What To Do In The First 48 Hours After A Houston Flood

The first two days after a flood decide how much of your home can be saved and how smoothly your claim goes. Houston’s heat means mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours, so speed matters, but safety comes first.

Use this checklist. For cleanup crews, see our Top Flood Cleanup Companies In Houston.

Hours 0 To 6: Stay Safe

• Do not re-enter until authorities say it is safe
• Turn off electricity at the breaker only if you can do so without standing in water
• Watch for snakes, fire ants and wildlife displaced by floodwater
• Treat all floodwater as contaminated; wear boots and gloves

Hours 6 To 24: Document And Report

• Photograph and video every room, waterline marks and damaged items before moving anything
• Call your flood insurer (NFIP or private flood policy) and your homeowners insurer
• Write down the date, time and claim numbers
• Keep receipts for emergency supplies and lodging

Hours 24 To 48: Start Drying

• Call a restoration company to extract water and begin drying
• Remove wet rugs, furniture and soft items to a dry area or the curb, after photographing them
• Cut out wet drywall and insulation above the waterline if instructed by the restorer or adjuster
• Run dehumidifiers and fans only once power is safe

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Throwing items away before the adjuster sees them or they are photographed
• Hiring unlicensed contractors who demand large cash deposits
• Closing walls before the structure is confirmed dry
• Assuming homeowners insurance covers flooding; it usually does not

Conclusion

Safety, documentation and fast drying are the three priorities after a Houston flood. Get those right in the first 48 hours and the rest of the recovery becomes far more manageable.