What Do You Do Immediately After a Hurricane?

Do not attempt to return home until local officials say it is safe to do so. Downed power lines, flooded roads, and structural instability pose serious risks. Your priority is the well-being of your family and yourself. Listen to emergency broadcasts for information about evacuation orders, shelter locations, and community resources. Also, be aware of potential contamination in floodwaters from sewage or chemicals.

If you can safely enter, your next goal is to prevent more damage. Shut off the main water valve if you suspect broken pipes and turn off the electricity at the breaker box if any wiring is wet. Remove small, valuable items from standing water to a dry area. For significant flooding, local water damage pros have the equipment for emergency water extraction and structural drying. They can also assess hidden moisture that you cannot see.

• Shut off the main water valve to prevent more water from entering.
• Turn off electricity at the breaker panel if any area is wet.
• Move furniture and rugs from standing water if it's safe to do so.
• Open windows for ventilation if the weather allows.
• Begin removing soaked, porous items like cardboard boxes.
• Contact your insurance company to start the claims process.

For any significant water intrusion, professional assessment is key. Hidden moisture in walls, floors, and ceilings can lead to mold and structural decay within days. Local water damage pros use tools like moisture mapping and specialized drying equipment. They can also identify safety hazards you might miss, such as compromised load-bearing walls. In a humid subtropical climate, rapid drying is especially important to prevent secondary damage. The pros follow industry standards to ensure your home is dried thoroughly and safely.