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First 48 hours

Flood: what to do in the first 48 hours

By Vincent WallaceUpdated Expert review pending

What to do right now

Return home only when authorities say it is safe (Ready.gov). Stay out of floodwater, which CDC says may contain sewage. Keep generators outside, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents (CDC). Photograph everything before you clean, keep samples of carpet and flooring, then call your flood insurer (FloodSmart). Standard homeowners policies do not cover flooding. If the President declares a disaster, you can also apply for FEMA help.

On this page
  1. First hour: get home safely
  2. First 24 hours: protect yourself and document everything
  3. 24 to 48 hours: muck out and dry
  4. After 48 hours: what comes next

First hour: get home safely

  1. Go back only when authorities say it is safe. Ready.gov is clear on this.
  2. Do not walk or drive through floodwater. CDC says it may contain sewage, chemicals and debris. Downed power lines can charge it with electricity.
  3. Check the outside before you enter. If you see downed lines, cracks in walls or the foundation, or downed trees on the house, stay out and have a professional inspect it (CDC).
  4. If you smell gas, CDC says turn off the main gas valve if you can, open windows and leave right away. Call the gas company from outside.
  5. Do not touch electrical equipment that is wet. Never turn power on or off while standing in water (CDC).
  6. Run generators only outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents (CDC).

First 24 hours: protect yourself and document everything

  1. Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves and goggles. Cover cuts with a waterproof bandage (CDC).
  2. Keep children and pets out of the cleanup area.
  3. Take photos and video of every room and damaged item. Note the make, model and serial number of appliances and electronics (FloodSmart).
  4. Keep samples of flood-damaged carpet, flooring and curtains for the adjuster (FloodSmart).
  5. Report the loss to your flood insurer as soon as possible. Homeowners insurance usually does not cover flooding (Ready.gov).
  6. Throw out food that may have touched floodwater. CDC says when in doubt, throw it out.

24 to 48 hours: muck out and dry

  1. After you document them, remove items you cannot clean or dry quickly: mattresses, carpet, rugs, upholstered furniture, pillows, books and paper (CDC).
  2. Cut out drywall and insulation that floodwater touched (CDC).
  3. Open windows and run fans. CDC says to dry the home within 24 to 48 hours to limit mold. See mold after a flood.
  4. Do not drink or wash with water from a flooded well until it is tested (EPA advice for flooded wells).
  5. If a disaster is declared, apply for FEMA help at DisasterAssistance.gov, on the FEMA App, or at 800-621-3362. File your insurance claim first (FEMA).
  6. FEMA does not charge to apply. Anyone asking for a fee to get you FEMA money is a scammer (FTC).

After 48 hours: what comes next

Our flood cleanup guide walks through gutting and drying room by room. Check water damage restoration costs before you sign with anyone, and read FEMA disaster assistance to understand the application. Before you hire, scan our list of restoration scams and red flags. More flood help is on the flood hub.

When to call a pro

  • Water reached outlets, the electrical panel or the furnace.
  • You see foundation cracks, shifted walls or sagging floors.
  • You smell gas or hear hissing.
  • Floodwater soaked drywall and insulation that must be cut out.
  • Mold covers more than about 10 square feet (EPA).
  • Your well or septic system flooded.

Questions to ask before you hire anyone

Common mistakes

  • Going back before officials say it is safe.
  • Running a generator in the garage or near an open window.
  • Throwing out flooded items before photographing them and keeping samples for the adjuster.
  • Waiting to file your flood claim until after you apply to FEMA. FEMA says file with insurance first.
  • Paying someone who says they can get you FEMA money. FEMA does not charge application fees (FTC).

Flood: first 48 hours

Questions people ask

Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?

Usually not. Ready.gov says homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding. Flood damage is covered by a separate flood policy, either through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. Check your policy documents and call your insurer to confirm what you have.

What should I throw away after a flood?

CDC says to throw away anything you cannot clean or dry quickly, like mattresses, carpet, rugs, upholstered furniture, pillows, books and paper. Remove drywall and insulation that floodwater touched. Throw out food that may have touched floodwater. Photograph items first and keep samples for your adjuster.

How do I apply for FEMA help after a flood?

FEMA help is available only after a presidential disaster declaration. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA App, or by calling 800-621-3362. FEMA says to file your insurance claim before you apply, because it cannot pay for losses your insurance covers.

Sources

  1. Floods, Ready.gov (FEMA) (October 17, 2024)
  2. Safety Guidelines: Floodwater, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (August 24, 2026)
  3. Safety Guidelines: Reentering Your Flooded Home, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (August 24, 2026)
  4. Guidelines for Cleaning Safely After a Disaster, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (August 26, 2026)
  5. Start a Claim, FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (FloodSmart) (accessed 2026-10-19)
  6. How to Apply for Assistance (FS-002), Federal Emergency Management Agency (September 15, 2025)
  7. Frequent Questions About Flooded Homes, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (August 28, 2026)
  8. How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters, Federal Trade Commission (April 28, 2026)

Safety note. This page follows CDC, Ready.gov, FEMA and American Red Cross guidance; it cannot see your home. Return home only when authorities say it is safe. When in doubt, wait for a professional.

How this page was made. Drafted with AI assistance from the public agency, statute and industry sources listed above, then edited and published by Vincent Wallace. An independent expert has not yet reviewed this page; when one does, their name and the review date will appear at the top. See our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Tell us.