What Should I Do Immediately After a Major Storm?

Your family's safety is the absolute priority. Wait for official word that it is safe to return to your neighborhood. Do not walk, drive, or swim through floodwaters, as they can be electrically charged or hide dangerous debris. If your home has visible structural damage, like a collapsed roof or walls, stay out until a building inspector says it is structurally sound.

When you can enter safely, wear protective gear like rubber boots and gloves. Check for immediate hazards such as downed power lines, gas leaks, or broken glass. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call the utility company from a safe location. Turn off the main electrical breaker if you can do so safely, especially if there is standing water inside.

Your next step is to prevent further damage, which is called mitigation. If it is safe, remove standing water with a pump or wet-dry vacuum. Move undamaged furniture and valuables to a dry area. Promote air circulation by opening windows and using fans, if the weather permits. These actions can slow secondary damage like mold growth or wood warping.

Remove soaked carpets, rugs, and upholstery from the home if you can. Pull up wet carpet padding immediately, as it holds moisture against the floor. Wipe down wet surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner. Place aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent staining on damp carpets. Quick action here limits the overall scope and cost of the professional restoration work needed later.

• Pump or bucket out standing water from basements or low areas.
• Move salvageable items to a dry, elevated space like a garage or second floor.
• Pull up soaked carpet and padding to allow the subfloor to dry.
• Open windows and use fans to increase ventilation in affected rooms.
• Wipe down all hard surfaces with a disinfectant to inhibit microbial growth.
• Place plastic sheeting or tarps over any roof damage to prevent more water entry.

For significant flooding or water saturation in walls and floors, you will need professional equipment and expertise. Local water damage pros have industrial-grade air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to dry a structure properly. They can also assess hidden damage behind walls or under floors. Trying to dry a home yourself often leads to missed moisture and future mold problems.

In many climates, hot and humid summer weather means indoor humidity can remain high, which slows evaporation. Professional drying targets this deep moisture to prevent secondary damage. Storm flooding can sometimes bring in contaminated water, which requires specific cleanup protocols. The pros follow industry standards for this type of remediation.