After the storm

Before you go back

Wait until it’s actually safe. Patience here prevents most re-entry injuries.

Wait for an official all-clear from local authorities before returning — don’t guess.
Smell gas? Don’t go in. Leave the area and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.
Don’t enter if floodwater remains in or around the building.
Watch for downed power lines and washed-out roads on the way — stay away from both.
See damaged wiring, broken glass or structural damage? Stay out and call your utility or a professional.

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Once it’s safe to go in, protect yourself before you touch anything.

Photograph the damage before you move or clean up anything — your insurer will want to see it first.
Wear heavy work gloves, boots and a mask during cleanup.
Dry out wet areas and belongings within 24–48 hours to help keep mold from growing.
If you have asthma or a weakened immune system, stay out of moldy rooms and let someone else clean them.
Never run a generator or grill indoors, in a garage, or near a window — keep it at least 20 feet from the house. Carbon monoxide is invisible and can kill you, your family and pets.
Avoid wading through floodwater — it can hide debris, chemicals and sewage.
Watch for animals, including snakes, that may have moved in while you were gone.

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Check the fridge and freezer before you eat anything from them.

A closed refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours, and a full freezer for about 48 hours.
A half-full freezer keeps food safe for about 24 hours.
Throw away food that’s been at 40°F or warmer for 2 hours or more, or that has an unusual smell, color or texture.
When in doubt, throw it out.
If the power was out for more than a day, ask your doctor or pharmacist about any medication that needs refrigeration before you use it.

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Good records now make insurance and FEMA claims go faster later.

Photograph every room and every damaged item before you clean up or throw anything away.
Keep a written inventory and every receipt for repairs, hotels and supplies — insurers and FEMA both ask for them.
File your insurance claim as soon as you can — don’t wait.
Have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program? Start your claim at FloodSmart.gov.
No insurance? Contact your local emergency management agency about assistance.

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You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Apply for federal disaster assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov, or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
Download the FEMA app for real-time alerts and to find open shelters.
Call 211 for free help finding shelter, food, counseling and other local resources.
Check Cal OES for statewide emergency and recovery information.

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Scammers target people right after a disaster. Slow down before you pay anyone.

Never share your Social Security number, bank details or insurance information with someone who contacts you first.
Get more than one written bid before hiring a contractor, and don’t pay the full amount upfront.
Check any contractor’s license before you hire them at CSLB.ca.gov.
Report suspicious contacts to the FTC.

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