If your home or business took on water in the July 2026 storms, you do not have to figure this out alone. Red Ridge Contracting is a local, WV-licensed crew (License #WV064509) based near Buckhannon. We handle emergency response, drying, cleanup, insurance documentation, and the rebuild that comes after.
24/7 Emergency Hotline: (304) 439-6619
Email: service@redridgewv.com
We cannot promise FEMA or insurance outcomes. We can show up, stop the damage, document the loss, and put the building back together.
FEMA's initial application period for the July 2026 flooding has closed
FEMA's DR-4932 page says the initial application period for this disaster has closed, but FEMA may accept late applications within 60 days after the application period ends. To be considered, you'll need to explain the reason for the delay by phone, in writing or in person, and FEMA reviews late applications case by case. For the latest, check fema.gov/disaster/4932 or DisasterAssistance.gov, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Flooded in Harrison County in August 2026? That is a separate disaster (DR-4953), and FEMA is taking applications until December 7, 2026. See our Bridgeport and Clarksburg flood recovery page.
Already applied? You can check your status or update your information at DisasterAssistance.gov, in the FEMA App, or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Businesses and nonprofits with economic losses can still apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan through May 3, 2027 at lending.sba.gov.
More info: West Virginia Emergency Management Division, 304-558-5380 · emd.wv.gov · FEMA DR-4932
Still dealing with flood damage? Wherever your FEMA application stands, your building still needs attention. Hidden moisture in walls and floors can keep causing mold and rot for months. Red Ridge can still inspect, dry, clean up, document the damage for your insurance claim, and rebuild. Call (304) 439-6619 or email service@redridgewv.com.
Flooded in July? Get a free Flood Home Mold Check through December 16, 2026. You'll get a PDF with the photos and moisture readings to keep.
County recovery resources (Upshur)
Upshur County publishes a living Quick Reference Guide for flood recovery. Highlights that often matter for cleanup and rebuild:
- Debris: WV Army National Guard debris pickup continues; call or text 304-439-4698 if a location was missed. Stage debris at the right-of-way without blocking roads or drains.
- Donations / volunteers: Coordinate through Upshur County OEM at 304-472-4983, not by dropping items at random sites.
- Vaccines after floodwater exposure: Upshur-Buckhannon Health Dept. (Tdap and hepatitis A) — call 304-472-2810.
- Private well water testing: WV Dept. of Health Office of Laboratory Services — 304-965-2694.
- Local unmet-needs funds: Rotary Club of Buckhannon Upshur Foundation and Tygart Valley United Way Lewis/Upshur Flood Relief Fund (links on the county page).
County information changes as recovery continues. Check the county page for the latest.
What to do in the first 24–48 hours
Water damage turns into mold risk fast. The window people talk about is often 24–48 hours.
- Make it safe. Power off circuits that got wet if you can do it safely. Do not enter a building that looks structurally unsafe.
- Call for help. Us at (304) 439-6619 and your insurance carrier.
- Document everything. Photos and video of every room before major tear-out. Keep a simple log of dates, moisture readings (if you have them), and who visited.
- Extract and dry. Standing water out, then structural drying and dehumidification. Wet drywall, insulation, and flooring often have to come out.
- Watch for mold. Musty smell, visible growth, or damp cavities need containment and proper removal, not a bleach wipe alone.
- Verify any contractor before you hire. Check the WV Contractor Licensing Board lookup: wvclboard.wv.gov/verify. Red flags after a disaster include big cash deposits, no license number on ads or trucks, and door-to-door pressure. Report concerns through the board’s investigation process, not by arguing on the street. Our verify-before-you-hire guide walks through the lookup step by step.
Flood vs. homeowners insurance (plain English)
Standard homeowners policies often exclude flood water that enters from outside rising water. Flood coverage is commonly through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a separate flood policy. See ready.gov/floods.
What that means for you:
- Ask your agent which policy applies (homeowners, flood/NFIP, or both).
- FEMA Individual Assistance is not the same as an insurance claim. You may need both paths.
- Keep receipts and photos either way.
We document the loss for insurance purposes and can coordinate with your adjuster when you authorize us. We cannot guarantee what a carrier will cover. For the claim itself, our insurance claim walkthrough lays out each step.
How Red Ridge helps after a flood
Immediate (0–2 hours): Answer the emergency call, dispatch to your site, stabilize, board-up/tarp if needed, start water extraction when it is safe.
Short-term (2–24 hours): Full damage assessment, photo documentation for claims, moisture testing, drying plan, and removal of unsalvable materials.
Restoration: Dry-out completion, mold remediation when needed, then rebuild with the same crew — framing, drywall, flooring, cabinets, finishes — so you are not juggling separate companies.
Insurance support: Photos, scope notes, and adjuster coordination when authorized. Honest about limits: coverage decisions belong to the carrier and your policy.
One company, one call. Mitigation through move-back-in.
Here's how the rebuild works: flood damage repair and rebuild in Buckhannon.
Verify we are licensed
WV Contractor License #WV064509. Look us up on the board site before you hire anyone, including us: wvclboard.wv.gov/verify.
Serving Buckhannon, Upshur County, Lewis County, and nearby communities.
Call (304) 439-6619 · service@redridgewv.com