What To Do After a Flood: The First 24 Hours, Step by Step

First: safety before property

Do not enter standing water until electricity to the area is off. Water conducts electricity, and submerged outlets or appliances can energize an entire room. If you can't safely reach your panel, call your utility.

Treat exterior floodwater as contaminated. It can carry sewage, fuel, and bacteria. Wear waterproof boots and gloves for any contact, and keep children and pets away entirely.

Stop the source if you can

For interior floods — burst pipes, appliance failures — shut off the main water valve. Every homeowner should know where this is before an emergency. It's typically near where the water line enters the house, or by the water meter.

Document everything before touching anything

Photograph and video every affected room, including water lines on walls, damaged contents, and the source if visible. Your insurance claim depends on this documentation, and conditions change fast once cleanup starts.

Save damaged items until your adjuster has seen them or approved disposal — but photograph serial numbers and labels first.

Call for professional mitigation immediately

Your policy requires you to prevent further damage — and mold can begin within 24–48 hours. Professional extraction and drying within the first day is the single biggest factor in limiting total cost.

You do not need to wait for your adjuster to begin emergency mitigation. Document, then act.

Notify your insurance company

Report the claim as soon as possible. Note your claim number, ask about coverage for emergency mitigation and temporary housing if needed, and ask what documentation they want.

What not to do

Don't use a household vacuum on water. Don't run ceiling fixtures below a wet ceiling. Don't assume 'it feels dry' means it is — moisture inside walls and subfloors needs meters to verify. And don't sign contracts with door-knocking storm chasers; use licensed, verifiable companies.