Water Damage and Flood Damage Help for Homeowners
When flooding, storm water, leaks, or standing water affect your home, knowing what to do first can reduce confusion and help you take the next step. HSRC provides flood damage resources and helps homeowners get connected with local licensed water damage restoration contractors.
HomeServicesResourceCenter.com provides homeowner-friendly information and helps connect users with independent local service providers. HSRC does not perform restoration work directly, provide emergency services, set contractor pricing, or guarantee availability, licensing, response times, insurance coverage, or service outcomes.
- Flood water can affect floors, walls, insulation, electrical systems, furniture, and personal belongings.
- Standing water may contain contaminants, especially after storm flooding, sewer backups, or river flooding.
- Water damage can worsen quickly if wet materials are not removed, dried, or evaluated.
- Mold risk may increase after moisture remains in the home.
- Homeowners should document damage before cleanup when safe and contact their insurer as needed.
- HSRC helps homeowners understand next steps and get connected with local licensed water damage restoration contractors.
- Do not enter standing water if electricity may be present.
- Avoid flood water that may contain sewage, chemicals, sharp debris, or other contaminants.
- Follow evacuation orders and local public safety instructions.
- If there is structural damage, gas odor, electrical danger, or immediate risk, contact emergency services or local authorities.
- HSRC is not an emergency services provider.
What type of water damage are you dealing with?
Flooded Home
Water entered the home from heavy rain, flash flooding, storm surge, river flooding, or overwhelmed drainage.
Learn more →Storm Water Damage
Rain-driven water, roof leaks, wind-driven rain, or drainage overflow may be affecting the property.
Learn more →Standing Water
Standing water in a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, or lower level may require urgent evaluation.
Learn more →Basement or Crawlspace Flooding
Water in a basement or crawlspace can affect structure, insulation, air quality, and moisture levels.
Learn more →Sewage Backup or Contaminated Water
Backups and contaminated flood water may create health and safety concerns.
Learn more →Mold Risk After Flooding
Moisture left behind after flooding may increase mold concerns.
Learn more →Insurance Documentation
Learn what to photograph, list, and ask before cleanup begins, where safe.
Learn more →Preparing for Flood Risk
If heavy rain or flooding is forecast, learn what homeowners can do before water enters the home.
Learn more →What to do first after flood water enters your home
- Prioritize safety — people and pets first.
- Avoid electrical hazards in wet areas.
- Do not enter contaminated water.
- Stop the source if it is safe and possible.
- Document damage with photos and short videos.
- Move dry valuables away from affected areas if safe.
- Contact your insurer about documentation needs.
- Get connected with water damage restoration help.
- Save receipts and records of emergency expenses.
What not to do after flooding
- Do not enter unsafe water.
- Do not use electrical devices in wet areas.
- Do not remove large amounts of damaged material before documenting when safe.
- Do not assume surfaces are dry because they look dry.
- Do not ignore wet drywall, flooring, insulation, or crawlspaces.
- Do not use household fans where contamination may be present.
- Do not delay if water is spreading or affecting walls, ceilings, or floors.
What water damage restoration may include
- Inspection and moisture assessment
- Water extraction
- Removal of unsalvageable wet materials
- Drying and dehumidification
- Cleaning and sanitizing where appropriate
- Mold prevention or mold evaluation where appropriate
- Structural repair coordination
- Documentation support
- Follow-up moisture checks
The exact process depends on the source of water, contamination level, affected materials, and provider.
Flood damage vs. water damage
Flood damage often refers to water entering from outside sources such as heavy rain, overflowing waterways, storm surge, or surface flooding. Water damage can also come from internal sources such as burst pipes, appliance leaks, roof leaks, or plumbing failures. Insurance coverage can differ depending on the water source and policy. Homeowners should contact their insurance provider for coverage questions.
Mold risk after flooding
Moisture trapped in drywall, insulation, flooring, baseboards, and crawlspaces may increase mold risk. Mold concerns can depend on how long materials stay wet, contamination, ventilation, and material type. Homeowners should avoid disturbing suspected mold if they are not trained. A qualified contractor can evaluate moisture and cleanup needs.
- Take photos and videos before cleanup when it is safe.
- Capture water line marks on walls, doors, and furniture.
- Photograph floors, ceilings, baseboards, cabinets, and appliances.
- List damaged belongings with approximate age, brand, and purchase info.
- Keep receipts for emergency supplies, lodging, and cleanup help.
- Contact your insurance provider for documentation requirements.
HSRC does not provide insurance advice. Contact your insurance provider for coverage questions.
Flood and water damage help by location
Localized water damage resources for areas currently affected by flooding or with elevated flood risk:
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first after flood water enters my home?
Prioritize safety. Stay out of standing water if there is any chance of electricity, sewage, or contamination. If it is safe, stop the water source, document the damage, and contact a local water damage restoration contractor.
Is flood damage an emergency?
If anyone is in danger, water is still rising, there are electrical or gas hazards, or there is structural damage, treat it as an emergency and contact local authorities first. Otherwise, water damage is time-sensitive but can be addressed by a restoration contractor.
Can I stay in my house after flooding?
It depends on contamination, structural condition, and the safety of utilities. If you are unsure, do not stay overnight until a qualified professional or local authority has assessed the home.
How fast does water damage need to be addressed?
Generally within 24 to 48 hours. Mold can begin developing on wet materials in that window, and absorbed moisture continues to spread.
What should I document after flood damage?
Take wide and close-up photos and videos of every affected area before cleanup when it is safe. Capture water line marks, damaged belongings, and any visible water source. Keep receipts for emergency expenses.
Can flood water cause mold?
Yes. Wet drywall, insulation, flooring, and crawlspaces can hold moisture for days. Mold can begin developing within 24 to 48 hours under the right conditions.
Should I remove wet carpet after flooding?
Carpet over concrete can sometimes be dried in place. Carpet over wood subfloor or with contamination usually needs to be removed. A restoration contractor can advise.
Is storm water considered contaminated?
It depends on the path the water took. Water that traveled across the ground, through roof debris, or mixed with sewer overflow is generally treated as contaminated.
What does water damage restoration include?
Restoration may include inspection, water extraction, removal of unsalvageable wet materials, drying and dehumidification, cleaning where appropriate, mold evaluation, and coordination with repair trades. The exact process depends on the source of water and affected materials.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
Coverage depends on your policy, the source of water, and your insurer's terms. Flood insurance is often a separate policy. HSRC does not provide insurance advice — contact your insurance provider.
Can I call instead of filling out the form?
Yes. The Call for Water Damage Help button connects you with the water restoration line. On mobile it opens your phone dialer; on desktop it opens the call modal.
Does HSRC perform water damage restoration directly?
No. HSRC provides homeowner information and helps connect users with independent local service providers. HSRC does not perform restoration work, set contractor pricing, or guarantee availability, licensing, response times, or insurance coverage.
Get connected with a local water damage contractor
Availability, pricing, licensing, services, and response times may vary by location and provider.
HomeServicesResourceCenter.com provides homeowner-friendly information and helps connect users with independent local service providers. HSRC does not perform restoration work directly, provide emergency services, set contractor pricing, or guarantee availability, licensing, response times, insurance coverage, or service outcomes.