The short answer
Safety First
After a hurricane, your first priority is safety. Check for injuries and get medical help if needed. Do not enter a flooded home until officials say it is safe. Floodwater can hide downed power lines, sharp debris, and sewage. Even if the water looks calm, it may be deeper or faster than it appears. Stay on high ground and watch for unstable structures.
Turn off the main power and gas supply if you can do so without standing in water. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave the house and call the gas company. Keep children and pets away from flooded areas. Also, avoid using any electrical appliances that got wet until they are checked by a professional.
Document the Damage
Once it is safe, take photos and videos of all water damage before you move anything. This includes wet carpets, soaked drywall, and damaged belongings. Your insurance company will need this evidence to process your claim. Capture wide shots of each room and close-ups of water lines on walls.
Make a list of damaged items and their approximate value. Do not throw anything away until your adjuster has seen it. If you have to remove items for safety, keep a sample or tag them clearly. Note the date and time of each photo you take, and keep receipts for any emergency purchases you make.
- Take wide shots of each room
- Capture close-ups of water lines on walls
- Photograph serial numbers of appliances
- Note the date and time of each photo
- Keep receipts for any emergency purchases
Stop the Water
If floodwater is still entering, try to stop it. Move furniture and rugs to higher ground. Use sandbags or heavy plastic sheeting to block doorways. If a pipe burst, shut off the main water valve. In Mesa, know where your shutoff valve is located before an emergency.
Do not wade into moving water. Even shallow water can knock you off your feet. If you cannot stop the water safely, focus on protecting valuables and wait for help. For example, move electronics and important documents to higher shelves or tables. If the water is rising quickly, get to higher ground and call for assistance.
Start Drying Out
Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours, so act quickly. Open windows and doors to let air circulate. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry wet areas. Remove standing water with a wet-dry vacuum or pump if you have one. The sooner you start drying, the less damage mold can cause to your home and health.
Pull up wet carpet and padding, and remove soaked drywall up to the water line. This is heavy work, so take breaks and lift with your legs. If you have health issues, consider hiring the pros for this task. They have the right tools to do the job safely and thoroughly.
- Wear rubber boots and gloves
- Use a mask to avoid mold spores
- Throw away soaked insulation
- Clean surfaces with soap and water
- Dry wooden furniture outdoors if possible
Call the Pros
Hurricane cleanup is often too big for one person. The pros can handle flood damage cleanup, including water extraction and drying. They have industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters to check hidden areas.
They can also remove water-damaged flooring and drywall safely. Ask about their process for preventing mold. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered, so check your policy to see what costs are reimbursable. Also ask about the timeline for drying and what you can do in the meantime.
Water damage does not wait
Call (480) 898-4279 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file an insurance claim after a hurricane?
Most insurance policies have a time limit for filing claims, often 1 year, but it can be shorter. Check your policy or call your insurance company soon after the storm. Delays can hurt your claim, so start the process as soon as you are safe.
Can I clean up floodwater myself?
You can do basic drying and removal of wet items, but floodwater may contain sewage and chemicals. Wear protective gear and avoid skin contact. For large areas or if you have health concerns, it is safer to hire the pros.
What should I throw away after a flood?
Throw away any food that touched floodwater, along with mattresses, pillows, and stuffed toys. Also discard drywall, insulation, and carpet that soaked up water. Keep items with sentimental value if they can be cleaned, but dry them quickly to prevent mold.