How Franklin floods
Franklin grew up along the Harpeth River, and the river still sets the flood pattern. In May 2010 two days of rain pushed the Harpeth over its banks through Franklin and across much of Middle Tennessee, and smaller floods follow heavy spring storms every few years. Low lots near the river and its tributaries flood first, but a stalled storm can also overwhelm streets and detention ponds in newer subdivisions and send water into homes nowhere near a creek.
- River and creek water rising into low-lying homes and garages
- Storm runoff overwhelming street drains and detention ponds
- Water pouring through patio doors and window wells in heavy rain
- Mud and debris left behind when the water drops
Why flood water is handled as Category 3
Flood water is Category 3 the moment it enters a building, because it carries sewage, fuel, fertilizer and whatever it crossed on the way. That changes the whole job. Porous materials touched by Category 3 water get removed, not dried: carpet, pad, drywall to above the water line, insulation and most upholstered furniture. The extraction crew pumps out water and mud, then the mitigation team makes flood cuts on the walls, removes the soaked materials, cleans every surface and applies an EPA-registered antimicrobial at its label dwell time.
Containment and HEPA air scrubbers keep dust and contaminants from moving into the dry parts of the house. OSHA flood cleanup information lists the hazards, from electrical risk to contaminated water, that shape how the crews work.
Homeowners policies usually exclude flood. Flood coverage comes from a separate flood policy, such as one written through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Drying and the flood claim
After removal and cleaning, the drying team sets dehumidifiers and air movers and takes readings on studs, subfloor and slab until everything reaches the drying goal. Flood claims move on documentation: the high-water mark, the moisture map, the removal list and the daily logs. FloodSmart.gov explains how flood insurance claims work. Water that comes up through a floor drain is covered on sewage backup cleanup, and a flooded lower level on basement flooding cleanup.