What to do when water gets into your house
Electricity, gas, water depth and contamination. The order of decisions once the flood is already inside, and what not to touch when you return.
Once the water is inside, decisions get made in minutes and with noise. Knowing the order avoids the two most common sources of harm: electrocution during the flood and infection during the cleanup.
While the water is rising
- Shut off electricity if the panel is dry and reachable, and so are you. If there is already water around the panel, do not touch it.
- Shut off gas if your utility recommends it for flooding.
- Move essentials up: medication, documents, phone, chargers, drinking water and shoes.
- Move yourself up, to a floor with a window or roof access.
- Tell someone outside the area where you are.
Why the water is not to be touched
Flood water is rarely just rainwater. It mixes with overflowing sewers, fuel from vehicles and tanks, cleaning products and whatever it carries along the way.
That means it is not for drinking, not for cooking, not for washing dishes, and not for children or pets to play in. Cleanup afterwards needs waterproof gloves and boots.
What gets discarded when you return
| Category | What to do |
|---|---|
| Food that touched water | Discard, including dented cans |
| Medication and cosmetics | Discard even if the container looks intact |
| Mattresses and upholstery | Discard if soaked |
| Drywall and insulation | Remove the wet portion back to dry material |
| Submerged appliances | Do not plug in until inspected |
Dry it before the mould arrives
Mould can start growing within days on any damp material, and the damage it does usually costs more than the flood itself.
- Remove standing water as soon as possible.
- Open up and ventilate, with fans if the power is safe.
- Run a dehumidifier in basements and ground floors.
- Lift flooring and baseboards if moisture is trapped underneath.
- Photograph everything before throwing anything away: the insurer will ask.
- How to find out if your house is in a flood zone Homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. How to look up your real risk, what the map zones mean, and what to do if you are inside one.
- Why you should never drive through a flooded road Six inches of moving water knocks an adult down and two feet float most vehicles. Why flood water always looks shallower than it is.
Gear that covers this
Products that match what the guide above recommends.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not change the price you pay or the recommendations we make.
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Submersible utility pump
Clears standing water from basements and garages once the flood recedes. The sooner it is out, the less structural damage and mould.
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Waterproof gloves and boots
Flood water carries sewage and chemicals. The cleanup is where most infections happen.
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Dehumidifier
Mould appears within days on damp material. Drying fast is what prevents the second round of damage, which is usually costlier than the first.
Frequently asked questions
Should I shut off the electricity if water gets into the house?
Yes, as long as you can reach the panel without standing in water or on a wet surface. If the panel is already in contact with water, do not touch it and call the utility.
Is flood water dangerous?
Yes. It usually mixes with sewage, fuel, chemicals and debris. Do not drink it, cook with it, or let children or pets play in it.
Can I stay home if the water rises?
Only if you can move to an upper floor with a way out. Never into a closed attic with no window or roof access, which can become a trap.
What has to be thrown out after a flood?
Food that touched the water including dented cans, medication, cosmetics, mattresses and soaked upholstered furniture. Porous materials cannot be reliably disinfected.