Emergency guide · Direct answer first

My House Flooded: What Do I Do Right Now?

If water is actively entering your house, address safety first: stay out of standing water near electrical sources, stop the water source if you can do it safely, move valuables to dry ground, and photograph the visible damage. Then call a qualified water damage restoration provider as soon as possible. Every hour matters, because water migrates into walls, flooring, and framing quickly.

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Do this right away

The first steps, in order

01

Cut the risk, not the power

Do not step into standing water near electrical outlets, panels, or appliances. If you must turn off power, do it from a dry location or wait for the utility to do it.
02

Stop the water if it is safe

Shut off the main water valve for internal leaks. For outside flooding, close doors and floor drains where possible, but never wade into floodwater.
03

Protect valuables

Move documents, electronics, furniture, and family items to dry, elevated areas. Every item rescued early is one fewer thing to dry or replace.
04

Document before clean-up

Photograph and video each affected room, the water line, and damaged items before anything is moved. These records support your claim.
05

Call a restoration company now

Professional extraction and drying should begin the same day. The crew also confirms the water category and documents the mitigation for insurance.

How bad is a house flood, really?

House flooding is rarely limited to what you can see. Water spreads under walls, into insulation, across subfloors, and up through flooring, and it raises the humidity of the entire property. The visible puddle is the smallest part of the loss.

That is why the response is extraction first, then structural drying with air movers and dehumidifiers, then cleaning and repair. A professional crew measures moisture in materials you cannot see and documents the job so your insurance claim has a defensible record.

Can I stay in my house after it floods?

It depends on the water category and the extent of the damage. Clean supply water that is dried quickly may keep the home livable, though drying equipment is noisy. Floodwater from outside or sewage backup is contaminated, and occupants should stay out until a professional assesses the property and the affected materials.