The National Weather Service warns that "gas leaks and live power lines can be deadly, but are not obvious at first glance." This guide is a safety walk-through for that first visit, built from what the CDC, Ready.gov (FEMA), the National Weather Service, the American Red Cross, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFi), the FDA, FoodSafety.gov and Pinellas County say. It covers getting in, looking around and documenting. It does not cover tearing anything out; our drywall and cleanup guides pick up from there.
Stop. Don't go in (or get out) if:
- Officials haven't said it's safe. Ready.gov: "Return home only when authorities say it is safe." The National Weather Service: "Do not enter a flood damaged home or building until you're given the All Clear by authorities."
- You smell gas or hear hissing. The CDC says to turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave immediately. The Red Cross says to call the fire department from a safe spot.
- Floodwater is still around the building. The National Weather Service says to stay out of any building "if floodwaters remain around the building."
- Power lines are down near the house. ESFi: "Always assume downed power lines are live." The Red Cross says not to step in puddles or standing water if lines are down outside your home.
- The house looks damaged, or an inspector has posted it. The CDC: "If your home has damage, do not reenter until it has been examined by a building inspector for safety." The Red Cross says not to cut or walk past colored tape placed over doors or windows.
- You'd have to stand in water to reach the electrical panel. The CDC says to call an electrician to turn it off.
- You have asthma or another lung condition, or a weakened immune system. Ready.gov says people with those conditions should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled, and that children should not take part in disaster cleanup.
- You're about to start tearing out or cleaning. That's a separate job with its own limits: pre-1978 homes (lead paint), suspected asbestos, mold over about 10 square feet, and sewage are covered in the stop boxes of our drywall and cleanup guides.
What you'll need
Protective gear
| Item | Why | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof boots with a steel toe and insole | The CDC lists them for disaster cleanup; the Red Cross says to wear rubber boots | Home Depot · Lowe's |
| Rubber gloves, plus heavy work gloves | The Red Cross lists rubber gloves; the CDC lists heavy work gloves | Home Depot · Lowe's |
| Goggles | The CDC says to wear goggles if you must enter floodwater | Home Depot · Lowe's |
| N95 mask (or better) | The CDC lists one for cleanup; FloodSmart (FEMA) lists one for flood cleanup | Home Depot · Lowe's |
| Hard hat | On the CDC's cleanup gear list | Home Depot · Lowe's |
| Waterproof bandages | The CDC says to cover clean, open wounds with one | Home Depot · Lowe's |
Tools and supplies
| Item | Why | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Battery-powered flashlight or lantern | The CDC says to use these, not candles, gas lanterns or torches | Home Depot · Lowe's |
| Phone or camera, and a tape measure | Pinellas County says to photograph high water marks, ideally with a tape measure showing the height | Home Depot · Lowe's |
| A sturdy stick | The Red Cross says to tap loudly on the floor with a stick to give notice that you're there | Anything you have |
| Battery-operated CO detector | The CDC says to use one any time you use a generator or anything else that burns fuel | Home Depot · Lowe's |
| Appliance thermometer | The FDA uses the freezer temperature (40°F or below) to decide if frozen food is safe | Home Depot · Lowe's |
| Heavy-duty trash bags | Spoiled food and anything that's a health risk, after it's photographed (FloodSmart) | Home Depot · Lowe's |
Step by step
Step 1: Wait for the official all-clear
- Who decides: Ready.gov says to "pay attention to authorities for information and instructions" and return home only when they say it is safe. The National Weather Service says to wait for the "All Clear" before going into a flood-damaged home.
- Barrier islands: Pinellas County says "law enforcement will restrict access to the barrier islands after a hurricane until it is safe," and that access may be limited to residents and businesses with an Emergency Access Permit. Its evacuation page says to take ID, proof of residency (like a bill) and your barrier island emergency access permit to help with re-entry. For barrier island access, the county says to contact your city.
- Where to watch: Pinellas County posts updates at pinellas.gov/emergency-information and sends Alert Pinellas notifications.
