Prioritize safety, document damage and track recovery without assuming insurance coverage.
Safety first
Do not enter floodwater or areas with electrical, structural, sewage or chemical hazards. Shutoffs should only be used if safely accessible. Vulnerable occupants may need to avoid affected areas.
Checklist
Keep people and pets away from electrical, structural and contaminated-water hazards.
Stop the water source only if it is safe and you know how.
Follow emergency-service or utility instructions before re-entry.
Photograph damage and record when it was discovered.
Notify the insurer according to the policy and ask about documentation requirements.
Keep mitigation receipts and an inventory of affected belongings.
Separate clean-water concerns from sewage or flood contamination.
Have hidden moisture, affected insulation and drying progress evaluated appropriately.
Verify the source is corrected and materials are adequately dry before reconstruction.
