How to Dry Out a Flooded House and More

Flood damage to your home is a terrible mess. And it's so very difficult to see all your prized-possessions water-logged and damaged. Be careful not to bring mold back into your home.

Some suggestions to help you safely dry out your home.

1. Electric Box - Even if power is off in area, be sure electricity is off in your house until you can check electrical system. If you must step through water to get to your box, call an electrician. If the box got wet, have it cleaned and checked prior to turning on any electricity.

2. If weather permits, keep doors and windows open during the day.

3. Open closet doors and remove all drawers.

4. Do not turn on central air if furnace was under water. Use fans if possible.

5. Flush your toilet before using to see if clogged.

6. Remove tile or vinyl flooring if warped, loose or has a foam pad.

7. Kitchen appliances that have been submerged should be replaced. They may be contaminated.

8. Throw out any food that may have been touched by flood water. Even canned goods should be discarded.

9. Discard any upholstered furniture as it will mold and is likely contaminated..

10. Most all carpets soaked with flood water should be replaced.

11. Bedding and clothing should be washed in hot water and a disinfectant. Dry clean only clothing should be taken to dry cleaner as soon as possible.

12. Plaster walls need to be drained. Drill holes about 2 inches above floor to drain water. They should be drilled about every 16 to 24 inches. If wallboard is soaked and under 4 feet, cut out wallboard and replace with 4 by 8 sheet of wallboard installed sideways. If walls or ceiling are wet, they must be replaced.

Fiberglass batts and blown in insulation should be replaced. If wall or ceiling insulation is wet, plaster or wallboard must be removed to remove the insulation.

Paneling should be pried away from wall to aid drying. Remove wet insulation. Some paneling may be re-useable if not too wet.

13. Your water heater should be replaced.

14. If washer is usable, before you use it run a full cycle with hottest water and disinfectant.

15. Turn off valve on pipe to furnace, water heater, stove or any gas or oil appliances that were flooded as valves may have cracked.

16. Toss all baby toys and stuffed animals. Wash any kept toys in hot water and disinfect.

17. Pet shelters may keep your animals while you are in the midst of flooding and cleanup.

18. If you have a well, pump water until the water is clear.

19. Lawns will usually survive flooding for about 4 days. You may need professional services if lawn must be replaced or if it was covered with more than 1 inch of mud or chemicals from flood water.

20. If you have a propane tank, flooding may have broken connection pipes. Turn off fuel valve at tank and have a professional come look at it prior to using.

21. Keep your garage door open during the day for more air circulation. Do not try to start your vehicle if it's been submerged.