Salvageable Belongings Differ Drastically Between Water Damage and Flood Events
Water damage and flood damage are not the same—the source, timeline, and contamination level determine what you can save. Water damage typically comes from burst pipes, leaks, or appliance failures and affects localized areas with relatively clean water; flood damage results from rising external water, sewage, or storm surge and contaminates everything it touches, leaving most soft goods unsalvageable. Understanding this distinction helps homeowners know which items to prio