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What Should I Do After a Hurricane Hits My Home?

Last updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer

Safety First

Your safety is the top priority. Do not enter your home if you see structural damage, sagging ceilings, or downed power lines. Watch for slippery floors and sharp debris. If anyone feels unwell from mold or contaminants, see a doctor promptly.

Turn off the main gas valve and electricity only if it is safe to reach them. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave the property and call the utility company from outside. Keep children and pets away from affected areas until the space is dry and cleared.

Document the Damage

Before touching anything, take photos and videos of every affected room. Capture water levels, soaked furniture, and any visible mold. This documentation helps your insurance company understand the extent of the loss. Make a written list of damaged items, including approximate purchase dates and values.

Do not throw away damaged belongings until you have documented them. If you must remove items for safety, photograph them first and keep a sample of carpet or fabric if possible. This evidence supports your claim and helps the pros assess what can be saved.

  • Photograph the exterior and interior of your home.
  • Record water stains, warped flooring, and wet drywall.
  • List each damaged item with its age and estimated value.
  • Keep receipts for any emergency purchases like tarps or fans.
  • Do not discard items until you have documented them.

Stop Water Intrusion

If the storm has passed and it is safe, do what you can to prevent more water from entering. Cover broken windows or roof holes with tarps or plywood. Move valuable items to higher floors or dry areas. This reduces further damage and makes the cleanup more manageable.

Do not enter standing water if there is any chance of electrical hazards. Use a flashlight to inspect dark areas. If you have a crawl space and it is safe to check, see whether water is pooling there. For minor leaks, place buckets and towels, but leave major water removal to the pros.

Begin Drying and Cleaning

Start drying your home as soon as it is safe. Open windows and doors to improve airflow, and use fans and dehumidifiers if you have them. Remove soaked rugs, cushions, and other porous items that can quickly grow mold. Wear gloves and a mask while handling floodwater-contaminated items.

Clean hard surfaces with a mild detergent and water. Discard porous materials like drywall, insulation, and carpet padding that cannot be thoroughly dried. If mold is visible or you smell a musty odor, a mold professional should assess the situation before you continue.

Contact the Pros and Your Insurer

Once the immediate risks are handled, reach out to local water damage pros for a thorough inspection. They have specialized equipment to detect hidden moisture in walls and under flooring. Early intervention can prevent secondary issues like mold and structural rot.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. Provide them with your documentation and be honest about the damage. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy for specific hurricane or flood coverage, as these may be separate.

  • Call your insurer before starting major repairs.
  • Ask about coverage for temporary housing if needed.
  • Keep all receipts for emergency supplies and repairs.
  • Take photos of any temporary fixes you make.

Need help right now?

Phones are answered 24/7 for Fresno and nearby communities.

Call Now (559) 272-9793

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to file a hurricane damage claim?

Most policies require you to report damage promptly, often within a few days. Check your policy for the exact deadline. Delays can complicate your claim. Even if you are unsure of the full extent, contact your insurer right away to start the process.

Can I clean up the water myself?

For small amounts of clean water, you can dry the area with fans and towels. However, floodwater may contain contaminants, and hidden moisture can lead to mold. If water has soaked into drywall or flooring, or if it has been present for more than a day, call the pros.

What should I throw away and what can be saved?

Porous items like mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture are hard to save after flooding. Carpet padding and drywall usually need replacement. Non-porous items like glass, metal, and hard plastic can often be cleaned. When in doubt, discard items that have a strong odor or visible mold.

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