What to Do After Heavy Rain Floods Your Home

After heavy rain floods your home, safety comes first: do not wade into floodwater where power may be on, assume the water is contaminated, document the damage, and call for professional flood cleanup before you try to dry out a house that took in outside water. Ordinary water removal does not make a flooded property safe, because floodwater may contain sewage and other contaminants.

By Emergency Water Extraction Valrico FL · Published October 20, 2026

Florida's rainy season brings frequent downpours, and hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. This guide covers what to do whether the water came from a summer thunderstorm, a tropical storm or a hurricane.

Before you enter a flooded property

Return home only when authorities say it is safe, as Ready.gov advises.
Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater. The National Weather Service notes that 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, 12 inches can carry away most cars, and 2 feet can sweep away SUVs and trucks.
Look for downed power lines and assume they are live.
If you use a generator, keep it outdoors and away from doors and windows; the EPA's flooded homes guidance includes a section on generator hazards.

Electrical and contamination hazards

Electrical safety

The CDC warns never to turn power on or off yourself, or use an electric tool or appliance, while standing in water. Have an electrician check the electrical system before power is restored if there is any doubt. Do not touch electrical equipment that is wet.

Floodwater is not clean water

Ready.gov warns that floodwater can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris, and the CDC notes that a flooded house may be contaminated with sewage and mold. Avoid contact, keep children and pets away, wear rubber boots and protective gear if you must enter, and wash thoroughly afterward.

This is the key difference from a plumbing leak. A standard extraction can remove water, but the materials that floodwater touched may still be contaminated. That is why flood damage cleanup includes removing porous materials and cleaning, not just pumping, and why sewage cleanup procedures apply when sewage may be involved.

Photograph and document everything

Photograph and video each room, the waterline and damaged belongings before moving anything, if it is safe to do so.
Record how high the water reached and approximate times.
Keep receipts for emergency repairs and temporary housing.
Make a list of damaged items with approximate values.

These records support an insurance claim and help a restoration company scope the job.

Insurance and flood coverage

FloodSmart notes that most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage and that only flood insurance covers the cost of rebuilding after a flood. Your policy may treat rising floodwater, wind-driven rain and storm damage differently, so contact your insurer promptly and ask what applies. If a claim is delayed or disputed, the Florida Department of Financial Services runs an Insurance Consumer Helpline.

Remove water only when conditions are safe

Do not pump out a flooded property before surrounding water levels have dropped, and do not enter areas with deep water or live electrical equipment. Once it is safe, water can be removed with pumps and extractors. Our emergency water extraction in Valrico service can do this, but if the water came from outside the home, the job continues through cleaning and drying.

Dry wet materials and look for hidden moisture

The EPA advises drying water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours, and the CDC advises assuming that a flooded home closed up for several days has mold. Remove wet items, run fans and dehumidifiers, and point fans so air blows out through an open window or door. The CDC advises not running your HVAC system until it has been checked and cleaned by a professional experienced in mold cleanup.

Water that soaked into walls, insulation and subfloors can remain after surfaces feel dry. A professional with moisture meters can find it, and structural drying confirms that materials are actually dry. Food that touched floodwater should be thrown out, according to the CDC.

When professional flood cleanup is necessary

Water came from outside the home, such as heavy rain runoff, storm surge or overflowing drains.
Sewage may be present, or the water is dark, smells or has debris.
More than a small area is wet, or walls, insulation and cabinets were soaked.
The electrical system, HVAC system or appliances were submerged.
Materials stayed wet for more than a day or two.
You need drying documentation for an insurance claim.

Read more about why extraction is only one stage of recovery.

Summary

Stay out of floodwater until it is safe, treat it as contaminated, document the damage, check your coverage, and call for professional flood cleanup when outside water entered the home. Extraction alone does not make a flooded house safe.

If you are dealing with water damage now, a qualified water damage professional can assess the situation in person, which no article can replace.

Next step

If outside water entered your home, learn what flood damage cleanup involves or contact us.

Flood damage cleanup Contact us

Frequently Asked Questions

Is floodwater in my house safe to touch?

No. Floodwater can contain bacteria, sewage, chemicals and debris. Avoid contact and wear protective gear if you must enter.

Can I turn the power back on after a flood?

Not before an electrician checks the system if there is any doubt. Never turn power on or off while standing in water.

Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?

Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage, according to FloodSmart. Check your policy, and ask whether you have separate flood insurance.

How soon should I start drying after a flood?

As soon as it is safe. The EPA advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.