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What Should I Do Right After a Hurricane Hits My Home?

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Ensuring Personal Safety First

Your first priority is the safety of everyone in your household. Only re-enter your home if authorities have declared it safe to do so. Be extremely cautious of hidden hazards like unstable structures, broken glass, and standing water that may hide debris or be electrically charged. Wear sturdy shoes, gloves, and protective clothing during your initial inspection to prevent injury.

Avoid using any electrical appliances or turning on lights if you see standing water or suspect wiring damage. Check for the smell of natural gas, which can indicate a leak. If you smell gas or see sparks, leave the property immediately and contact the utility company from a safe distance. Your personal well-being is more important than saving property at this moment.

Securing Your Home and Preventing Further Damage

After confirming it is safe, take steps to prevent additional water intrusion and damage. If possible, cover broken windows or holes in the roof with tarps or plywood to keep out rain. Move undamaged furniture and valuables to a dry area, and lift curtains and upholstery off wet floors. These actions can significantly reduce the scope of the restoration work needed later.

Shut off the main water valve if you suspect plumbing damage, and turn off the electricity at the breaker box if the panel is dry and accessible. Be aware that water can compromise your home's structural integrity. Avoid entering rooms with sagging ceilings or buckling floors. Your goal is to stabilize the situation until the pros can begin their detailed assessment and drying process.

Documenting the Damage for Your Records

Thorough documentation is crucial for insurance purposes and for the restoration process. Use your phone or camera to take clear, wide-angle photos and videos of all affected areas, including structural damage, water levels, and damaged personal belongings. Capture the source of the water if it is visible and safe to approach. This visual record provides a clear timeline of the damage extent.

Make a written list of damaged items, noting their approximate age, value, and model numbers if available. Do not throw anything away until an insurance adjuster has seen it, unless it poses a health hazard. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. This documentation helps ensure you can accurately file your claim and discuss the restoration scope with the pros.

Starting the Water Removal Process

If there is standing water and it is safe, you can begin removing it to limit damage. Use a wet-dry vacuum, buckets, or mops for smaller amounts. For larger flooding, the pros have industrial pumps and extractors. The faster water is removed, the lower the risk of severe structural damage and mold growth. Mold can begin to develop within 24 to 48 hours in damp conditions.

Ventilate the area by opening windows and doors if weather permits, and use fans to circulate air. Do not use standard household fans if there is visible mold growth, as this can spread spores. Removing saturated carpets, rugs, and padding can also help. Your initial efforts set the stage for the professional structural drying and dehumidification that will thoroughly dry your home's building materials.

Contacting Professionals and Your Insurance Company

Once immediate safety actions are complete, contact your insurance company to start the claims process. Provide them with your initial documentation and follow their guidance. Then, contact local water damage pros who specialize in flood damage cleanup. They have the equipment and expertise to properly dry your home, assess hidden moisture, and prevent secondary damage like mold and wood rot.

Be prepared to describe the situation, including the water source, how long the water has been present, and the affected areas. The pros will perform a detailed inspection, including moisture mapping, to find all wet areas. They can also advise on necessary repairs, such as drywall water damage repair or flooring removal. Coordinating with both your insurer and the restoration experts helps streamline recovery.

  • Call your insurance agent to report the loss and ask about claim filing procedures.
  • Hire qualified professionals for emergency water extraction and structural drying.
  • Keep all receipts for temporary repairs, lodging, or supplies related to the damage.
  • Ask the pros about their process for leak detection and moisture mapping in walls and floors.
  • Discuss a plan for contents restoration and any necessary specialized cleaning.
  • Inquire about timelines for drying and the next steps for repair and reconstruction.

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Frequently asked questions

What if my home has historic features that are damaged?

For a historic home, specialized care is needed to preserve original materials. Mention the home's age and features when you call the pros. Some pros have experience with historic home damage restoration, using gentle drying techniques to save moldings, plaster, and hardwood.

How long does the drying process take after a flood?

Drying time depends on the amount of water, materials affected, and indoor humidity. It often takes three to five days with professional equipment. The pros use moisture meters to confirm when structural materials like walls and subfloors are dry enough for repairs.

Will my homeowner's insurance cover hurricane flood damage?

Standard policies often exclude flooding from storms. You may need a separate flood insurance policy. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy documents and speak directly with your insurance agent to understand your specific coverage.

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