How Do You Protect a Home From Storm Damage Immediately After?

Once it is safe, work to stop more water from coming in. Use sandbags, plywood, or heavy plastic sheeting to cover broken windows or doors. If the roof is leaking, place a bucket under the leak and move contents away from the area.

For a rising flood, move furniture and boxes to the highest floor or onto blocks. If you have a wet-dry vacuum, use it to remove standing water. The quicker you act, the less time moisture has to soak into walls and floors.

• Move rugs and upholstered furniture to a dry spot
• Lift electronics and appliances off the floor
• Open windows for airflow if the outside air is drier
• Remove wet carpets and padding if you can
• Prop up soaked furniture to let air circulate

Moisture is your enemy after a storm. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to dry out the space. If the power is off, a generator can run fans, but place it outside and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Remove soaked drywall and insulation if water reached them, as they can harbor mold. Dispose of wet items that cannot be cleaned, like mattresses and cardboard boxes. The goal is to lower humidity and prevent mold growth.

• Run a dehumidifier in the wettest room
• Wipe down wet surfaces with a mild detergent
• Pull up wet carpet and padding
• Use a shop vacuum to suck up puddles
• Hang wet clothes and fabrics to dry outside