Storm and Flood Cleanup: What to Do When You Get Back Inside

Quick answer

Don't go back in if the house is damaged until a building inspector says it's safe, and don't touch power while standing in water (CDC). Photograph everything before you remove it (FEMA). Then remove standing water and dry the house within 24 to 48 hours if you can (CDC).

Is it safe to go back in?

The CDC's guidance for reentering a flooded home (CDC):

If the house is damaged, don't go back in until a building inspector has examined it.
Go back during daylight, and use battery-powered lights, not candles.
If you smell gas, turn off the main gas valve if you can, open windows, leave and call the gas company or fire department.
If you can turn off the main power from a dry spot, do it. If you'd have to stand in water to reach it, call an electrician.
Never turn power on or off, or use an electric tool, while standing in water.

FEMA adds: look for damaged power lines and gas lines outside first, check ceilings and floors for sagging, and watch for nails and broken glass (FEMA).

What should you photograph for insurance?

Before you clean anything, FEMA recommends (FEMA):

Photos or video of the inside and outside, including damaged belongings, labeled by room.
The make, model and serial number of damaged appliances.
Samples of carpet, flooring, wallpaper and drapes, if possible.
Every repair receipt.

FEMA says you don't need to wait for a FEMA inspection or a flood insurance inspection to start cleaning up (FEMA). If the roof is open, get a tarp on it quickly to prevent more damage.

Water still coming in or standing? A local restoration company can start water removal now.

Call (866) 217-4054

How do you protect yourself during cleanup?

Wear long sleeves, long pants, rubber or plastic gloves and waterproof boots (FEMA).
For mold, wear goggles, an N-95 respirator and protective gloves (CDC).
People with asthma, COPD or a weakened immune system should stay away from moldy spaces (CDC).
Never run a generator, pressure washer or gas-powered pump inside the house, basement or garage, or less than 20 feet from a door, window or vent. That can cause carbon monoxide poisoning (CDC).

How do you get the water out and dry the house?

Once an electrician says the power is safe, use a wet-dry shop vacuum, a water transfer pump or a sump pump to remove standing water (CDC).
Open windows and doors if the weather allows. Use fans and dehumidifiers, with fans at a window or door blowing air out (CDC).
Open cabinets and remove drawers and shelves so hidden surfaces can dry (EPA).
Aim to dry the house within 24 to 48 hours (CDC).

For a basement full of water, see water coming up through the basement floor for why pumping too fast can be a problem.

What has to be thrown away?

The CDC says to throw away anything you can't clean or dry quickly, such as mattresses, carpet and pad, rugs, upholstered furniture, pillows, stuffed animals, books and paper products (CDC). Drywall and insulation that touched floodwater or sewage should be removed and thrown out (CDC; FEMA).

Clean hard surfaces like floors, concrete, wood and metal furniture, countertops and appliances with hot water and laundry or dish detergent (CDC). Photograph things before they go to the curb. For family photos and papers, see saving water-damaged photos, papers and furniture.

What about food and drinking water?

Throw away food that may have touched floodwater, perishable food that lost refrigeration, and anything with an unusual smell, color or texture (CDC). Follow local guidance on whether your tap water is safe. If you have a private well in a flooded area, get the water tested before using it (CDC).

Does insurance cover flood damage?

It depends on which way the water came in. The Insurance Information Institute says water from the top down, such as rain, is generally covered by a standard homeowners policy, and standard policies cover wind-driven rain. Water from the bottom up, such as an overflowing river, is covered by a separate flood insurance policy, available from the National Flood Insurance Program and some private insurers (Insurance Information Institute). Flood policies have a 30-day waiting period, so a policy bought after the storm won't help with this one (Insurance Information Institute). See does homeowners insurance cover water damage?

Common questions

How soon can I start cleaning after a flood?

As soon as the house is safe to enter and you've photographed the damage. FEMA says you don't need to wait for a FEMA or flood insurance inspection to start cleaning up.

Can I run a generator in the garage with the door open?

No. The CDC says never to run a generator inside a home, basement or garage, or less than 20 feet from a door, window or vent, even with windows and doors open.

What should I throw away after a flood?

The CDC says to throw away anything you can't clean or dry quickly, such as mattresses, carpet, upholstered furniture, pillows and stuffed animals, plus drywall and insulation that touched floodwater or sewage.

Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?

Generally, water from the top down, like rain or wind-driven rain, is covered by homeowners insurance. Water from the bottom up, like an overflowing river, needs a separate flood policy.

Is floodwater dangerous to touch?

Floodwater can carry sewage and chemicals. Wear rubber or plastic gloves and waterproof boots, and wash your hands after cleanup.

Related guides

Local water damage help

Each state page lists the towns we cover, with local shut-off and sewer numbers and flood notes.

Sources: