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What Is the First Thing to Do When Your Home Floods?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

Stop the Water Source

The very first move is to stop more water from coming in. If the flood comes from a burst pipe, a failed appliance, or an overflowing fixture, find the shutoff valve for that area. In many homes, the main water valve sits near the water meter or where the supply line enters the house. If you live in Port St. Lucie, keep the location of your shutoff valve written down and easy to find.

If the water comes from outside, like heavy rain or a rising creek, you cannot stop the source. In that case, move to safety first and focus on protecting yourself and your family. Do not wade into moving water, and never try to remove debris from a flooded area while water is still flowing.

Shut off Electricity

Water and electricity are a deadly mix. Once the water source is controlled, or if you cannot control it, go to your main electrical panel and turn off the breaker that powers the affected rooms. If the panel is in a flooded area or if you must stand in water to reach it, do not touch it. Leave the home and call the power company or an electrician.

Also turn off the gas supply if you smell gas or if the flood has damaged appliances. Gas leaks can cause explosions. If you smell gas, leave the house immediately and call the gas company from outside. Do not switch on lights or use any electrical switch until a professional confirms it is safe.

  • Find your main water shutoff valve before an emergency
  • Locate your electrical panel and learn how to turn off the main breaker
  • Know where the gas shutoff valve is, and keep a wrench nearby
  • Never enter a flooded room if water reaches outlets or appliances
  • Keep your phone charged and store emergency numbers in writing

Document the Damage

Before you move anything or start cleaning, take photos and videos of every wet area. Capture the water level, the source of the leak, and any damaged belongings. This record helps your insurance company understand what happened. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Write down the date and time the flood started and when you noticed it. Keep receipts for any supplies you buy for temporary fixes, like buckets or towels. Do not throw away damaged items until you have documented them and checked with your insurer. Some policies require you to keep damaged property for inspection.

Call Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as you are safe. Tell them what happened and share your photos and notes. They will tell you what steps to take next and what your policy covers. Do not assume anything is covered or not covered. Ask specific questions about cleanup, temporary repairs, and living expenses if you cannot stay home.

Do not wait to make this call. Some policies have time limits for filing a claim. Even if you are unsure whether the damage is covered, a quick call gets the process started. Your insurer may also give you a list of approved steps to prevent further damage, like covering a broken window or shutting off water to a specific area.

Start Drying and Cleaning

After you have documented everything and spoken with your insurer, begin removing standing water and drying out the space. Use a wet vacuum or mop and buckets if the water is shallow. Open windows and run fans or dehumidifiers to pull moisture from the air. The longer materials stay wet, the higher the risk of mold and structural damage.

Remove soaked rugs, furniture, and drywall that cannot be saved. Place them outside or in a dry area. Do not attempt major structural work yourself. For large floods or hidden damage, local water damage pros can handle the drying and cleanup. They have industrial equipment and know how to check walls, floors, and insulation for trapped moisture.

  • Remove standing water with a pump or wet vacuum
  • Open windows and doors to increase airflow
  • Run dehumidifiers and fans for at least 24 hours
  • Take out soaked carpets, padding, and furniture
  • Cut away wet drywall and insulation in affected areas
  • Wear gloves, boots, and a mask while cleaning

Water damage does not wait

Every hour counts once water gets into floors and walls. One call starts the response.

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Frequently asked questions

How long can I wait before starting cleanup?

Start within 24 to 48 hours if you can. Mold can begin growing on wet surfaces in that time. The sooner you remove standing water and start drying, the better the chance of saving materials and preventing health issues. If you cannot do it yourself, call the pros quickly.

Should I throw away wet furniture right away?

Not yet. Take photos and list every item first. Some furniture can be dried and saved, especially if the water is clean. Porous items like mattresses and upholstered couches often cannot be fully dried and may need to go. Check with your insurance company before discarding anything.

Can I use a regular fan to dry out a flooded room?

Yes, but only if the power is off and the room is dry enough to use electricity safely. If water has reached outlets, do not plug anything in. Once the area is dry, use fans and a dehumidifier to pull moisture from walls and floors. For serious floods, industrial drying equipment works faster.

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