Memphis Flood Contractors and Local Resources: Who to Call in Shelby County
When flooding affects your Memphis property — or when you are taking proactive steps to reduce your risk — knowing who to contact and what resources are available can mean the difference between timely remediation and months-long delays. This guide covers emergency contacts, licensed contractor requirements, government assistance programs, and the local agencies that support Shelby County homeowners before, during, and after flood events.
Emergency Contacts: Who to Call First
In a flood emergency in Shelby County, the following contacts should be your first calls:
- Memphis and Shelby County Emergency Management Agency (EMA): (901) 636-3131 — The primary local emergency management coordination agency for both Memphis and unincorporated Shelby County. During declared flood emergencies, EMA coordinates evacuation routes, shelter locations, and resource deployment.
- Memphis Police/Fire Emergency: 911 — For life-safety emergencies, water rescues, or immediate hazardous conditions caused by flooding.
- MLGW (Memphis Light, Gas and Water): (901) 544-6549 — For gas leaks, downed power lines, or water main issues associated with flooding. Do not enter flooded spaces where electrical systems may have been exposed to water without MLGW verification.
- Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA): (615) 741-0001 — State-level emergency coordination. TEMA activates additional resources when Shelby County incidents exceed local capacity and coordinates with FEMA for federal disaster declarations.
- FEMA Disaster Assistance: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) — Available after a presidentially declared disaster. Provides Individual Assistance for uninsured or underinsured flood losses.
Licensing Requirements for Flood Contractors in Tennessee
Tennessee requires contractor licensing through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI). For flood-related work, verify the following credentials before engaging any contractor:
- General contracting license: Required for projects exceeding $25,000. Verify at tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.
- Electrical, HVAC, and plumbing licenses: System-specific work requires individual trade licenses. Flood damage frequently requires all three trades; confirm each subcontractor's license separately.
- IICRC Certification: The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) provides industry-standard credentials for water damage restoration technicians. Look for WRT (Water Restoration Technician) and ASD (Applied Structural Drying) certifications in water damage restoration contractors.
Never pay more than 10 percent down to any contractor before work begins. After major flood events in Memphis — following the 2011 flood and subsequent high-water events — contractor fraud targeting flood victims has historically been a documented problem in Shelby County. Verify every license before signing a contract.
Types of Flood Contractors and What They Do
| Contractor Type | Services Provided | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Water Damage Restoration | Emergency water extraction, structural drying, mold remediation | $3,500–$18,000+ depending on severity |
| Basement Waterproofing | Interior drainage systems, sump pump installation, exterior membrane | $5,000–$30,000 |
| Foundation Elevation | Structural elevation above BFE, ICC compliance work | $20,000–$100,000+ |
| Plumbing (Backwater Valves) | Backwater valve installation, sewer line work | $1,500–$3,500 |
| General Contractor (Post-Flood Repair) | Full reconstruction, drywall, flooring, systems replacement | Varies; budget 20–30% above initial estimate for flood damage |
Finding Qualified Contractors in Shelby County
Start your contractor search through these verified resources:
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Contractor License Lookup: tn.gov/commerce — Search any contractor's license status and verify it is current before signing any agreement.
- Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber maintains a business directory searchable by category. Look under "Contractors - General" and "Water Damage Restoration."
- IICRC Certified Firm Locator: iicrc.org/findapro — Locates IICRC-certified restoration firms in the Memphis metro area. IICRC certification is the industry benchmark for water damage restoration professionals.
- National Flood Insurance Program Certified Adjusters: After an NFIP claim, your assigned adjuster will provide a preliminary estimate. You are entitled to obtain independent contractor estimates; the NFIP adjuster's figure is not the final word on your claim amount.
Government Assistance Programs for Memphis Flood Victims
| Program | Amount / Terms | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| FEMA Individual Assistance | Avg ~$5,000–8,000 per household; not a substitute for insurance | disasterassistance.gov after federal disaster declaration |
| SBA Disaster Loans | Up to $200,000 for home repair; low-interest, long repayment term | sba.gov/disaster — Apply within declared disaster window |
| FEMA HMGP (Hazard Mitigation Grants) | Up to 75% of eligible project cost; elevation, acquisition, drainage | Post-disaster; administered by TEMA: tn.gov/tema |
| Tennessee CDBG-DR | Community Development Block Grant for disaster recovery; housing repair | Tennessee Housing Development Agency: thda.org |
| Shelby County Property Buyout Program | Voluntary acquisition for repetitive-loss properties; converts to open space | Contact Memphis and Shelby County Stormwater Management: (901) 222-7250 |
| Tennessee 211 | Connects to emergency assistance, housing, and utility programs | Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211tennessee.org |
Flood Mitigation Incentive Programs
Shelby County participates in FEMA's Community Rating System (CRS), which rewards communities for exceeding minimum floodplain management standards and entitles residents to NFIP premium discounts. The county also maintains floodplain regulations that may provide financial incentives for voluntary elevation and mitigation:
- Memphis and Shelby County Floodplain Management Office: (901) 222-7250 — Can advise on permit requirements for elevation, waterproofing, and mitigation projects. Substantially damaged homes must meet floodplain regulations for any permitted repairs.
- TDEC (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation): Regulates wetlands and floodplain development in Tennessee. Relevant for properties near the Wolf River or Nonconnah Creek where development or mitigation projects may require state permits alongside local permits.
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance: Handles flood insurance complaints, questions about policy coverage disputes, and licensing complaints against adjusters or agents. Contact: tn.gov/commerce/insurance.
Immediately After a Flood: Step-by-Step for Memphis Homeowners
- Do not re-enter until Memphis EMA or emergency services confirm safety. The Wolf River and Mississippi River carry sewage contamination during flood events. Wait for official all-clear.
- Photograph and video all damage before any cleanup. Document every damaged item and surface for NFIP claim and any FEMA Individual Assistance application. Do not discard damaged property before it is documented.
- Contact your flood insurer within 24–48 hours. NFIP adjusters can be heavily scheduled after significant events; early filing gets you into the queue. Your policy number is required — keep it with your important documents off-site.
- Contact MLGW before restoring power. Call (901) 544-6549. Flooded electrical panels, junction boxes, and wiring must be inspected before power is restored. This is non-negotiable.
- Begin drying within 24 hours. Mold growth begins in 24–48 hours in Memphis's humid climate. Structural drying equipment — air movers and dehumidifiers — deployed immediately dramatically reduces total damage.
- Report any sewer backup. Contact the City of Memphis Division of Public Works or MLGW to document the event — required for some assistance program eligibility determinations.
Prepare Now — Before the Flood Watch Is Posted
Use our Free Flood Risk Assessment to evaluate your property's specific vulnerability. Review the Flood Proofing Your Memphis Home guide to identify the highest-priority investments for your property type and location. And make sure your flood insurance coverage is in place — with a 30-day waiting period, the time to buy is today, not when the National Weather Service posts the first Wolf River advisory of flood season.