- Getting there: the National Weather Service says to drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges, and that "road closure and other cautionary signs are put in place for your safety."
- Timing: the CDC says to try to return during the daytime so you don't have to use any lights.
- Who comes along: the Red Cross says to keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater, and if you have children, to leave them with a relative or friend while you do the first inspection.
Step 2: Put on your gear
Our advice: put on boots, gloves, goggles and an N95 mask before you go in (FloodSmart and the CDC list this gear for flood cleanup; see the table above). The CDC also says:
- Cover clean, open wounds with a waterproof bandage.
- "Try to work with other people, so you aren't alone," and get help lifting anything heavy.
- Do outdoor work during cooler hours, and drink fluids.
Step 3: Walk around the outside first
ESFi: "Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for downed or loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage before entering." The Red Cross says the same: "Check the outside of your home before you enter."
- Power lines: assume they're live (ESFi). The CDC says to stay clear of fallen power lines and call the electric company to report them. Ready.gov warns that "underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water."
- Water around the house: if floodwater is still around the building, stay out (National Weather Service).
- Damage: if the house is damaged, the CDC says not to go in until a building inspector has examined it. Our advice: look for anything leaning, sagging, shifted or cracked, and for missing roof sections or broken windows; if you're unsure, treat it as damaged.
- Posted signs and tape: the Red Cross says not to cut or walk past colored tape over doors or windows, and to stay out if an inspector has posted a sign until officials advise otherwise.
- Jammed doors: the Red Cross says, "If the door is jammed, don't force it open." Find another way in.
Step 4: Check for gas
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, the CDC says to turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave the house immediately. It also says not to turn on lights or do anything that could make a spark, to notify the gas company, police, fire department or State Fire Marshal's office, and not to return until you're told it's safe. ESFi: "Stay out of any building if you smell gas."
If you have a propane tank, the Red Cross says to turn off all its valves and have your propane supplier inspect the system before you use it.
Step 5: Leave the power off until a licensed electrician checks it
Ready.gov says to "Be aware of the risk of electrocution."
- Don't touch anything wet. Ready.gov: "Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water." The CDC: "NEVER turn power on or off yourself or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water."
- Shutting it off: Ready.gov says to turn off the electricity "if it is safe to do so." The CDC says to do it only from a dry spot; "if you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off."
- Turning it back on: Pinellas County: "Keep your power off if flooding occurred until an electrician can check on it." ESFi says that if water rose above the outlets, contact a licensed electrician before turning on the main breaker. The CDC: "Have an electrician check the house's electrical system before turning the power on again."
- Drying isn't enough. ESFi says the evaluation of water-damaged electrical equipment should be done by qualified electricians, lists outlets (receptacles), switches and dimmers among the water-damaged equipment that must be replaced, and warns that even equipment that has been "thoroughly dried" can still be a long-term safety and fire risk.
- Appliances: the Red Cross says not to use flooded gas or electrical appliances until they've been checked for safety. ESFi says submerged appliances need to be dried and checked by a qualified repair person before they're turned on.
Electrical repairs are a licensed electrical contractor's job. On projects we manage, that work is done by licensed trade partners.
Step 6: Go in carefully
- Light: the National Weather Service says to turn on your flashlight before entering, and not to use candles. The Red Cross says to avoid open flames, including candles.
- Animals: the Red Cross says to watch for snakes, insects and other animals in or around the house, and to tap loudly on the floor with a stick as you go.
- Floors and ceilings: the National Weather Service warns that water "can cause floors to collapse, ceiling to fall." The Red Cross says a sagging floor "could collapse under your weight, so don't walk there!" and that a sagging ceiling is likely heavy with water and dangerous. Our advice: stay out from under any bulging ceiling.
- Furniture and debris: the Red Cross says to be careful moving them, because they "may be waterlogged and heavier."
Step 7: Open it up to air out, if it's safe
If the house has been closed up for several days, the CDC says to go in briefly, open the doors and windows, and "let the house air out for a while (at least 30 minutes) before you stay for any length of time." The CDC also says that if the house has been closed for several days, assume there is mold. The Red Cross: "If the weather is dry, open windows and doors to ventilate and/or dry your home."
