What to do when your house is flooded
A flooded home can be a distressing and overwhelming situation. However, taking immediate and proper actions can help mitigate the damage, ensure safety, and facilitate the recovery process. Here are the steps to follow:
Make sure it’s safe to return
Before you return to your flooded home, ensure it’s safe to do so. Local officials will provide guidance on when it’s safe to re-enter the property following a natural disaster. Consult FEMA’s guide for returning home after a flood.
Cut off power, gas, and water
To prevent further damage or hazards, turn off your home’s utilities such as gas, water, and electricity before entering. Assess your home’s structural integrity before entering; if you’re unsure, seek a professional inspection. If the waterline is above electrical outlets, consult an electrician before proceeding.
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Document everything
Capture the flood damage with photos and videos for insurance purposes. Immediately contact your insurance company (or companies) to file a claim. Be aware that homeowners’ insurance typically doesn’t cover flood damage—you may need a separate flood insurance policy or a policy with the National Flood Insurance Program.
Reach out for help
For those who require assistance in cleaning up, seek help from volunteer organizations, religious groups, neighbors, friends, or contractors. Many organizations like Team Rubicon deploy teams to help with disaster response efforts.
Tips for repairing your flooded home
Buy personal protective equipment: Use rubber boots, gloves, and clothes to protect yourself from hazardous chemicals and raw sewage left behind by floodwater. Wear an N95 mask or half-face P100 respirator to prevent inhaling harmful particles and mold spores during cleanup.
Remove everything: Act quickly to remove water-soaked items from your home; mold growth can exacerbate problems if not addressed promptly. Solid wood furniture, family photos, or other salvageable items should be set out to dry while carpeting and carpet pads must be removed entirely. Drywall damaged by water should be removed as well; leave a small section for evidence of the waterline during inspection.
Demo down to the studs and concrete slab: Most of the time, you will have to strip your home down to its concrete slab and wall studs for thorough drying and repair work. Remove insulation carefully without leaving gaps near the top of the wall; insulation behind cabinets should also be removed after cutting their backs open. Be cautious about modern cabinets made from pressboard or particleboard; they may need replacement after drying out or if severely damaged by water exposure.
Clean and disinfect: After removing damaged materials, clean all surfaces using a broom and shop vac—you can even hose down solid surfaces with clean water for thorough cleaning—to ensure no residual contaminants remain in your home during restoration work.
