The short answer
Safety First
Before you touch anything, check for downed power lines, gas leaks, or structural damage. If you smell gas or see sparks, leave the house and call the utility company from outside. Wear rubber boots and gloves to protect yourself from contaminated water.
Turn off the main power if water has reached electrical outlets or appliances. If the breaker panel is wet, do not touch it. Have a qualified electrician inspect the system before you turn it back on. Keep children and pets away from affected areas.
Remove Standing Water
Use a wet/dry vacuum, a sump pump, or buckets to remove as much water as you can. The sooner you get rid of standing water, the less damage it can cause. Open windows and doors to help air circulate and speed up drying.
If the water level is high or the flooding is severe, do not attempt this alone. Floodwater can hide sharp objects, chemicals, or sewage. Local water damage pros have the right equipment to handle large volumes of water safely and efficiently.
- Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves
- Turn off electricity before entering flooded areas
- Use a pump or wet/dry vacuum for standing water
- Move furniture and rugs to a dry area if possible
- Take photos of damage for your insurance records
Dry Out Wet Areas
After removing the water, focus on drying. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to pull moisture from the air. Remove wet carpets, padding, and upholstery if they are soaked. These items can hold water for days and lead to mold growth.
Pay attention to hidden spaces like crawlspaces, wall cavities, and under cabinets. Moisture can linger there and cause structural damage over time. If you live in Caldwell, keep your crawlspace vents clear and consider a dehumidifier for that area. The pros use industrial equipment to dry these hard-to-reach spots.
Clean and Disinfect
Once surfaces are dry, clean them with a disinfectant to kill bacteria and mold spores. Use a solution of bleach and water for hard surfaces, but never mix bleach with ammonia. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry.
For porous items like drywall, insulation, or mattresses that were soaked, disposal is often the safest option. Mold can grow inside these materials even after they appear dry. If you are unsure whether an item can be saved, ask a mold professional for advice.
When to Call the Pros
Some storm cleanup jobs are too big for a homeowner. If water has risen above baseboards, if sewage is involved, or if you see mold growth, professional help is wise. The pros have specialized tools for extraction, drying, and sanitizing.
They can also handle debris removal after a storm, from fallen branches to damaged drywall. If you need help with contents cleaning or deep cleaning after a disaster, local water damage pros offer those services. Check your policy to see what your insurance company covers. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
- Water depth above baseboards
- Sewage or contaminated water
- Visible mold growth
- Electrical hazards you cannot safely address
- Structural damage to walls or roof
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Call Now (208) 729-2441Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for mold to grow after a storm?
Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. That is why quick drying is so important. If you cannot dry an area completely within that window, you may need to remove wet materials. Watch for musty smells or discoloration.
Can I clean storm water with regular household cleaners?
Household cleaners can help, but they are not always strong enough for contaminated water. Use a disinfectant that kills bacteria and mold, like a bleach solution for hard surfaces. For porous materials, cleaning may not be enough. When in doubt, discard them.
What should I do with wet furniture and belongings?
Move them to a dry area if you can. Upholstered furniture and mattresses may be salvageable if dried quickly, but they can hold moisture and mold. Professional contents cleaning can help. If items are soaked with sewage, they should be thrown away for safety.