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What Should I Do When I Return After a Hurricane?

Last updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer

Approach Your Home with Caution

Walk around the outside of your home first, looking for visible damage. Check for collapsed walls, a shifted roof line, or broken windows. Be extremely cautious of downed power lines and the smell of natural gas, which indicates a leak. Do not enter if the structure appears compromised or if you must walk through standing water to reach the door.

Look for hazards like broken glass, exposed nails, and damaged trees leaning on the house. Listen for unusual sounds like hissing, which could be gas, or cracking, which could indicate shifting. If you have any doubt about the building's stability, wait for a professional assessment. Your safety is the most important concern during this initial inspection.

Secure the Property and Stop Water

If it is safe to enter, your first task is to prevent more water from coming in. Cover broken windows or holes in the roof with tarps if you can do so safely. Locate your main water shutoff valve and turn it off to stop water from leaking pipes. Also, turn off the electricity at the main breaker if any wiring is wet or damaged.

Removing standing water quickly is critical to limit damage. You can use a wet-dry vacuum or pumps if you have them and if it is safe to use electricity. Move saturated rugs and furniture out of the water. Opening windows and doors can help with air circulation, but dehumidifiers are far more effective if power is restored.

  • Shut off the main water valve to prevent pipe leaks.
  • Turn off electricity at the breaker panel if wiring is wet.
  • Cover roof and window breaches with plastic sheeting or tarps.
  • Pump or bucket out standing water from basements and rooms.
  • Remove soaked area rugs and furniture cushions immediately.
  • Place aluminum foil between wet furniture legs and floors.

Document All Damage Thoroughly

Take extensive photos and videos of all damage before you clean or move anything. Capture water lines on walls, ruined belongings, and structural issues from multiple angles. Make a detailed list of damaged items, including descriptions, brands, and approximate age. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim and for any disaster assistance applications you may file.

Start the Drying Process Immediately

Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours in a humid subtropical climate with hot humid summers and cool winters. Remove all wet items you can, including carpets, cardboard boxes, and fabrics. Use fans and dehumidifiers aggressively to pull moisture from the air and building materials. If power is out, focus on removing wet contents and opening up the structure to air.

Pay special attention to hidden moisture behind walls and under floors. Water can wick up drywall and soak insulation, creating long-term problems. If walls or ceilings feel soft or damp, the drying process needs to be extensive. This often requires professional equipment and techniques to properly dry the structure and prevent mold inside the walls.

Know When to Call for Professional Help

Some situations require the expertise of local water damage pros. Call them if you have extensive standing water, sewage contamination, or water in your electrical system. They have industrial extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers to dry structures properly. They can also perform moisture mapping to find all the hidden wet areas that you might miss on your own.

If you see or smell mold, it is a sign that drying was incomplete. In that case, you may need a separate mold assessment and remediation. For major structural repairs, such as replacing drywall or flooring, restoration professionals can ensure the work is done correctly. Their services help protect your home's value and your family's health.

  • Call for help with large-scale flooding or several inches of water.
  • Get help if water has been sitting for more than 24 hours.
  • Professional drying is needed for wet insulation and wall cavities.
  • Sewage or storm surge water requires special biohazard cleanup.
  • Structural repairs like replacing subfloors often need a pro.
  • If mold is already visible, consult a mold remediation specialist.

Water damage does not wait

Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my house is safe to enter after a hurricane?

Do not enter if you see major structural damage, like a collapsed roof or wall, or if you smell gas. Look for downed power lines near your home. If the foundation looks cracked or the building is leaning, wait for a professional inspection. Always follow official safety announcements from local authorities.

What items should I throw away after flood water hits them?

Dispose of porous items that contacted floodwater, as they can harbor bacteria and mold. This includes mattresses, pillows, stuffed toys, and drywall. Upholstered furniture is often not salvageable. Throw away all food, medicines, and cosmetics that got wet. Non-porous items like metal or hard plastic can often be cleaned and disinfected.

Will my homeowner's insurance cover hurricane flood damage?

Standard policies often exclude flooding from storms and rising groundwater. You typically need a separate flood insurance policy for that coverage. Wind damage to the roof, allowing rain in, is usually covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy documents and contact your insurance agent directly with questions.

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