July is known as the peak month for flash flooding, and the effects have been devastating. Floods have ripped through several communities in 2025, leaving an unexpected path of destruction across numerous states, including Texas, North Carolina, New Mexico and Illinois.
Restoration professionals are under increasing pressure to respond quicker, assess situations more accurately and still complete work safely and efficiently. Fortunately, a new wave of technology is transforming flood response strategies across the industry, enhancing real-time decision-making, safety and workflow efficiency.
Here are five software and hardware technologies to deliver efficient and effective services to clients experiencing flood damage.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Building Information Modeling is a digital representation of a building’s characteristics, including physical and functional features. Restoration pros have been using BIM technology to compare pre- and post-disaster conditions. Using 3-D models combined with structural information and geographical data can provide a better understanding of damage and reduce the time spent on inspections for insurance claims.
BIM allows teams to simulate the effects of flood damage before stepping on-site, leading to more informed planning and prioritization. Project managers can anticipate structural risks, improve coordination with insurance adjusters and map out safe zones for crews. In large-scale disasters, this can significantly reduce downtime and speed up recovery operations.
Field Service Management Software
Field service management software is used to manage administrative tasks by arranging quoting, scheduling, customer communication, job management and invoicing in one place. Restoration companies rely on these platforms to deploy technicians strategically, minimize delays and maintain transparency with clients.
Cloud-based systems also ensure mobile crews have access to job details, documentation and communication tools in real time. This not only reduces paperwork but enhances customer satisfaction and accountability despite the chaotic environment.
Live Video Technology
Live video technology has been prominent in other industries for years, with corporations using it for conferencing and families using it to stay connected. Now, the technology is being adapted by restoration professionals.
In disaster zones where access is limited or hazardous, remote assessment technology using live video enables restoration experts to evaluate damage from anywhere. Insurers and contractors can make joint decisions in real time using live video platforms, improving efficiency and reducing disputes over scope or cost.
Moisture Meters
Moisture meters detect undercover moisture within building materials such as wood, concrete, drywall and more. Pin moisture meters have two pins used to measure resistance to an electrical current, and pinless moisture meters use electromagnetic fields to identify water.
Combined with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, levels can be monitored in real time, detecting water damage that isn’t visible to the naked eye. These devices work together to help prevent long-term issues such as mold growth and structural degradation. Technicians can also provide real-time data to insurers, supporting faster claims approvals and accurate documentation.
Drone Imaging
Drone imaging can capture aerial photos and video of affected areas. Drones provide high-resolution documentation of flood impacts, roof damage and landscape erosion without putting personnel at risk.
These visual records are not only valuable for insurance reporting, but they also help project managers prioritize areas of concern and coordinate teams effectively. In hard-hit rural or expansive urban zones, drones can survey miles of terrain in minutes, providing a level of perspective that ground-level inspections can’t match.
This technology significantly reduces the guesswork in damage assessments, helping restoration professionals act faster and more accurately.
Conclusion
As technology continues to advance, restoration professionals are better equipped to tackle the challenges of flash flood season. By adopting solutions like BIM, field service management software, live video, moisture meters and drone imaging, they can improve response times, ensure accuracy and guarantee safety.
These technologies not only streamline operations but also foster better communication and collaboration with clients and insurers, ultimately leading to faster, more efficient and effective recovery efforts.
James Hatfield
James Hatfield is the chief revenue officer of LiveSwitch, the leading communications platform that uses instant video to transform how restoration professionals and other home service companies scale their businesses. James is responsible for the customer experience and growth at the company. He has extensive leadership experience across diverse roles, with companies ranging from fast-growing startups to Fortune 500 enterprises.
James joined LiveSwitch from IQVIA. There, his responsibilities as director led to the creation of the Customer Buying Experience, a purchasing process driven by product management teams.
Prior to this role, James was president of sales for Sageworks. James holds a B.S. in Business Management from North Carolina State University.
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