The short answer
Start with Safety
Before you touch anything, check for hazards. Turn off the electricity at the main breaker if water has reached outlets or appliances. Watch for downed power lines outside, and stay away from them. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave the home and call the gas company from outside.
Wear rubber boots and gloves if you enter a flooded area. Water may hide sharp objects or contain sewage. If you feel unwell, see a doctor. Keep children and pets out of the affected rooms until the area is dry and cleaned.
- Turn off power at the breaker
- Avoid standing water near electrical items
- Check for gas leaks by smell and sound
- Wear boots and gloves
- Keep kids and pets away
Remove Water Quickly
Standing water soaks into walls, floors, and furniture fast. The sooner you remove it, the less damage it causes. Use a wet-dry vacuum, mops, and towels to pull up as much water as you can. Open windows and doors to let air move through the space.
If the water is deep or covers a large area, a pump may help. You can rent one from a hardware store. Move wet rugs, furniture, and boxes to a dry area. Set up fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying. The pros use industrial equipment for this, but your efforts help.
Dry Out Your Home
Drying is the most important step to prevent mold and rot. Run dehumidifiers and fans for days, not hours. Open closet and cabinet doors so air reaches hidden spaces. Remove baseboards and drywall if they are soaked, because they hold moisture.
In humid weather, drying takes longer. Check walls and floors daily for damp spots. Use a moisture meter if you have one. If mold appears, a mold professional can assess the situation.
Sort Through Belongings
Decide what can be saved and what must go. Wet paper, cardboard, and fabric items like mattresses and pillows usually cannot be cleaned. Throw away food that touched floodwater. Electronics and appliances may be unsafe, so have an electrician check them before plugging them in.
Take photos of damaged items for your records. This helps with any insurance questions. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Keep a list of what you threw away, with photos, in case you need it later.
Know When to Call Pros
Some storm cleanup jobs are too big or risky for a homeowner. If water is contaminated, if the structure is damaged, or if you cannot dry things fast enough, local water damage pros can help. They have heavy-duty drying equipment and experience with storm damage.
For large cleanup tasks, look into emergency storm cleanup services. If water flooded a crawl space or low-lying area, a flooded area cleanup service may fit. For broken windows or roof leaks that let water in, a roofer or window repair person may be needed first. Acting quickly reduces the chance of long-term issues.
Talk to someone now
Call (214) 730-5993 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
How soon should I start storm cleanup?
You should start as soon as it is safe to enter the area. Water damage worsens with every hour, and mold can grow within a day or two. Turn off power, remove standing water, and start drying. If you need help, contact the pros quickly.
Can I handle storm cleanup myself?
You can handle small spills or shallow water if you take safety steps. But if water is deep, dirty, or the damage is widespread, it is smarter to call the pros. They have the right equipment and experience to dry and clean your home properly.
What should I throw away after a flood?
Throw away anything that soaked in floodwater and cannot be washed, like mattresses, pillows, carpet, and drywall. Also toss food, cardboard, and paper. Keep items you can disinfect, like hard plastic and metal. Take photos before discarding for your records.