If your home is flooding, follow local evacuation instructions and stay out of floodwater. Do not return until authorities say it is safe. Once reentry is cleared, check for hazards, document the damage, and clean and dry the home only if conditions and your health allow.
During the flood: leave when told and stay out of the water
Follow local alerts and evacuation orders. Leave promptly when directed, move to safer ground, and never drive around barricades. Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwater: it can hide debris, contamination, open drains, and electrical hazards, and moving water can sweep people or vehicles away. FEMA’s Ready.gov flood guidance warns that six inches of moving water can knock a person down and one foot can sweep a vehicle away. Its message is direct: “Turn Around. Don’t Drown!”
- Do not touch wet electrical equipment or enter water near electrical equipment or downed power lines. Keep clear and report hazards to the appropriate utility or emergency service.
- Do not assume tap water is safe to drink after a flood. Follow local health department or water utility instructions.
- Keep children away from floodwater and disaster cleanup areas.
Before reentering: wait for clearance and assess the hazards
Wait for authorities to say the area is safe, and follow any instructions about reentry. Flood-damaged homes may have structural, electrical, gas, sewer, chemical, or water-safety hazards that are not obvious. EPA advises waiting for professionals to tell you it is safe to reenter a flooded home.
Once reentry is permitted, do not treat permission to enter as proof that every room or utility is safe. Watch for unstable floors or ceilings, damaged walls, standing water near electrical equipment, downed lines, gas odors, sewage, contaminated water, and displaced animals. If the structure or utilities may be damaged, stay out of the affected area and contact the relevant authorities, utility, or qualified tradesperson. Do not operate fuel-powered equipment indoors.
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#1 Best Overall
- CORE ADVANTAGE. Vacuum wet/dry messes AND mop tough stains simultaneously—no pre-sweeping! Clean pet-messy floors faster and more efficiently.
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- VERSATILE USE. Safely cleans all hard floors (tile, wood, laminate, vinyl, linoleum) plus area rugs/mats. One machine for your whole house.
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Document the damage before cleanup
If you can do so safely, photograph or video the home and damaged belongings before moving or discarding them. Make a list of damaged or lost items and contact your insurer to ask how to document and report the loss. Preserve receipts and other records related to cleanup and repairs. Do not put yourself at risk to gather evidence; safety takes priority over documentation.
Decide whether cleanup is safe to do yourself
Flood cleanup is a health and safety task, not just a household chore. Floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals, debris, and microbes. Do not begin until officials have cleared reentry and hazards have been controlled. Get qualified help if the work is dangerous, extensive, or beyond your ability.
Rank #2
- PORTABLE: Lightweight, 2.5-gallon wet dry shop vac offers unparalleled mobility
- IDEAL FOR SMALL MESSES: Perfect for the home, garage, cars, trucks and vans
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- DESIGNED FOR TIGHT SPACES: 1-1/4 in. shop vacuum accessories allow for maneuverability in tight areas
Do not take part if you are at higher health risk
CDC and EPA guidance says children, pregnant people, people with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic breathing problems such as asthma should not participate in disaster cleanup. People with asthma or immune suppression should also stay away from buildings with visible or smelled mold or indoor water leaks.
Use protective equipment and keep a clean area
For cleanup that is safe to do, official guidance names an N95 respirator, goggles without holes, protective gloves, long sleeves and pants, and boots or work shoes. Follow the respirator’s fit and use instructions. Keep drinking water, food, hygiene supplies, and first aid in a clean area away from cleanup contamination. Wash your hands and change clothes after mold cleanup. CDC’s mold-cleanup equipment guidance lists protective equipment for this work.
