The short answer
Ensure Safety Before Entering Your Home
Your first priority after a storm is safety. Do not enter your home if you see structural damage, hear unusual sounds, or smell gas. Wait for authorities to declare the area safe. Assume all downed power lines are live and keep a safe distance. If you can enter safely, wear sturdy shoes, gloves, and eye protection to avoid injuries from debris.
Check for electrical hazards inside. Do not touch electrical outlets or switches if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the main power at your circuit breaker. Be cautious of slipping on wet floors and watch for sharp objects like broken glass or exposed nails. Keep children and pets away from the affected area until it is secure.
Document the Damage for Your Insurer
Take clear photographs and videos of all storm damage, both inside and outside your home. Capture water levels, damaged belongings, and structural issues. Make a detailed list of affected items, including descriptions and their approximate value. This documentation is crucial for your insurance claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. Provide them with your documentation and follow their specific instructions. Keep a record of all communication, including the names of representatives and the dates you spoke. Do not dispose of damaged items until your insurance adjuster has seen them, unless they pose a health hazard.
Remove Water and Begin Drying
Remove standing water as quickly as you can to limit further damage. Use a wet-dry vacuum, buckets, or mops. The longer water sits, the more it soeps into materials, raising repair costs. Open windows and doors if weather permits to increase airflow. Use fans and dehumidifiers to help dry the space, but know that this is only a first step for minor issues.
For larger floods, pumping out water is often necessary. You can rent a submersible pump for a basement, but ensure the power source is safe. Never use a standard household vacuum to remove water. Drying is not complete when surfaces feel dry; moisture hides in walls and subfloors. This hidden dampness leads to mold and rot if not addressed properly.
- Move undamaged furniture and belongings to a dry area.
- Remove area rugs and lift draperies off wet floors.
- Place aluminum foil under furniture legs on wet carpet.
- Discard soaked items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried.
- Wipe down hard surfaces with a mild detergent solution.
- Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer if you have one.
Handle Damaged Belongings and Materials
Sort your belongings into categories: salvageable, for cleaning, and unsalvageable. Porous materials like mattresses, upholstered furniture, and carpets that have been saturated with flood water often need to be discarded. Hard, non-porous items like metal, glass, and plastic can usually be cleaned and disinfected. If you live in Gaithersburg, its humid subtropical climate with hot humid summers and cool winters can speed mold growth on wet items.
For items you wish to save, clean them with a detergent and warm water solution. A mix of one cup of household bleach to one gallon of water can disinfect hard surfaces, but test it on a small area first. Never mix bleach with ammonia. Allow all cleaned items to dry completely in a well-ventilated area before bringing them back inside.
When to Call for Professional Help
You should consider calling local water damage pros for any significant water intrusion. This includes flooding over a large area, water that has been standing for more than 24 hours, or moisture that has reached your walls, subfloor, or insulation. The pros have industrial equipment to dry structures properly and methods to check for hidden moisture you might miss.
Professionals are also needed if you see or smell mold, which can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours. They can assess the damage, perform water extraction, and set up drying equipment. For storm-related issues, they often handle situations involving contaminated water from outside, which requires specific safety protocols. The cost for these services depends on the extent of the damage and the size of the affected area.
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Call (301) 281-4960 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (301) 281-4960Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to clean up after a storm?
Act as quickly as safety allows. Mold can start growing within one to two days. The faster you remove water and begin drying, the better your chance of saving materials and belongings. For major flooding, contacting help within the first 24 hours is advisable.
Can I clean up storm water damage myself?
You can handle minor spills, but storm water is often contaminated. For larger floods, especially from outside, professional cleaning is safer. They have protective gear and methods to handle potentially harmful bacteria and chemicals that DIY cleaning might not address.
What if my drywall or flooring is wet?
Wet drywall and flooring often need professional attention. Drywall can wick water up the wall, and water can ruin subfloors. The pros can assess whether materials can be dried in place or must be removed to prevent mold and structural damage later.