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During flooding: leave when told and stay out of the water
Follow local alerts and evacuation instructions. If officials order an evacuation, leave promptly and do not drive around barricades. Ready.gov’s flood guidance warns, “Turn Around. Don’t Drown!” Six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and one foot can sweep a vehicle away, according to FEMA’s Floods guidance. Floodwater can also hide debris and other hazards.
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- Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwater.
- Do not touch wet electrical equipment or enter water near electrical equipment. Stay clear of downed power lines and report them to the appropriate utility or emergency service.
- Do not assume tap water is safe to drink after a flood. Check with your local health department or water utility for current instructions.
Before reentering: wait for clearance and check hazards
Do not go back inside until authorities say the area is safe. EPA’s Flooded Home guidance says to wait for professionals to tell you it is safe to reenter. A home can have serious hazards that are not obvious from the doorway.
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- Structural damage: Watch for unstable floors, ceilings, walls, stairs, or other signs that the building may not be safe.
- Electrical hazards: Do not touch wet equipment, wiring, or appliances. If electrical systems may have been flooded or damaged, ask the utility or a qualified electrician what to do.
- Gas, sewer, or contaminated water: If you suspect a leak, sewage problem, or contaminated water, leave the area and contact the relevant utility or local authority. Do not try to resolve an unknown hazard yourself.
- Other hazards: Floods can bring chemicals, debris, and displaced animals into a home. Keep children out of the area.
If the structure or utilities may be damaged, do not begin cleanup until the appropriate authority or qualified trade professional has addressed the risk.
#1 Best Overall
- CORE ADVANTAGE. Vacuum wet/dry messes AND mop tough stains simultaneously—no pre-sweeping! Clean pet-messy floors faster and more efficiently.
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- VERSATILE USE. Safely cleans all hard floors (tile, wood, laminate, vinyl, linoleum) plus area rugs/mats. One machine for your whole house.
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Document damage before cleanup
Once reentry is cleared and it is safe to be inside, photograph the home and damaged belongings before moving or discarding them. Make a list of damaged or lost items, and contact your insurer to ask how to document the claim and what to do next. Keep records of communications and any cleanup decisions or expenses.
Decide whether cleanup is safe to do yourself
Flood cleanup is a health and safety job: floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals, debris, and microbes. Consider the hazards, the amount of water and damage, the time needed to dry the property, and whether everyone doing the work can use protective equipment correctly. Stop and seek qualified help if the work is dangerous, extensive, or beyond your ability. EPA does not certify cleanup contractors or maintain a contractor list; verify qualifications, references, and any applicable state or local requirements.
Rank #2
- PORTABLE: Lightweight, 2.5-gallon wet dry shop vac offers unparalleled mobility
- IDEAL FOR SMALL MESSES: Perfect for the home, garage, cars, trucks and vans
- EASY TO STORE: Compact size, carry handle and cord wrap feature allow for easy storage
- TWO-IN-ONE CAPABILITY: Shop vacuum can be used as a blower for added versatility
- DESIGNED FOR TIGHT SPACES: 1-1/4 in. shop vacuum accessories allow for maneuverability in tight areas
Children should not take part in disaster cleanup. CDC and EPA guidance also advises pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems or chronic breathing problems such as asthma not to participate. People with asthma or immune suppression should stay away from buildings with visible or smelled mold or indoor water leaks. See CDC’s Shopping List for Cleaning Mold in Your Home After a Flood and EPA’s Flood Cleanup Infographic.
Prepare protective equipment and a clean area
If authorities have cleared the home and the work is safe for you, use protective equipment before handling wet debris or cleaning. EPA and CDC guidance names an N95 respirator, goggles without holes, protective gloves, long sleeves and pants, and boots or work shoes. Follow the respirator’s fit and use instructions. Keep food, drinking water, hygiene supplies, and first aid in a clean area away from the cleanup zone. After mold cleanup, wash your hands and change clothes.
