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Katy flooded during Harvey. We were here then. We're here now.

IICRC-certified restoration for Katy, Cinco Ranch, and all of West Houston. Water damage, mold, fire, and storm response in 60 minutes.

Katy, Texas experienced catastrophic flooding during Hurricane Harvey when the Army Corps of Engineers released water from the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs — flooding thousands of homes that had no prior flood history. Many Katy homeowners received water for the first time not because of the storm directly, but because of the controlled reservoir releases downstream. The resulting damage — Category 1 and 2 water throughout, followed by rapid mold growth in Houston's August heat — required immediate, professional response.

First Response Restoration responded throughout West Houston and Katy during Harvey and continues to serve the community. We understand the specific construction patterns in Katy's post-1990s subdivisions: slab-on-grade foundations, engineered lumber framing, and paper-faced drywall that is highly susceptible to mold when moisture is not professionally dried within 48 hours.

Katy flood risk: reservoir releases and rapid development

Katy's flood risk is shaped by two converging factors: the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs immediately to the east, and the rapid residential development of previously agricultural land that has reduced natural water absorption. During Harvey, the Army Corps made the unprecedented decision to perform controlled releases from both reservoirs to protect downtown Houston infrastructure, flooding thousands of homes in the Katy area that were outside mapped flood zones. This created significant insurance disputes — many homeowners had no flood insurance because their properties were not designated SFHA. Our documentation protocols specifically address this scenario, establishing the mechanism of flood damage (controlled release versus rising natural floodwater) for insurance purposes.

Why First Response Restoration

  • Harvey-experienced team with direct knowledge of Katy flood patterns
  • Understanding of Addicks/Barker reservoir release flood dynamics
  • IICRC-certified technicians familiar with Katy's building stock
  • Fast response from Houston headquarters — 60 minutes or less
  • All major insurance carriers accepted
  • Full documentation for flood and homeowner policy claims

Areas we serve

Cinco Ranch • Grand Lakes • Pine Mill Ranch • Cross Creek Ranch • Firethorne • Cane Island • Kelliwood • Green Trails • Nottingham Country • Falcon Ranch • Seven Meadows

Frequently asked questions

Yes. We serve all Katy communities including Cinco Ranch, Grand Lakes, Cross Creek Ranch, Firethorne, Cane Island, Pine Mill Ranch, and all surrounding subdivisions. Our response area covers zip codes 77449, 77450, 77494, 77493, and adjacent areas. Emergency response time from our Houston headquarters to Katy is typically 30–45 minutes.
Reservoir release flooding is a complex insurance situation. If your home was flooded by the controlled reservoir releases rather than by direct rainfall, there may be arguments for both homeowner's policy coverage (controlled release as a man-made event) and NFIP flood coverage. There are ongoing legal proceedings related to government liability for the Harvey reservoir releases. We recommend documenting your damage thoroughly regardless of coverage determination — our documentation package captures the specific mechanism of flooding, which is relevant to both insurance claims and any legal proceedings.