Water Damage After a Hurricane: Cleanup Priority List

Use a wet/dry vacuum, buckets, or a portable pump to remove as much water as possible. The faster you get rid of standing water, the less time it has to soak into walls and floors. Open doors and windows to let air move through, and use fans to help drying.

If the water came from a storm surge, it may contain sewage and chemicals, so treat it as contaminated. Do not run your central air conditioning until you have cleared the water and dried the area, as it can spread moisture. Focus on the lowest level first, like a crawlspace, if that is where water collects.

• Turn off power at the breaker before entering flooded rooms.
• Wear rubber boots, gloves, and a mask for protection.
• Use a pump or wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water.
• Open windows and doors for cross-ventilation.
• Discard anything that cannot be cleaned and dried fully.

Separate items into three piles: keep, toss, and clean. Porous things like mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture often cannot be saved after floodwater. Hard surfaces like glass, metal, and plastic can be washed with a mild detergent and clean water.

Photograph damaged items and the condition of your home before you throw anything away, as your insurance company may need documentation. Check your policy to understand what is covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. For important papers, try to dry them slowly and keep them for reference.

• Discard porous items like mattresses and pillows.
• Clean hard surfaces with detergent and water.
• Document damage with photos for insurance claims.
• Dry important papers slowly to avoid sticking.
• Set aside items that need professional cleaning.