If floodwater entered your home, do not rush inside or start cleanup until local officials or qualified professionals say reentry is safe. Floodwater, damaged wiring and weakened structures can all pose serious hazards. Once you are cleared to enter, protect people first, document damage if safe, remove contaminated wet materials, clean and dry the home, and get professional help when the water, damage or mold is beyond a safe DIY job.
1. Wait for the all-clear before reentry
Follow local emergency orders and wait until authorities or qualified professionals indicate the building is safe. A doorway that looks accessible does not mean the structure or its utilities are safe. Floodwater may conceal electrical hazards, unstable floors, debris and contamination.
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- If standing water is present and the main power can be switched off from a dry, safe location, turn it off. Never step into water to reach a breaker, meter or electrical equipment.
- Follow instructions from your utility or local emergency officials for shutting off electricity, gas or water; the correct procedure depends on the building and location.
- If you are allowed to enter, go during daylight if possible. Use a battery-powered flashlight or lantern, not candles, gas lanterns or torches.
- Leave immediately if you notice shifting or sagging structures, damaged wiring, gas odors or other conditions that seem unsafe, and contact qualified help.
CDC’s reentry safety guidance and EPA’s flooded-home guidance offer further precautions.
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2. Keep people safe and use protective gear
Assume floodwater and anything it soaked may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals or microorganisms. Keep children and older adults out of cleanup. People with asthma or other breathing problems, weakened immune systems, or other health concerns that make exposure risky should stay away from moldy areas and consider asking a clinician for advice.
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For a cleanup entry, EPA lists an N95 respirator, goggles without holes, gloves and clothing that covers exposed skin as minimum protective equipment. Wear boots or waders if standing water is present. This equipment does not make an unstable building or a hazardous cleanup site safe to enter.
- Stop and get qualified assistance if the home is visibly unstable, heavily contaminated or too difficult to clean safely.
- After leaving a moldy area, shower and change clothes. Keep contaminated clothing away from clean living areas if possible.
- Where practical, separate unaffected rooms from the cleanup area. Avoid carrying debris or mold dust through clean parts of the home.
See EPA’s advice on protecting indoor air and health during flood cleanup.
3. Photograph damage and contact your insurer
If it is safe to do so, photograph the home and damaged belongings before cleanup begins, then contact your insurer and follow your policy’s instructions. Keep notes and records that may help document the damage. Coverage, required procedures and deadlines depend on the policy and circumstances, so do not assume a particular item or cleanup cost will be reimbursed. Documentation should never delay an urgent step needed to protect life or prevent immediate further damage.
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4. Remove water and wet materials carefully
Once the site and electricity are safe, remove standing water and wet materials while watching for slips, trips, hidden debris and structural damage. Discard items that cannot be cleaned and dried. Porous materials such as carpet or ceiling tiles may need to be discarded if moldy, because mold can grow within their spaces.
Contain debris as much as practical and follow local instructions for disposal. There is no single disposal rule that applies to every community or type of flood waste; check local waste or emergency guidance before placing material at the curb.
5. Clean surfaces without spreading mold or contamination
EPA recommends gently cleaning surfaces with clean water and detergent to remove loose dirt and microorganisms, then drying them promptly. If visible mold is already growing, clean it before using fans, which can spread mold through the air. Open doors and windows for ventilation when it is safe and feasible.
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- Do not mix cleaning products or add bleach to other chemicals.
- If you are unsure whether water was contaminated, whether an item can be salvaged, or how to clean a large area, seek professional advice.
- EPA says a homeowner can often handle a moldy area smaller than about 10 square feet. Larger areas, substantial water damage, or sewage or other contaminated water may call for an experienced professional. The size guidance is not a guarantee that a smaller cleanup is safe in every situation.
EPA’s mold cleanup guidance explains when to consider professional help and how to assess a moldy area.
6. Dry the home and handle HVAC carefully
Dry the home and its contents as quickly as possible. EPA recommends aiming to dry them within 24–48 hours where feasible to reduce mold risk. That is a time-sensitive target, not a promise that everything can be saved or that drying alone resolves contamination.
Use fans or dehumidifiers only after electrical hazards are resolved and visible mold has been gently cleaned. Do not use the HVAC system to dry the home if floodwater affected its ducts or components. Have an experienced professional assess an affected system, and do not turn HVAC on until cleanup and drying are complete and needed repairs or remediation have been addressed. EPA’s instruction is: “Do not turn on your HVAC system until you have completed all the steps to clean and dry the home and have addressed needed repairs and remediation.”
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After the home is clean and safe, EPA suggests keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally between 30 and 50 percent. A dehumidifier can help manage moisture, but it does not replace cleanup, repairs or safe electrical service.
7. Use generators only outdoors
Run a fuel-powered portable generator outdoors, at least 20 feet from buildings, with its exhaust directed away from doors, windows and other openings. Never operate one inside a home, garage or other enclosed space. Keep it away from standing water and wet areas, and elevate it if needed to reduce electrical hazards. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local emergency guidance.
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8. Decide whether professional help is needed
DIY cleanup may be reasonable only when the building and utilities are safe, the water and affected area can be handled safely, and you can use appropriate protective equipment and dry materials promptly. Call an experienced professional when the situation involves contaminated water, extensive mold, substantial water damage, structural uncertainty or possible HVAC contamination. Also get help if you cannot safely complete the work or protect unaffected areas.
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When choosing a cleanup or mold-remediation professional, ask about relevant qualifications, training and experience, and request references. EPA does not certify contractors or maintain a list of cleanup contractors; its guidance is available at Flood Cleanup to Protect Indoor Air and Your Health.
9. Check that the home is ready to occupy
EPA says a home is likely ready for reoccupation when materials that cannot be cleaned and dried have been removed, essential equipment has been replaced, the house and contents have dried, and remaining surfaces and materials have been cleaned. Persistent mold, musty odors, visible water damage or symptoms may indicate that more work is needed. EPA does not generally recommend mold sampling as the first step; inspection and correcting moisture or contamination are more useful starting points.
Follow local officials’ occupancy instructions and have flood-affected HVAC systems assessed and cleaned by an experienced professional before using them. These steps are general U.S. guidance, not a substitute for local orders, a building inspection, utility directions, medical advice or your insurance policy.
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