Flood Cleanup Checklist for Homeowners

Flood water is category 3 — the industry term for grossly contaminated. Handle it accordingly.

Turn off electricity to affected areas

Do not walk into standing water without shutting off power at the breaker. If the breaker itself is wet, wait for an electrician.

Document everything before you touch it

Photograph every room, every damaged item, and the exterior of the house. Your insurance carrier will need this.

Get a restoration company on site

Water extraction has to happen within hours, not days. Every hour of delay increases the odds of mold growth and secondary damage.

Remove porous contaminated materials

Carpet pad, upholstery, particleboard cabinets and drywall that sat in category 3 water usually cannot be saved. Restoration crews will cut drywall two feet above the water line.

Sanitize hard surfaces

Remaining framing and hard surfaces are cleaned with an EPA-registered antimicrobial after debris is out.

Dry to industry standard

Daily moisture readings, air movers and dehumidifiers run until structural materials return to normal moisture content. Skipping this step guarantees mold.

Keep a written log

Every step above generates paperwork you may need for your claim.