Fiberglass insulation holds floodwater and draws water up inside a wall. It must be removed after a flood to prevent moisture-induced mildew and decay.

You can replace fiberglass insulation with closed-cell foam, which doesn't absorb floodwater and can be removed easily before a flood or cleaned easily afterward.

Replace fiberglass insulation with closed-cell foam. Check with the local permit office to find out what types of interior wall coverings provide adequate fire retardation when placed over closed-cell foam insulation.

Select floor and wall materials -- vinyl or ceramic tile, stained concrete, glass block or brick -- that resist water damage.