If your house floods, prioritize safety first, then document the damage, stop the water source, contact your insurer, and begin drying out quickly to prevent mold and further damage.
Safety Comes First
In a flood, your first priority is the safety of the people in the home, not the property. If water is rising, electricity is involved, or the structure is unsafe, get everyone out and call for help. Never walk through moving water, and do not enter a flooded basement if the water has reached electrical outlets or appliances.
If it is safe to do so, turn off the power at the breaker and shut off the water supply. If you cannot reach the panel safely, leave it and let the utility handle it.
Stop the Water and Start Documenting
Once everyone is safe, stop the source of the water if you can, and document everything before you touch anything. Photograph and video the damage from every angle, including the water level and affected rooms, and note the date and time. This evidence is the backbone of your insurance claim.
Keep samples of any materials you may need to identify, and do not throw away damaged items until the insurer has seen them. The more complete your documentation, the smoother your claim.
Call Your Insurer Right Away
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claim process. Be ready to describe the cause and extent of the flooding. Note that standard homeowners policies typically do not cover flood damage from rising water, which requires separate flood insurance. Sewer backup and other water sources may be covered differently, so ask specifically.
If you have flood insurance, call that carrier as well. Ask what documentation they need, what temporary work is permitted, and whether you should arrange for a loss assessment.
Dry Out Fast to Prevent Mold
Mold begins growing within a day or two of water exposure, so drying out quickly is critical. Remove standing water with pumps or wet vacuums, and use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to dry the space. Move furniture and rugs out of wet areas and discard soaked porous materials like drywall and insulation that cannot be dried.
Wear protective gear while cleaning, since floodwater can carry contaminants. If the flooding is extensive, professional water remediation services are the right call, and many insurers work with approved providers.
Smarty's Advice Expert Insight
John Smart (Smarty) · Smarty Home Solutions / eXp Realty Agent, AI Certified Agent
Your Next Step After a Flood
People first, then document, then the insurer, then dry everything out fast. Speed and documentation are the two things that separate a manageable flood claim from a prolonged disaster.
John Smart, AI-Certified Agent with eXp Realty helps Philadelphia-area homeowners think about flood risk and recovery. Call 215-598-6848 or schedule a free consultation.
Related reading: Preventing water damage | What insurance covers