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Livingston Parish · Amite River

Denham Springs and Walker water damagealong the Amite

Few places know flooding the way Livingston Parish does. In August 2016 the Amite crested almost five feet above its old record at Denham Springs. If water is back in your house or under it, start here: safe return, proof for your insurer, and quick drying in a humid climate.

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The call confirms coverage for your address and connects you with an independent contractor.

Key facts: Denham Springs and Walker

  • Part of Denham Springs' boundary follows the Amite, and the city lies at about 43 feet elevation [1].
  • The Amite's August 2016 crest at Denham Springs was nearly 5 feet over its earlier record [2].
  • One official put total-loss homes in Livingston Parish at 75 percent after the 2016 flood [2].
  • Only Denham Springs and Walker hold city status in Livingston Parish [1].
Crawlspace under a raised house with wet soil, sagging insulation and ductwork
A crawlspace under a raised house: wet soil, sagging insulation and ductwork.

Under raised homes

Water you can't see

A raised floor keeps the living area drier, but water can still soak the insulation, ducts and wiring underneath. If floodwater came up, check that space, because wet insulation holds water against wood for weeks. Ducts that took on water may need replacing. EPA's flood guidance [5] applies here too.

Going home

First-day order

  1. 1

    Clearance

    Return only when officials say it's safe.

  2. 2

    Utilities

    Have power and gas checked.

  3. 3

    Photos and list

    Every room, including the space beneath.

  4. 4

    Insurer

    Louisiana's guidance sets out claim steps [6].

  5. 5

    Start drying

    Mold can begin within 24 to 48 hours [4].

After 2016

What the record teaches

With a crest that far above the record [2], and the Comite nearby [3], many flooded homes had never been wet before. Don't assume a previous flood's height is the limit, and keep flood insurance if you can. Keep copies of elevation certificates and rebuild documents somewhere safe.

Clean living room with new tile floor and fresh paint after flood repairs
A clean living room with new tile and fresh paint after flood repairs.

Contractor's work

What gets done

Questions

Livingston Parish questions

Should I rebuild the same way?

Ask about elevation and water-tolerant materials.

Is Baton Rouge handled here?

See the Baton Rouge page.

Nearby

Other pages from Denham Springs and Walker

Zooming out: Louisiana.

Other cities: Metairie and Kenner; Baton Rouge; New Orleans; Shreveport and Bossier City; Slidell; Covington and Mandeville.

Next, read about sewage backups, repair after a fire, structural drying, smoke residue, pumping out water.

First time? See the first-hours checklist.

Sources and citations

  1. [1]Wikipedia — Denham Springs, Louisiana
  2. [2]Wikipedia — 2016 Louisiana floods
  3. [3]Wikipedia — Comite River
  4. [4]U.S. EPA — A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home
  5. [5]U.S. EPA — Flooded homes: cleanup and recovery
  6. [6]Louisiana Department of Insurance — Guidance on filing a claim after a storm

Reach someone

Call about a Denham Springs or Walker home

Describe water depth, and whether it got under the floor.

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