What to Do After a Flood

1. Returning Home & Entering Safely 

• Go home only when officials say it’s safe. This may be several days after floodwaters recede. 
• Stay out of floodwater. It may contain sewage, chemicals, downed power lines, or even wildlife.  
• Never risk your safety to enter the home or save belongings. 
• Have a building inspector check that your home is safe before going inside.  
• Wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE): masks, boots, and gloves when entering the building and for any cleanup.  
• Before re-entering, call your utility provider to shut off the main power and gas lines, or turn them off yourself if it’s safe to do so. 
• If you smell gas after entering, leave immediately without touching switches or equipment. Once outside, call the fire department or your gas company. 

 

2. Contact Insurance and Document Damage 

• File an insurance claim right away for major damage and report all losses. For minor damage, consider paying out of pocket to avoid higher premiums. 
• Document everything first — take photos or videos of damaged items before moving or discarding them. 
• Keep receipts for any expenses needed to protect property from further damage. 

 

3. Remove Water & Dry Out the House 

• Clear standing water first. Mop water into areas where it can be removed with a shop vacuum. Use proper equipment such as a wet/dry vacuum or sump pump. 
• Keep air moving to accelerate the drying process 
• Open windows and doors (if weather allows) to increase airflow. 
  • Open cabinets, interior doors, and closets. 
  • Position fans to push air into corners and tight spaces once power is available. Run dehumidifiers throughout the home to lower humidity.  
  • If using a generator, always place it outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents. 
• Clean mold growth early with a bleach + water solution.  
  • Wash and disinfect walls, floors, closets, shelves, and HVAC systems.  
  • Bag and throw away moldy materials (rags, paper, or debris)  
• Have your HVAC system checked before turning it back on, to avoid spreading mold. 

 

4. Save What You Can, Dispose of What You Can’t 

• Move valuables to a safe, dry location (such as a relative’s home or a storage facility) while cleanup and drying are underway. 
• Store salvageable items in a dry, cool place to slow mold growth. 
• Throw out soaked fabric items, such as rugs, carpet padding, upholstered furniture, mattresses within 24 – 48 hours after a flood to prevent mold growth. Anything that can’t be properly dried should be discarded and replaced. 
• Unplug all affected electronics and dispose of them. 
• Remove drywall and insulation at least 12 inches above the waterline to stop hidden mold from spreading inside walls. 
• Move debris to the curb for pickup if local officials advise it. Keep piles neat, at the curb (not in the road), and away from fire hydrants, mailboxes, or power lines. 
• Check local rules for debris disposal. You may be required to separate trash, construction debris, appliances, and yard waste into different piles. This helps sanitation crews and speeds removal. 

 

5. Protecting Yourself from Scams 

• Hire only licensed, bonded and insured contractors. Choose companies with a solid reputation and local business address. 
• Get all estimates in writing. Review them carefully and check with your insurance provider before signing anything.  
• Verify insurance adjusters. Ask for ID, they should carry a Flood Control Number proving they are authorized. 
• Watch for scams. Always check credentials and avoid paying in full before work is complete. 

 

6. Rebuilding/Preventing 

• If your home is substantially damaged (meaning repairs cost 50% or more of the building’s pre-flood market value), you may be eligible for up to $30,000 in additional coverage to help pay for improvements when rebuilding that reduce future flood risk. This is called Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage. Work with your insurance adjuster or agent to learn if you qualify. 

These improvements, only available through NFIP policies, can include: 

• • Elevating your home above Base Flood Elevation 
  • Relocating your home to safer ground 
  • Demolishing the damaged structure 
  • Floodproofing (for non-residential buildings)