Don't turn on the A/C to dry the house yet. The CDC says to have the heating and cooling system checked and cleaned by a professional experienced in mold cleanup before you turn it on, especially if it was flooded.
Step 8: Photograph and video everything before you move anything
- Before you clean: FloodSmart (FEMA's flood insurance site) says to "take clear pictures and videos of damaged items before cleaning, fixing or throwing them out," and to "capture wide shots and close-ups of walls, floors and furniture."
- Water lines: Pinellas County says to "photograph high water marks on the outside and inside of your home, ideally with a tape measure showing the height." FloodSmart lists water levels on walls, furniture and appliances.
- For insurance and FEMA: Pinellas County: "Take photos/video of any damage for insurance and FEMA." The Red Cross says to photograph both the building and its contents and to save repair receipts.
- Details: FloodSmart says to record serial numbers from electronics and appliances, and to keep small samples of damaged materials (like carpet, drywall or insulation) for the insurance agent.
The National Weather Service says to contact your insurance agent to discuss property damage. This guide is general information, not insurance advice; ask your agent or adjuster what they need.
Step 9: Stay out of the floodwater
- Ready.gov: "Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris."
- Pinellas County: "Do not wade through flood water, which could have live power lines, sewage, wildlife or dangerous objects in it."
- The CDC says to wash your hands with soap and water, and not to let children play in floodwater areas.
Step 10: Throw out unsafe food (and check the water)
- Anything floodwater touched: the CDC: "Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water." The Red Cross says to throw out all food, beverages and medicine exposed to floodwater and mud.
- Containers that aren't waterproof: the FDA says to discard any food or drink not in a waterproof container if there's any chance it touched floodwater, including containers with screw caps, snap lids, pull tops and crimped caps, cardboard juice, milk and baby formula boxes, home-canned food, and anything in damaged cans. Undamaged, commercially made all-metal cans can be saved if they're cleaned and sanitized; our cleanup guide covers that.
- The fridge: the FDA says to discard refrigerated perishable food "such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, eggs, or leftovers" that has been above 40°F for 4 hours or more. A closed refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours.
- The freezer: the FDA says a full freezer holds its temperature about 48 hours (24 if half full), and if the freezer thermometer reads 40°F or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen.
- Don't trust your nose: FoodSafety.gov says "you can't rely on appearance or odor alone." The CDC: "When in doubt, throw it out."
- Water: the CDC says to follow local guidance on whether tap water is safe, to test a private well in a flooded area before using it, and to use bottled, boiled or treated water until you know.
Photograph the food you throw out first (Step 8).
Step 11: Run any generator outside, far from the house
The National Weather Service calls carbon monoxide "one of the leading causes of death after storms when areas are dealing with power outages."
- Location: the CDC says never to run a generator, pressure washer or other gasoline engine inside a home, basement, garage, carport or porch, or "less than 20 feet from any door, window, or vent, even if the windows and doors are open."
- Exhaust: Pinellas County says to place generators so the exhaust can't get into the home through windows, doors or other openings.
- Detector: the CDC says to use a battery-operated or battery-backup CO detector any time you use a generator.
- Hookup: the CDC says not to connect a generator to your home's wiring without an approved automatic-interrupt device. Our advice: have a licensed electrician set up any connection to the house.
- Symptoms: the CDC lists headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. Our advice: if anyone has them, get everyone into fresh air and call 911.
Step 12: Plan the next steps
Once the house is safe to be in, the next jobs are getting wet materials out and cleaning:
- How to clean and disinfect after floodwater gets in your home: gear, what to throw out, cleaning before disinfecting, drying.
- How to cut out wet drywall and insulation: how high to cut and how to dry the wall.
Our advice: check with your city or county building department before starting repairs, since flood-damaged homes often need permits.
How long it takes
It depends on the house, the damage and how long it was closed up, so we don't give a time for the whole walk-through. The one sourced time: if the house was closed for several days, the CDC says to let it air out for at least 30 minutes before you stay for any length of time.