Rank #3
- STRONG SUCTION: 2 Peak HP to quickly clean-up wet and dry messes
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The 2.5-gallon durable polypropylene tank is perfect for small messes and the wheel-base and top handle make it easy to carry on the job
- CONVERTS TO BLOWER: Easily blow leaves and larger debris from the garage or windshield with a simple conversion
- INTEGRATED HOSE AND ACCESSORY STORAGE: Keeps the hose, cord, and nozzles in one place so you can easily access them
- 13 ACCESSORIES: Equipped with a 12-ft cord and 6-ft x 1-1/4-inch hose, (3) extension wands, crevice tool, blower nozzle adapter, deluxe car nozzle, round dust brush, detail brush, 2-in-1 utility nozzle, floor brush/squeegee nozzle, reusable cloth filter, foam wet filter, this vac is designed to handle various cleaning needs.
Remove water and dry the home carefully
After hazards are controlled, remove standing water and wet debris or materials as soon as practical. EPA recommends cleaning and drying the home and belongings within 24–48 hours if possible; if they cannot be dried within that period, assume mold may grow. This is a target, not a reason to enter an unsafe building or rush work without protection.
- Ventilate if possible, but if visible mold is already present, gently clean it before turning on fans or dehumidifiers; airflow can spread mold.
- Do not run the HVAC system until the home has been cleaned and dried and necessary repairs or remediation have been addressed.
- Do not use fuel-powered machines indoors. EPA guidance says to place generators outside at least 20 feet from buildings, away from standing water, and where exhaust cannot enter doors, windows, or other openings.
- Discard porous or other materials that cannot be cleaned and dried promptly. Sewage- or floodwater-contaminated drywall and insulation should be removed and discarded. Carpet and padding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and some paper goods may not be cleanable.
EPA’s Flooded Home guidance covers reentry, protective equipment, drying, documentation, and when to seek professional help.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL CLEANING: This wet and dry vacuum effectively tackles messes, ideal for home, garage, or job site cleaning tasks
- DURABLE DESIGN: Featuring a sturdy stainless steel tank, this wet vacuum cleaner withstands repeated use, maintaining efficiency
- VERSATILE ACCESSORIES: This wet and dry vacuum cleaner includes a reusable cloth filter, foam wet filter, and locking hose, plus multiple nozzles and extension wands for diverse cleaning tasks
- CONVENIENT STORAGE: On-board storage keeps tools and accessories organized and accessible, enabling seamless transitions between modes with this shop vacuum wet and dry
- EASY MOBILITY: Equipped with sturdy wheels and a lightweight frame, this small shop vac moves effortlessly across various surfaces, providing convenience and efficiency where needed
Clean first, then disinfect if needed
Gently clean surfaces with clean water and detergent before using a disinfectant. EPA says bleach and other disinfectants do not work well until dirt and debris have been cleaned away. If you use a disinfectant, follow its label, including directions for ventilation and contact time.
Never mix cleaning products or add bleach to other chemicals. Floodwater may contain unknown substances, so do not combine products in an attempt to make them stronger. EPA’s warning is explicit: “DO NOT MIX CLEANING PRODUCTS together or add bleach to other chemicals.”
Best Value
- Beast Series High-Performance Motor with 320 Air Watts of Power, 20kPa
- Equipped with High-Efficiency Cartridge Filter & Dust Bag for Capturing Fine Dust Particles Down to 1 Micron in Size
- 25-Feet of Cleaning Reach with Premium Kink-Resistant Hose and Power Cord
- 9 Accessories, including a Car, Utility, and Crevice Tool for Various Tasks
- Complete Vac Organization with On-Board Hose, Cord and Accessory Storage
When to stop and call for qualified help
Stop work and contact qualified cleanup or restoration professionals if the home is not clearly safe, hazards remain, mold is extensive, or the job exceeds your skills, equipment, or physical capacity. Local authorities and utilities make incident-specific decisions about safe return, utilities, water, debris, and permitted work. EPA does not certify contractors or maintain a contractor list; check a provider’s qualifications, references, and any applicable state or local requirements. EPA’s flood cleanup infographic summarizes health groups, protective equipment, drying guidance, and cleanup cautions.
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