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What Should I Do First After My House Floods?

Last updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer

Stop the Water and Power

The very first step is to stop the water source if you can do so safely. That might mean turning off the main water valve, shutting off the washing machine, or moving a hose away from the foundation. If the water level is high or you see electrical wires in water, do not enter the area. Your safety comes before anything else.

Next, turn off the electricity at the main breaker if the panel is dry and you can reach it without standing in water. If there is any chance the panel is wet, leave it alone and call an electrician. Also, avoid using any appliances that may have gotten wet until a professional checks them. If you smell gas, get everyone out and call the gas company from outside.

  • Turn off the main water valve, not just the faucet
  • Shut off the electricity at the breaker if safe
  • Avoid standing water near outlets or cords
  • Wear rubber boots and gloves for protection
  • Keep children and pets away from flooded rooms

Document the Damage

Once the water is off and it is safe to move around, take photos and videos of everything that got wet. That includes walls, floors, furniture, appliances, and personal items. Do not throw anything away until you have documented it, because your insurance company may need proof of loss. Write down a list of damaged items and their approximate age if you know it.

Protect Your Belongings

Move anything that is still dry to a higher floor or a dry spot. Lift furniture onto blocks or bricks to get it out of the water, if you can do that without straining yourself. Remove area rugs and hang them outside to dry. For books, papers, and photos, place them in a freezer to help preserve them until you can deal with them later.

You can also use a wet vacuum to pull water off hard floors, but only if the outlet you plug into is dry and on a ground-fault circuit interrupter. If you have a pump, use it to lower the water level outside. The goal is to reduce moisture quickly, because mold can start growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours in warm, damp conditions.

Call Local Water Damage Pros

For serious flooding, bring in the pros who have the right equipment to dry out your home properly. They can help with water extraction, drying, and cleaning. Their work usually involves assessing the extent of the damage and preventing further issues like mold and structural rot. You can find them through your insurance company or by asking neighbors for referrals.

Keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can find it quickly in an emergency. The pros also handle tasks like removing wet drywall and flooring, which you may not be able to do yourself. Their services can be costly, so ask for a written plan before they start. The cost often depends on the size of the flooded area and how long the water sat.

  • Ask for a written plan before work begins
  • Check that they have commercial drying equipment
  • Confirm they will remove wet materials properly
  • Ask about mold prevention steps
  • Get a timeline for the work, but understand it can change

Start Drying and Cleaning

Open windows and doors to let air circulate, if the weather allows. Use fans and dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of the air. Remove wet carpets and padding as soon as possible, because they can hold water for a long time. If you have a crawl space, check for standing water there too.

Clean surfaces with a mild detergent and water to remove dirt and mud. Do not use bleach on everything, as it can damage some materials and is not always the right choice for mold. For porous items like drywall, you may need to cut away the wet sections. If you are unsure about what can be saved, ask a local pro for advice. Acting quickly can reduce the overall damage.

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Frequently asked questions

How long do I have before mold starts growing?

Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours in warm, damp conditions. That is why it is important to start drying out your home right away. If you cannot dry everything yourself, call the pros to help speed up the process. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Can I clean up the flood water myself?

For small spills, you can handle it with towels and a mop. For larger floods, especially with sewage or chemical contamination, it is safer to let the pros handle it. They have the proper protective gear and equipment to remove contaminated water and clean surfaces thoroughly.

What should I throw away after a flood?

Throw away anything that absorbed water and cannot be cleaned, such as mattresses, pillows, and stuffed toys. Wet drywall and insulation also need to be removed. For items like furniture, you may be able to save them if they dry quickly and do not have mold. When in doubt, discard it.

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