The short answer
Assess Safety First
Before you touch anything, look for hazards. Downed wires, broken glass, and standing water can hide dangers. If you smell gas or see sparks, leave the area and call the utility company. Your safety comes before any cleanup effort.
Check the structure of your home for sagging ceilings or cracked walls. If the storm damaged the roof, water may have soaked insulation and drywall. Wear boots, gloves, and a mask to protect yourself from debris and mold spores. If you feel unwell, see a doctor.
Remove Standing Water
Standing water soaks into floors, walls, and furniture quickly. You can use a pump, wet vacuum, or buckets to remove the bulk of it. The faster you act, the less chance mold has to take hold. Open windows and doors to let air move through the space.
If the water came from a storm surge or flood, consider it contaminated. Anything porous that touched floodwater, like carpets, pillows, or mattresses, likely needs to go. Hard surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water, then disinfected. Keep children and pets away until the area is dry.
- Turn off power and water before entering flooded rooms
- Use a pump for deep water, a wet vacuum for shallow
- Move furniture and rugs to a dry area if possible
- Photograph damage for your insurance records
- Throw away food that touched floodwater
Dry Out the Home
Drying is the longest step. Run dehumidifiers and fans for days, not hours, to pull moisture from walls and subfloors. Remove baseboards and drill holes in drywall to let air circulate behind surfaces. If you leave wood wet, it rots and warps.
Check the weather forecast before you open windows. Humid air can slow drying. In areas with heavy spring rains, you may need to keep windows closed and rely on machines. Let the pros handle large-scale drying with industrial equipment.
Sort and Remove Debris
Storm debris includes fallen branches, broken furniture, and soaked building materials. Separate what you can salvage from what is trash. Metal, glass, and electronics need special handling. If you have hazardous waste like paint or batteries, keep it apart.
The pros can remove large items and haul them away. They also know how to dispose of materials safely, especially if the water carried sewage or chemicals. Do not burn debris or bury it in your yard. Check with your city about pickup rules for storm waste.
- Separate green waste from household trash
- Keep electronics and appliances out of the rain
- Set aside anything with asbestos or lead paint
- Use a wheelbarrow for heavy loads
- Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling broken wood
Clean and Disinfect
After the water is gone, clean every surface that remains. Use a detergent to wash away dirt, then a bleach solution or commercial disinfectant to kill bacteria and mold. Pay attention to hidden spots like under cabinets and behind appliances.
Mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours, so act quickly. If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. The pros use specialized equipment and protective gear to remove mold safely. If you have health concerns, such as asthma, leave the cleaning to the pros and stay out of the area.
Repair and Restore
Once everything is dry and clean, you can start repairs. This might mean replacing drywall, flooring, or insulation. You may need a plumber, electrician, or roofer depending on what the storm damaged. Do not rush this step; proper repairs prevent future problems.
The final phase is about putting your home back together. Repainting walls, refinishing floors, and replacing trim are the visible parts. The pros can handle the structural work, from framing to finishing. Keep receipts for materials and labor; your insurance company may need them. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
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Call (214) 730-5993 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
How long does storm cleanup take?
The timeline depends on the size of your home, the amount of water, and how quickly you start. Drying alone can take several days to a week. Full repairs might take weeks. The pros can give you a better idea once they see the damage.
Can I do the cleanup myself?
You can handle small tasks like moving furniture and removing trash. But if water is deep, electricity is involved, or mold has started, you need the pros. They have the equipment and safety training to handle hazardous conditions. Your health matters more than saving money.
What should I throw away after a storm?
Anything porous that touched floodwater should go: carpets, mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture, and drywall. Food and medicine that got wet are unsafe. Hardcover books and photos might be saved if dried slowly. When in doubt, toss it out.