Hammer,
So sorry to hear about your loss, it truly was devastating. I will provide you some links and information in regards to your questions. Hopefully this will be helpful to you.
I'm certain other forum members will post additional information through the next few days.
Three feet may be typical from this flood event, however I'd want to know what is the 1% flood event as shown on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps. In the next section I have provided you with a link to find your flood map.
You would also need to know what is the ground elevation so you would know how high above your ground the flood waters are expected to reach. Your building department should be able to provide this basic information to you as typically they are the FEMA coordinator for the National Flood Insurance Program (your area may vary).
The first thing I would do is go to the FEMA site and locate your site by address on a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map to determine what your special flood hazard zone's base flood elevation is.
https://msc.fema.gov/webapp/wcs/sto...eView?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1
On how to use the maps check this out
http://www.flash.org/resources/files/HGCC_Fact03.pdf
I would also recommend checking out
Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction by FEMA. This will provide you with valuable information in regards to proper building techniques in flood prone regions.
I would open all enclosed cavities that were exposed to water and remove any water saturated insulation. Wood is hydroscopic in that it can absorb water, but it can also release the trapped moisture when the relative humidity is lower. You want to allow any trapped moisture to escape and the cavity to dry out. Typically wood should have a moisture content that does not exceed 19% before being enclosed.
Salt water typically has more effect on metals than on wood as it can lead to corrosion. Metals do not have to be submerged in salt water to have corrosion. Merely being exposed to the salt air can do this. I would suggest using stainless steel fasteners if you are within 600-feet to the ocean, salt marshes or within a Special Flood Hazard Zone.
The National Flood Insurance Program run by FEMA is basically an insurance policy. It covers damage caused by floods to both building and contents. If you have NFIP coverage you'd have to check with your agent/policy to determine what your coverage is, and how to file a claim. If you have not done this I'd make this my first call. Typically you can be compensated for savage/corrective actions you've taken. Keep all receipts. Discuss this with your agent.
The federal government was forced into providing flood insurance when back in the 60's most national insurance companies stopped providing coverage due to the number of flood events that had occurred.
For how the NFIP works check out this
link.
Another valuable source of information is the
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes.
I hope I've provided some information you might find helpful.
Post back with any questions ..... Good luck! :thumbsup: