TL;DR
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A Family Handyman report advises homeowners to put safety first after flooding, contact their insurer promptly, document damage before cleanup and begin drying only when it is safe. The guidance applies to flooding from storms as well as household plumbing failures; the specific response depends on the water source, damage and local conditions.
A Family Handyman report advises homeowners whose houses flood to first avoid electrical and contaminated-water hazards, then contact their insurer and document the damage before cleanup. Its checklist covers flooding from storms and plumbing failures, with the aim of reducing further damage while keeping residents safe.
The report says water and electricity can pose an immediate danger, particularly when floodwater reaches outlets or electrical equipment. It cites remediation expert Sam Hickerson, who advises shutting off power only if the main panel can be reached by a dry route. If reaching it means walking through water, the report says to stay clear and contact the power company about shutting off service remotely.
Standing water can also contain sewage, animal waste, runoff or hidden debris. The report cautions against wading through it, even after power is off. Once it is safe to act, homeowners are advised to notify their insurer as soon as practical because some policies set reporting deadlines. Before removing water or damaged materials, take photos or video of affected rooms, the waterline and the model and serial number plates on appliances and heating equipment.
The checklist recommends starting water removal and drying promptly when it can be done safely, and seeking a restoration professional where available. For smaller amounts, Hickerson says a wet-dry vacuum may help; a sump pump may be appropriate for deeper standing water. The report also recommends moving furniture off wet floors, airing out carpet, and using fans and dehumidifiers. It says drying can take at least 48 hours, and potentially 72, but the actual time depends on conditions and materials.
Safety Before Flood Cleanup
The order of steps matters because an attempt to save belongings can expose residents to electrocution, contaminated water or sharp debris. The report’s guidance puts personal safety ahead of pumping, cleaning or salvaging possessions. It also highlights that prompt documentation can help preserve a clear record for an insurance claim before cleanup changes the scene.
Moisture left in walls, flooring and furnishings can contribute to mold and other damage. The report cites the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as saying mold probably will not grow on water-damaged materials if they dry within 24 to 48 hours. That is guidance, not a guarantee: the report does not establish that every flooded home can be dried within that period, nor that drying alone resolves all damage.
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Storms and Plumbing Can Flood Homes
The report frames its advice against the risk of heavy rain and flooding in parts of the United States during 2026 and 2027, citing Newsweek’s discussion of a super El Niño. It also says California’s governor had declared a statewide emergency in September, but the supplied material does not specify the year or provide the underlying declaration. Those forecasts and references are background to the checklist, not confirmation that a particular flood has occurred.
Flooding does not require a major storm. The article also names burst pipes, toilet overflows and backed-up floor drains as possible causes. The source presents practical recommendations from insurance and restoration specialists; it is not a substitute for instructions from emergency officials, an insurer or a qualified restoration professional assessing a specific property.
“Water and electricity are the biggest immediate safety risk after a flood.”
— Sam Hickerson, damage remediation expert, as quoted by Family Handyman
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Damage and Coverage Vary
The supplied report does not identify a specific flooded household, disaster or insurance claim; it is a general checklist. It does not establish the cause or depth of any reader’s flood, whether electrical service is safe, what contaminants may be present, or which materials can be salvaged. Those questions require an assessment of the property and local conditions.
Insurance coverage and claim deadlines depend on the policy, and the report does not describe a universal deadline or guarantee that a claim will be accepted. It also does not provide detailed instructions for every type of water damage. Readers should follow emergency-service directions and seek advice from their insurer and qualified restoration professionals.
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Document, Report and Dry Safely
When immediate hazards are controlled, the report’s next steps are to photograph the damage, notify the insurer and begin safe water removal. Keep records of damaged property and, where possible, preserve appliance identification plates before equipment is removed. Do not enter a flooded area or operate equipment if power safety is uncertain.
Arrange a restoration assessment if one is available, then continue drying and cleaning based on the extent and source of the water. The report recommends sanitizing dry areas with an antimicrobial cleaner and consulting a restoration company. The timing and scope of repairs remain dependent on the home’s condition, the water involved and professional assessment.
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Key Questions
Should I shut off the electricity after a flood?
Only approach the main panel if there is a dry route. If reaching it requires walking through water, stay out and contact the power company or emergency services for guidance.
Should I take photos before removing the water?
Yes, the report recommends photographing or filming affected rooms, the highest visible waterline and appliance data plates before cleanup, when it is safe to do so.
How quickly should I contact my insurer?
Contact the insurer as soon as practical. The report says some policies have reporting windows, but the deadline and coverage depend on the specific policy.
How long should fans and dehumidifiers run?
The report cites Hickerson’s recommendation to run fans for at least 48 hours, possibly 72. That is not a universal drying time; conditions and materials vary, and a professional assessment may be needed.
Source: rss
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