If the August 2026 flooding hit your home or business, you're not alone. Federal help is now open to Harrison County. Here's what to do next, whether you hire us or not, including how to apply to FEMA before December 7, 2026.

Need help now? Call Red Ridge Contracting at (304) 439-6619. Available 24/7, on site in 120 minutes or less across north central WV. Inspections are free: request a free inspection.

FEMA Help for the Harrison County Floods (DR-4953)

FEMA approved Individual Assistance for Harrison County under disaster declaration DR-4953. It covers the August 2026 severe storms and flooding. If you're eligible, it may help with temporary housing, basic home repairs, and other disaster-related losses that insurance doesn't cover.

Disaster Recovery Center in Bridgeport (in person):
Bridgeport City Hall, 515 W. Main St., Bridgeport, WV 26330
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local news reported Monday through Saturday. FEMA's own listing currently shows Wednesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. Hours can change, so check fema.gov/disaster/4953 before you go.

FEMA and SBA (Small Business Administration) staff there can help you apply and check on your application.

Other ways to apply:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov (FEMA says this is the fastest way)
- The FEMA mobile app
- The FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362

Deadline to apply: December 7, 2026. Mention DR-4953 when you apply. Keep in mind that a FEMA grant usually won't cover every dollar of damage. SBA low-interest disaster loans may help fill the gap.

What to Do After a Flood: 6 First Steps

1. Stay safe. Keep out of standing water near outlets or appliances. If water reached your electrical panel, have the power checked before you turn it back on. Wear gloves, boots, and a mask around wet materials, since floodwater can carry sewage.

2. Document everything before cleanup. Take photos and video of every room, the water line on the walls, damaged belongings, and the outside of the house. Keep receipts for supplies and hotel stays, and note who you talked to and when.

3. Call your insurance company. FEMA says to file with your insurer right away, because FEMA can't pay for losses insurance already covers. Ask whether your policy includes flood coverage and what your adjuster needs from you. Our insurance claim repairs page explains how we help with the paperwork side.

4. Apply to FEMA, even if you have insurance. FEMA may be able to help with eligible needs your policy doesn't cover. Don't wait. The deadline is December 7.

5. Dry out fast, and watch for mold. Wet drywall, insulation, carpet pad, and subfloors that sit for days can grow mold. A musty smell or staining means it's time to get it checked. See our mold remediation page for what to look for.

Flooded in August? Get a free Flood Home Mold Check through December 16, 2026. You'll get a PDF with the photos and moisture readings to keep.

6. Check any contractor's license. In West Virginia, you can look up a contractor's license for free at wvclboard.wv.gov. Before work starts, ask your adjuster what documentation they need from your contractor.

Red Ridge crew flood basement cleanup, before and after, in West Virginia

Flood Cleanup, Mold Remediation & Repairs in Harrison County

Red Ridge Contracting is based in Buckhannon and serves Harrison County and north central West Virginia. We handle the whole recovery, from water removal to the finished repairs:

Want one company from dry-out to finished repairs? See flood repair and rebuild. We dry it out and we put it back.

Insurance: We work with any and all insurance companies. Every claim is different, so we'll talk through how billing works for your job before we start.

Financing: Available through Acorn Finance.

Licensed: WV contractor license WV064509.

Serving Bridgeport, Clarksburg & Nearby Harrison County Towns

We work across Harrison County. That includes Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Nutter Fort, Stonewood, Anmoore, Shinnston, Salem, Lost Creek, and West Milford. We also serve the rest of north central West Virginia. If you're in Upshur or Lewis County, see our Upshur & Lewis flood recovery page.

Harrison County Flood Recovery FAQ

What's the deadline to apply for FEMA help for the August floods?
December 7, 2026. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, in the FEMA app, by calling 800-621-3362, or in person at Bridgeport City Hall.

Should I apply to FEMA if I have insurance?
Yes. File with your insurer first, and apply to FEMA too. FEMA can't pay for what insurance covers, but it may help with eligible needs your policy doesn't.

My floodwater is gone. Do I still need an inspection?
It's a good idea. Moisture trapped in walls, floors, and crawl spaces is where mold starts. Our inspections are free.

Do you work with my insurance company?
We work with any and all insurance companies. Billing depends on the job and your policy, and we'll explain your options up front.

Can you haul away flood-damaged debris?
Yes. We rent 16-yard roll-off dumpsters and can provide cleanout labor to empty basements and damaged rooms. Call for pricing and rental terms.

How do I know a contractor is licensed?
Look up their license number at wvclboard.wv.gov. Ours is WV064509.

Get Flood Help From a Licensed Local Contractor

Take photos, call your insurer, and apply to FEMA by December 7. When you want a free inspection or emergency help, call us any time.

Red Ridge Contracting: (304) 439-6619
Available 24/7 · Free inspections · WV License WV064509 · IICRC Certified