Is It Safe to Go Inside a Flood-Damaged House?

Never enter a flooded home without first checking the exterior for obvious hazards. Look for signs of foundation cracks, sagging rooflines, or walls that appear to be leaning. Downed power lines near the property pose a lethal electrocution risk. If you smell natural gas or hear hissing, leave the area immediately and contact your utility company from a safe distance.

Floodwater can wash away soil supporting a home's foundation, creating a risk of sudden collapse. Do not assume a house is stable just because it looks intact from the outside. Flooding can also undermine driveways, sidewalks, and steps, making them unsafe to walk on. Your initial assessment should be visual only, from a safe vantage point away from the structure.

For significant flooding, you need a professional evaluation before reoccupying your home. Water damage pros have the tools and training to safely assess structural integrity and moisture levels. They use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find hidden water in walls and subfloors that you cannot see. This inspection is crucial for planning a safe and effective drying process.

The pros can also identify safety issues you might miss, such as compromised load-bearing walls or ceilings at risk of collapse. They follow industry standards to create a drying plan that prevents secondary damage. Attempting a DIY assessment on a severely damaged home puts you at unnecessary risk. Their initial inspection provides the factual basis for any needed repairs or insurance discussions.

After ensuring personal safety, contact your insurance company to start the claims process. Take extensive photographs and videos of all damage from a safe distance, both outside and inside if entry is approved. Do not discard damaged personal property until an adjuster has seen it, as it may be part of your claim documentation. Keep detailed records of all conversations and expenses.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Water damage restoration is often a multi-step process involving water extraction, structural drying, and repairs. Related service pages on this site can help you understand the scope of common procedures. The goal is to restore your home to a safe, dry, and healthy condition, which typically requires professional equipment and expertise.

• Document all damage with photos and video for your claim.
• Do not permanently repair anything before the insurance adjuster's visit.
• Save receipts for any temporary repairs or emergency supplies.
• Understand that flood damage may require specific policy endorsements.
• Mitigation costs to prevent further damage are often covered.
• Keep a log of all communications with your insurance company.