Stop and call a pro if, once you're inside, you find:
- A gas smell or hissing sound: leave and call from outside (CDC, Red Cross).
- A sagging ceiling or floor, or other signs of structural damage (Red Cross, CDC).
- Water that reached outlets, the panel or appliances: a licensed electrician before the power goes back on (ESFi, Pinellas County).
- Water in the A/C system or ducts: a professional before you run it (CDC).
- Mold you can see or smell, if you have asthma or a weakened immune system (Ready.gov).
When the house is safe, clean and dry, the rebuild is where we come in: drywall, trim, doors and cabinets, with any permits, and electrical, plumbing and A/C work through licensed trade partners. See our hurricane and storm damage repair page.
Frequently asked questions
When is it safe to go back into my home after a flood?
Only when local authorities say it is, according to Ready.gov and the National Weather Service. In Pinellas County, law enforcement restricts barrier island access after a hurricane until it's safe, and access may be limited to people with an Emergency Access Permit. Even then, the CDC says not to go into a damaged house until a building inspector has checked it.
Can I turn the power back on once things look dry?
Not on your own. Pinellas County says to keep the power off after flooding until an electrician checks it, and ESFi says that if water rose above the outlets, contact a licensed electrician before turning on the main breaker. ESFi also warns that equipment that has been thoroughly dried can still be a fire and safety risk.
Is the food in my refrigerator still safe?
The FDA says to throw out refrigerated perishable food that has been above 40°F for 4 hours or more, and the CDC says to throw away any food that may have touched floodwater. FoodSafety.gov says you can't rely on appearance or smell alone.
Should I take photos before I start cleaning up?
Yes. FloodSmart says to take pictures and videos of damaged items before cleaning, fixing or throwing them out, and Pinellas County says to photograph high water marks inside and out, ideally with a tape measure in the shot.
Can I run a generator in the garage with the door open?
No. The CDC says never to run one in a garage, carport, porch or basement, or within 20 feet of any door, window or vent, even if the windows and doors are open.
Sources
- Ready.gov (FEMA): Floods: return only when authorities say it's safe; don't touch wet electrical equipment; turn off power if safe; avoid floodwater; people with lung conditions and children; generators outdoors only.
- National Weather Service: After a Flood: wait for the All Clear; floors and ceilings; electrical system off; carbon monoxide; road signs; insurance agent.
- National Weather Service: After a Hurricane: return when officials say safe; check outside; stay out if gas or floodwater remains; flashlights, no candles.
- CDC: Reentering your flooded home: daylight; building inspector; gas; electrical; air out 30 minutes; HVAC; generators; food; water.
- CDC: Safety guidelines after a hurricane or tropical storm: fallen power lines; generator 20 feet; battery CO detector; food.
- CDC: Floodwater after a disaster or emergency: rubber boots, gloves, goggles; handwashing; wounds; children.
- CDC: Natural disasters, cleanup safety: protective gear list; working with others; heat.
- CDC: Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: generators outside, 20 feet; CO detector.
- CDC: Carbon monoxide poisoning basics: symptoms.
- American Red Cross: Safety steps for returning home after the flood: check outside; tape and signs; animals; photos; gas; ventilation; food; appliances; propane; sagging floors and ceilings.
- ESFi: Hurricane safety: check outside; downed lines are live; licensed electrician before the main breaker; submerged appliances.
- ESFi: Water-damaged electrical equipment: what must be replaced; evaluation by qualified electricians.
- FDA: Food and water safety during power outages and floods: what to discard; 4 hours above 40°F; freezer.
- FoodSafety.gov: Food safety in a disaster or emergency: can't rely on appearance or odor.
- FloodSmart (FEMA): Document flood damage: photos and video before cleaning; water levels; serial numbers; samples; N95.
- Pinellas County: Disaster preparedness and recovery FAQ: barrier island access; power off until an electrician checks; photos for insurance and FEMA; high water marks; floodwater; generators.
- Pinellas County: Evacuation: ID, proof of residency and emergency access permit for re-entry; emergency updates and Alert Pinellas.