Rank #3
- STRONG SUCTION: 2 Peak HP to quickly clean-up wet and dry messes
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The 2.5-gallon durable polypropylene tank is perfect for small messes and the wheel-base and top handle make it easy to carry on the job
- CONVERTS TO BLOWER: Easily blow leaves and larger debris from the garage or windshield with a simple conversion
- INTEGRATED HOSE AND ACCESSORY STORAGE: Keeps the hose, cord, and nozzles in one place so you can easily access them
- 13 ACCESSORIES: Equipped with a 12-ft cord and 6-ft x 1-1/4-inch hose, (3) extension wands, crevice tool, blower nozzle adapter, deluxe car nozzle, round dust brush, detail brush, 2-in-1 utility nozzle, floor brush/squeegee nozzle, reusable cloth filter, foam wet filter, this vac is designed to handle various cleaning needs.
Remove water and wet materials without creating new hazards
Remove standing water and wet debris or materials only after hazards are controlled. Never use a fuel-powered machine indoors. If you use a generator, EPA and FEMA/Ready.gov guidance calls for placing it outside at least 20 feet from a building, away from standing water, and where exhaust cannot enter doors, windows, or other openings.
Wet porous materials can be difficult or impossible to clean and dry safely. Sewage- or floodwater-contaminated drywall and insulation should be removed and discarded. Carpet and padding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and some paper goods may also be impossible to clean adequately; discard items that cannot be cleaned and dried quickly.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL CLEANING: This wet and dry vacuum effectively tackles messes, ideal for home, garage, or job site cleaning tasks
- DURABLE DESIGN: Featuring a sturdy stainless steel tank, this wet vacuum cleaner withstands repeated use, maintaining efficiency
- VERSATILE ACCESSORIES: This wet and dry vacuum cleaner includes a reusable cloth filter, foam wet filter, and locking hose, plus multiple nozzles and extension wands for diverse cleaning tasks
- CONVENIENT STORAGE: On-board storage keeps tools and accessories organized and accessible, enabling seamless transitions between modes with this shop vacuum wet and dry
- EASY MOBILITY: Equipped with sturdy wheels and a lightweight frame, this small shop vac moves effortlessly across various surfaces, providing convenience and efficiency where needed
Clean first, then disinfect if needed
Clean surfaces gently with clean water and detergent before using a disinfectant. EPA explains that bleach and other disinfectants do not work well until dirt and debris have been removed. If you use a disinfectant, follow its label directions, including ventilation and contact time.
Recommended Free Tools
Never mix bleach with other cleaners or add it to unknown flood contaminants. EPA’s Flood Cleanup to Protect Indoor Air and Your Health states: “DO NOT MIX CLEANING PRODUCTS together or add bleach to other chemicals.” Mixing products can create toxic vapors.
Best Value
- Beast Series High-Performance Motor with 320 Air Watts of Power, 20kPa
- Equipped with High-Efficiency Cartridge Filter & Dust Bag for Capturing Fine Dust Particles Down to 1 Micron in Size
- 25-Feet of Cleaning Reach with Premium Kink-Resistant Hose and Power Cord
- 9 Accessories, including a Car, Utility, and Crevice Tool for Various Tasks
- Complete Vac Organization with On-Board Hose, Cord and Accessory Storage
Dry quickly, with the right airflow sequence
After hazards are controlled and surfaces are cleaned, dry the home and belongings as quickly as possible. EPA recommends aiming to clean and dry them within 24–48 hours if possible; if they could not be dried in that timeframe, assume mold growth may occur. Ventilate if conditions allow.
If mold is already visible, gently clean it before turning on fans or dehumidifiers, because airflow can spread mold. Do not run the HVAC system until the home has been cleaned and dried and necessary repairs or remediation have been addressed.
When to bring in qualified cleanup professionals
Get qualified help when the home has unresolved structural or utility hazards, sewage or chemical contamination, extensive or visible mold, or cleanup needs beyond your household’s capacity. A professional may also be appropriate if the work cannot be completed safely with the available people and equipment. Local authorities determine when reentry is safe; qualified tradespeople or cleanup specialists can assess building-specific work that falls within their expertise.
Quick Recap
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