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What Should I Not Do After My House Floods?

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Do Not Enter Unsafe Flood Water

Floodwater can hide serious electrical hazards. Never enter standing water if you are unsure whether the power is off. If you must enter to evacuate or shut off utilities, wear rubber boots and avoid touching any appliances or outlets. The safest approach is to wait for the power company or an electrician to confirm it is safe to proceed.

Water may also contain harmful contaminants, especially if it comes from a sewer backup or outside ground. Even clean-looking water can pick up chemicals or bacteria from your floors and belongings. Avoid skin contact and keep children and pets away from all flood areas until they are cleaned and sanitized by qualified professionals.

Avoid Common Cleaning Mistakes

A common mistake is using a standard household vacuum to remove water. These vacuums are not designed for liquids and pose a severe risk of electrical shock. Wet-dry vacuums are built for this purpose, but the pros have industrial-grade extraction equipment that removes water far more efficiently to begin the drying process correctly.

Do not assume that mopping and opening windows will dry your home. This can actually spread moisture deeper into walls and subfloors, leading to hidden mold. Proper structural drying requires controlled temperature, humidity, and airflow from commercial air movers and dehumidifiers, which is why professional assessment and equipment are crucial after a major flood.

Postpone Salvaging Belongings Prematurely

Resist the urge to immediately move waterlogged furniture and carpets. Dragging soaked items can damage flooring further and spread contamination. It's better to document everything with photos or video for your insurance claim before anything is moved. The pros can often clean and restore items on-site using specialized techniques.

Do not begin throwing away damaged items until an insurance adjuster has seen them. Create a detailed inventory list for your claim. Some items, like important documents or photographs, may be salvageable through professional freeze-drying methods, so consult with the restoration experts before discarding anything of value.

  • Do not plug in or attempt to use any electrical appliances that got wet.
  • Do not turn on ceiling fans if the ceiling is sagging from water weight.
  • Do not leave wet fabrics like clothing or curtains piled together.
  • Do not use heat guns or hair dryers to dry walls, as this can bake in moisture.
  • Do not paint over water stains or damp drywall.
  • Do not walk on sagging floors, which may be structurally compromised.

Do not delay notifying your insurance company about the flood. Take extensive photos and videos of the damage and water levels before any cleanup begins. Keep records of all conversations and emails. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Starting the claim process promptly is essential for coverage considerations.

Avoid hiring the first contractor you find for permanent repairs before the water damage is fully remediated. Structural drying and microbial growth prevention must be completed first. Making permanent repairs over damp materials will lead to mold and rot, requiring you to redo the work. Let the water damage pros complete their drying protocol first.

Health and Safety Precautions

Never handle gray water or black water floods without full personal protective equipment. This includes an N95 respirator, goggles, gloves, and waterproof boots. Sewage contains dangerous pathogens that can cause serious illness. If you have any cuts or open wounds, avoid the area entirely and leave cleanup to trained professionals equipped for biohazard situations.

Do not ignore how you feel. Mold spores and bacteria become airborne during cleanup. If you experience headaches, dizziness, coughing, or nausea, leave the area and get fresh air. See a doctor if you feel unwell. In many climates, indoor humidity can allow mold to develop quickly after a flood.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I stay in my home after a flood?

It depends on the extent of damage and safety hazards. If there is structural damage, electrical risk, or sewage contamination, you should find alternative lodging. Even with minor flooding, the noise and humidity from drying equipment often make staying elsewhere more practical during restoration.

How long does it take for mold to grow after a flood?

Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours on damp materials. Warm, humid conditions accelerate growth. This is why rapid water extraction and professional drying are critical to prevent a mold problem that requires separate, extensive remediation by a mold professional.

Who should I call first after a flood?

Your first calls should be to your insurance company to start a claim and to the pros for emergency water extraction. If the flood is from a broken pipe, also call a plumber for repairs. Always prioritize safety by shutting off electricity if you can do so safely.

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