The short answer
Start with Safety
After a storm, your first job is to keep everyone safe. Check for downed power lines, gas leaks, or structural damage before you enter any room. If you smell gas or see sparks, leave the house and call the utility company from outside.
Put on sturdy shoes, gloves, and a mask to protect yourself from broken glass, nails, and dust. Know where your water shutoff valve is so you can stop leaks quickly. See a doctor if you feel unwell during cleanup.
Remove Debris Carefully
- Wear heavy gloves when handling broken wood or metal
- Watch for nails sticking out of boards
- Keep children and pets away from debris piles
- Do not stack debris against your house
- Photograph damage before you move anything
Dry Wet Areas Fast
Water left standing can soak into walls, floors, and furniture within hours. Open windows and doors to let air move through. Use fans and a dehumidifier to pull moisture out of the air, especially in humid climates.
Remove wet carpets, rugs, and padding as soon as you can. Lift furniture off wet floors with blocks or foil. If you have a flooded crawl space, do not enter until the water level has dropped and the power is off.
Sort Damaged Items
Go through your belongings and decide what can be saved. Dry, clean items like glass jars and metal tools often survive. Porous things like mattresses, pillows, and cardboard boxes usually cannot be saved if they got wet.
Throw away food that touched floodwater or storm water, including canned goods if the seal is broken. Keep a list of damaged items for your insurance records. Take photos of everything before you discard it.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to understand what you need to document.
- Discard soaked insulation and drywall
- Save metal tools after drying and oiling them
- Throw out mattresses, pillows, and stuffed toys
- Clean hard surfaces with soap and water
- Keep receipts for cleaning supplies
Know When to Call Pros
Some storm cleanup jobs are too big or risky for a homeowner. If water reached your electrical outlets, if your ceiling is sagging, or if you smell sewage, call local water damage pros. They have the right tools to handle large-scale drying and sanitizing.
For heavy debris removal or structural concerns, a tree service or a roofer may be needed. If mold has already started growing, a mold professional can assess the situation. Acting quickly helps limit damage, so do not wait to ask for help.
Need help right now?
Phones are answered 24/7 for Rowlett and nearby communities.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to dry things out?
Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours on wet surfaces. You should begin drying wet areas as soon as it is safe to enter. The faster you remove standing water and start fans, the better your chances of saving belongings.
Can I clean storm water myself?
For small spills and light rain, you can clean with soap and water. But flood water or sewage requires professional handling because it can contain bacteria and chemicals. If the water came from outside or a toilet, call the pros to avoid health risks.
What should I do with wet drywall?
Wet drywall usually needs to be cut out and replaced, especially if it got soaked through. You can cut a small section to check for moisture. If the drywall is soft or crumbly, remove it to prevent mold. For large areas, a contractor can handle the repair.