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What Do You Do Immediately After a Home Flood?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

Safety First

Your safety comes before everything else. If water is still rising or the floor is slippery, do not walk through it. Turn off the main water valve if the flood came from a burst pipe. Shut off electricity at the breaker only if you can do so without stepping into water. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave the home and call the gas company from outside.

Wear rubber boots and gloves while you check the damage. Floodwater can hide sharp objects and may contain sewage or chemicals. Keep children and pets away from affected areas. If you feel unwell or have trouble breathing, see a doctor. Do not use electrical appliances that got wet until a professional inspects them.

Document Everything

Take photos and videos of every flooded room before you move anything. Capture the water level, damaged furniture, soaked carpets, and wet walls. This record helps your insurance company understand what happened. Write down the date and time the flood started, and note any items you throw away.

Keep receipts for any supplies you buy, like mops, buckets, or fans. If you remove wet carpet or drywall, store a small sample in a plastic bag for the adjuster. Do not throw away damaged items until you check with your insurer. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

  • Photograph each room from multiple angles
  • Video walk through with a clear narration
  • List damaged items with estimated age
  • Save receipts for cleaning supplies
  • Keep samples of removed materials

Stop the Water

If the flood came from a burst pipe or overflowing appliance, close the shutoff valve for that water line. If you live in Chapel Hill, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can find it fast. For a main water break, shut off the water at the meter if you know how. Do not attempt repairs while water is still flowing.

For natural flooding from rain or rising groundwater, you cannot stop the water yourself. Focus on moving valuables to higher floors and away from the affected area. Move furniture, electronics, and important papers to a dry spot. The sooner you stop the water source, the less damage your home will suffer.

Dry Out the Home

Start removing standing water with a wet/dry vacuum or a pump if you have one. Open windows and doors to let air circulate, but only if it is safe. Run fans and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the air. The longer water sits, the more it soaks into drywall, wood, and insulation.

Remove soaked rugs, carpets, and furniture that cannot be saved. Pull up wet carpet padding and throw it away. Drill small holes in baseboards and walls to let trapped water drain out. Do not use heaters or space heaters near wet walls, as they can cause fire hazards. For thorough drying, local water damage pros have industrial equipment that can handle large areas.

  • Use a wet/dry vacuum for standing water
  • Open windows and doors for airflow
  • Run fans and dehumidifiers continuously
  • Remove wet carpets and padding
  • Drill weep holes in walls
  • Avoid using regular heaters near wet surfaces

Call for Help

Contact your insurance company as soon as you can. Ask what documentation they need and whether you can start cleanup before they inspect. Some policies require you to mitigate further damage, but you should confirm. Then call the pros to handle the drying, cleaning, and repairs.

Professional help is important because flood damage goes deep into walls and floors. The pros have moisture meters and air movers that reach hidden pockets of wetness. They can also identify mold risks and advise on what to discard. Do not wait too long, as mold can start growing within a day or two.

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Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to start cleaning up after a flood?

You should start within 24 hours to prevent mold and further damage. The longer water sits, the more it soaks into porous materials. Remove standing water and wet items as soon as it is safe. If you cannot do it yourself, call the pros right away.

Can I dry out my home with fans and dehumidifiers?

Yes, fans and dehumidifiers help with small areas. For a major flood, you need industrial equipment that moves large volumes of air. The pros use air movers and dehumidifiers designed for water damage. They also monitor moisture levels to know when the home is truly dry.

Should I throw away wet furniture and carpets?

It depends on how long they were wet and the type of material. Porous items like carpets, padding, and upholstered furniture often cannot be saved. Non-porous items like plastic or metal can be cleaned. Your insurance company can decide what is worth replacing, but you can discard items that pose a health risk.

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