popular Mechanics, and salt water is amazingly corrosive. You'll need to have the vehicle drained of oil and transmission fluid, the oil pan removed and cleaned, the wheel bearings cleaned and repacked, and the gas tank siphoned and possibly cleaned.
• Check your auto policy to see if a rental car will be covered.
• Talk to a mechanic before trying to dry out a car that has water inside. It may have hidden damage.

What to do if my house or apartment was flooded? 

After you're safe and you rescued anything that needs immediate rescuing, immediately document the damage with photos and video and file a claim with your insurance provider, according to Mark Friedlander, spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute.

Here's some things steps if your home was flooded:

• Call 911 if there is an immediate danger. If you see downed power lines, damaged gas lines, or other hazards, call 911 immediately.
• Turn off the electricity and gas. If you can safely do so, turn off the electricity and gas to your home. This will help prevent further damage and avoid the risk of fire or explosion.
• Take photos and videos of the damage. Document the damage to your home and belongings with photos and videos. This will help you when you file an insurance claim.
• Contact your insurance company. File a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance policy may cover the cost of repairs and replacements.
• Remove standing water. If there is standing water in your home, remove it as quickly as possible. Use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or a mop and bucket to remove the water.
• Open windows and doors to air out your home. This will help to dry out your home and prevent mold from growing.
• Clean and disinfect your home. Once the water has been removed, clean and disinfect your home to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
• Dispose of damaged food and belongings. Any food or belongings that have been damaged by the flood should be disposed of.
• Contact a professional restoration company. If the damage to your home is extensive, you may need to contact a professional restoration company to help you clean up and repair your home.
• Be patient. It may take some time to clean up and repair your home after a flood. Be patient and work with your insurance company to get the help you need.

For homes, condos and rental units, the only product that will cover flood damage is flood insurance.

If you have flood insurance through FEMA, call FEMA immediately and have the paperwork with your policy number ready. Information about filing a claim, documenting damage, working with your flood insurance adjuster, making repairs and understanding your claim payment is available on FEMA.gov. If you don't know who your insurance agent or company is, you need to start a claim, or you need general information, call 877-336-2627.