Storms & floods
What Should You Check Before Returning Home After a Flood?
Wait for official permission, then assess structural, electrical, gas, contamination, and mold hazards separately. Reaching the door does not make the interior safe.
SharedMorrow Editorial · Last reviewed 2026-10-05
Direct answer
Wait for official permission, then assess structural, electrical, gas, contamination, and mold hazards separately. Reaching the door does not make the interior safe.
Start here
Confirm roads, bridges, and the property are open; avoid moving water, washed-out surfaces, unstable trees, and wires. From outside, check foundation scour, shifted walls, sagging roof areas, gas odor, and water marks; do not enter major damage alone.
Work through the decision
Treat standing water as potentially contaminated and energized; wear protection and keep children, older people, and immunocompromised people away from cleanup.
Common mistake
Photograph rooms and belongings before moving or cleaning them, noting the date, room, and approximate water level. Restoring power too soon, running a fuel generator indoors, mixing cleaners, or relying on smell to rule out contamination creates serious risk.
When to stop and get help
Stop for structural instability, sewage or chemical contamination, wet electrical equipment, extensive mold, or breathing symptoms and call local authorities or qualified help.
Next step
Remove material that cannot be cleaned and dried, then clean gently and dry completely; check HVAC safety before using fans that might spread contamination.