One minute, your home is a cozy haven, and the next, it’s an indoor swimming pool. Floods are sneaky but can be devastating and leave you overwhelmed, whether they come from a storm, a burst pipe, or an overflowing washing machine.

Flooded Modern Living Room Interior

Fear not, though — this guide will walk you through the steps to reclaim your soggy kingdom.

Safety Above All

First things first. Before you channel your inner hero and dive into cleanup, take a moment to assess the situation. Water and electricity are an especially dangerous duo, so start by turning off the power and gas to prevent further complications and potential hazards.

Once that’s done, do your best to ensure you don’t get in (unnecessary) contact with the water, especially if you’re not sure where it comes from or if it seems contaminated in any way. Floodwater often contains nasty stuff like sewage or chemicals. If it’s not clear where the water came from, treat it like it’s toxic.

Finally, you’ll want to equip yourself with the appropriate protective gear, such as rubber boots, gloves, and maybe even a mask. You’re about to go into battle, so you better be prepared.

Document the Flood Damage

Once it’s safe, channel your inner disaster photographer. Documenting the flood damage is crucial for insurance purposes, so snap pictures of everything and be thorough — wet furniture, water-stained walls, ruined flooring, it’s all suddenly instaworthy.

Your future self (and your insurance adjuster) will thank you.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Speaking of insurance, now’s the time to give them a call. Policies vary, so check what’s covered and follow their instructions. They might send an adjuster to assess the damage or ask you to submit your photos and an inventory of affected items.

You should probably know this already, but I’ll just give you a friendly reminder to keep your receipts for any immediate expenses, like temporary lodging or supplies, as these may be reimbursable.

Stop the Water and Ventilate

If the flood’s source is internal, like a busted pipe, stop the water flow by closing the appropriate valve. Call a plumber if necessary. Once the water’s off, open windows and doors to improve airflow. The faster things dry out, the less mold you’ll have to deal with.

Dive Into Cleanup

And we’ve finally reached the meat of the operation — the cleaning. Grab your mop, bucket, and a healthy dose of determination. You’ll need that last one. Here’s a bit of a checklist to get you through step-by-step:

1. Remove Standing Water

Use a wet/dry vacuum, sump pump, or good old-fashioned buckets to get rid of standing water. If the water’s deep, you may need professional help.

2. Dry It Out

Fans and dehumidifiers are your new best friends. Focus on drying walls, flooring, and furniture.

3. Sort and Toss

Some items can be salvaged, others not so much. Toss anything porous that’s been soaked, such as carpets, mattresses, and insulation. I’m sorry, but there’s no saving those. Keep any non-porous items that can be disinfected, such as plastic and metal.

Call in the Pros

Time to bring in the cavalry. Professional restoration services can assess structural damage, handle hazardous materials, and speed up the drying process. The water remediation process ensures your home is properly restored and safe to live in again.

Prepare to Meet Your New Archenemy — Mold

As I’m sure you know, mold thrives in damp environments, and the problems it can bring into your life range far beyond its unsightliness. Keep an eye out for musty smells and discolored spots on walls or ceilings.

If mold takes hold, it’s best to call professionals. Mold remediation is not a DIY project unless you’re a licensed expert with a hazmat suit lying around.

Repair and Restore

Assuming you were able to get your home dry and mold-free, it’s time to rebuild. Depending on the extent of the flood damage, this might involve:

  • Replacing drywall and insulation
  • Refinishing or replacing flooring
  • Repainting walls

Now that you’ve gone through this ordeal and have a chance to rebuild, consider upgrading your materials to more flood-resistant options, like tile flooring or waterproof wall coatings, to save yourself from future headaches should anything like this happen again.

Learn from the Experience

Speaking of opportunities, if you’re a glass-half-full type of person, you could look at this experience as a chance to learn. Floods happen, but there are steps you can take to minimize future risks.

For example, a sump pump with a battery backup can keep your basement dry during heavy rains. You can also take a few hours to inspect your roof, windows, and foundation for vulnerabilities.

If you’re in a flood-prone area, place appliances like your water heater and washer on platforms, and make sure to review your insurance coverage. Standard homeowner policies don’t usually cover flood damage. Consider a separate flood insurance policy if you’re at risk.

Allow Yourself to Feel the Emotional Toll

Seeing your home in disarray is objectively heartbreaking. Give yourself permission to feel frustrated or sad; any sane person would. Lean on friends, family, or even support groups. Just remember that homes can be repaired, and life moves forward.

, How to Handle Flood Damage: A Homeowner’s Guide, Days of a Domestic Dad