The short answer
Safety First Before You Enter
Storm surge floodwater is often contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and debris. Do not enter your home until authorities confirm it is structurally safe. Check for downed power lines and gas leaks from outside. If you smell gas or see sparks, leave immediately and contact the utility company.
Wear rubber boots, gloves, and an N95 mask while inside. Open windows and doors to let fresh air move through. Keep children and pets away from the flooded area. If you have open cuts or feel sick, see a doctor promptly.
Remove Water and Moisture Quickly
Use a pump, wet vacuum, or buckets to remove standing water. Work from the lowest point of the home outward. The longer water sits, the more damage it does to walls, floors, and belongings. Start drying within 24 to 48 hours if possible.
After removing the bulk of the water, use mops and towels to soak up remaining moisture. Set up fans and dehumidifiers in every affected room. In humid climates, run them continuously and empty the water collection trays often. Keep windows open when outdoor humidity is lower than indoor levels.
- Turn off electricity at the breaker before entering flooded areas.
- Do not use gas-powered pumps or generators inside the home.
- Remove wet carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture right away.
- Wear waterproof gloves and boots to avoid contact with floodwater.
- Take photos of damage for your insurance records before discarding items.
Sort and Discard Soaked Belongings
Anything porous that soaked up floodwater usually cannot be saved. This includes carpet, padding, drywall, insulation, mattresses, pillows, and cardboard boxes. Remove and bag these items for disposal. Nonporous items like glass, metal, and hard plastic can often be cleaned and disinfected.
For items you keep, wash them with warm water and detergent, then rinse with a bleach solution (one cup of bleach per gallon of water). Dry them completely in the sun if possible. Throw away all food that came into contact with floodwater, including canned goods with damaged seals.
Clean and Disinfect Every Surface
After removing water and debris, scrub all hard surfaces with hot water and heavy-duty cleaner. Pay special attention to walls, floors, countertops, and cabinets. Use a disinfectant solution to kill bacteria and mold spores. Rinse thoroughly and let surfaces dry completely.
Floodwater can leave behind mud and silt that hide harmful germs. Clean in small sections and change your cleaning water often. For walls, cut out damaged drywall at least 12 inches above the waterline. Remove baseboards and trim to allow the wall cavity to dry.
Dry the Structure Thoroughly
Drying a flood-damaged home takes time, often several days or weeks. Use industrial fans and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from wood, concrete, and wall cavities. Check hidden spaces like under cabinets, behind appliances, and inside crawl spaces for trapped water.
Monitor moisture levels with a moisture meter if you have one. If you notice warping, discoloration, or a musty smell, mold may be forming. For large floods, local water damage pros often use specialized drying equipment and moisture detection tools. If the job feels overwhelming, consider hiring them. Drying a flood-damaged home takes time, often several days or weeks. Use industrial fans and dehumidifiers to pull moisture from wood, concrete, and wall cavities. Check hidden spaces like under cabinets, behind appliances, and inside crawl spaces for trapped water.
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Call (386) 272-5697 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (386) 272-5697Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry out a home after a storm surge?
Drying can take several days to a few weeks, depending on the extent of flooding, materials, and weather. Running fans and dehumidifiers continuously helps. The pros use moisture meters to know when the structure is truly dry. Be patient, as rushing can leave hidden moisture that leads to mold.
Can I save my furniture after a flood?
Solid wood furniture can often be cleaned and dried if it was not submerged for long. Particleboard, laminate, and upholstered pieces usually need to be thrown out. Disassemble furniture to dry all parts. Remove drawers and let them air out. Disinfect surfaces and check for swelling or warping.
Should I hire pros for storm surge cleanup?
For large floods, pros have industrial pumps, dryers, and experience handling contaminated water. They can also inspect walls and floors for hidden damage. If the flood affected more than a few rooms, or if you have health concerns, hiring local water damage pros is a practical option. Cost depends on the extent of damage and your location.