What to do after a flood and how to clean up storm damage

What to do after flood or storm damage to your home

Find out if it's safe to return home

Before you step back into your property after a storm or flood, it’s critical to check that it’s safe. Floodwaters and strong winds can damage structural elements, utilities, and even leave behind hidden hazards.

• Wait for official clearance. Listen to emergency services and local authorities and don't return until they confirm the area is safe.
• Inspect your property carefully. Look for visible structural damage to walls, floors, ceilings and roofs. If you suspect the building is unstable, keep out and call a professional.
• Beware of contaminants. Floodwater often carries sewage, chemicals and debris. Wear protective clothing: waterproof boots, gloves and a P2 mask, which is designed to filter out airborne particles, to protect against mould.
• Turn off electricity and gas. Floodwaters can make wiring and appliances dangerous. Only a licensed electrician or gas fitter should check and reconnect these systems.

Depending on the damage caused in the area, it might not be possible to drive back home. Often roads are blocked, or long detours are in place. Keep the radio on for regular updates, or if you have access to the internet, check for the same. Remember to never drive through flood water.

Here is a checklist of things to consider stocking up on before you return home:

• Clean bottled water, as the local water may be contaminated
• Snacks
• Batteries for torches
• Prescription medications that you may have lost in the flood
• Refuel your car or charge your EV.

Document any damage for your insurer

Before you begin any cleaning or repairs, thoroughly document the damage. Ask your insurer covered, what evidence they need, and if they have preferred repairers or assessors. This helps ensure nothing is overlooked when making your claim.

To submit a claim, you'll need to provide details including your policy number (if you have it to hand), the time of the incident, and details of what happened, including a log of damage.

• Take photos and videos. Capture every affected area, item and detail, including serial numbers or unique features of valuable items.
• Make notes. Write down when the damage happened, how high floodwaters reached, and what was affected. Be sure to document all damage from where your property starts, including driveways and fences, barns, sheds, even damaged cars, to the home itself.
• Keep damaged items (if safe to do so). Your insurer might need to inspect them before you throw anything away.

Depending on your policy, your insurance company may also assist with:

• sending a qualified professional out to assess whether your home is in a safe and liveable condition 
• organising a tradesperson for any repairs, or
• if the property is assessed as unliveable, arrange for temporary accommodation.

Start with urgent repairs

It's important to seek the advice of your insurance company before cleaning or hiring a professional to clean. Once your insurer gives you the okay, carry out emergency repairs to prevent further damage. Keep receipts for any materials or emergency services that you use, as they may be reimbursable under your insurance policy.

Broken windows should be covered with a sturdy material such as plastic sheeting or plywood, and secured with strong tape or screws. Make sure you wear protective gear, including gloves and eye protection and remove any loose glass or debris from the window frame first. 

If your roof is damaged, and a tarpaulin is required to protect the house, it's recommended that a professional roofer or a qualified tradesperson experienced in working at heights handles that job. Remember that using a ladder is inherently risky.

It's also important to remove debris that's blocking drains to allow water to flow away.

Remove water and mud quickly

The longer water sits, the greater the damage from swelling, warping and mould.

• Pump out standing water. Use a portable pump if you have one, or call a professional flood restoration company.
• Shovel out mud and silt. Mud can hold moisture and contaminants; remove it as soon as possible.
• Open doors and windows. Improve ventilation to help dry the space.

If you've had major flooding, consider hiring industrial fans, dehumidifiers and dryers. These can dramatically speed up drying times.

Mud can seep into all the nooks and crannies in your home during a flood, lingering in spaces you wouldn't even think to check. Look out for mud in small spaces behind and under benches, in shelving, and under showers and baths.

Dry out the structure and contents

After wiping away visible water and mud, thoroughly dry to prevent rot and mould. Once the weather has stablised, hose out any mud, dirt, and debris and then open all your door and windows. If it's still wet outside, leave doors and windows ajar.

If your electricity or gas is still working, turn on your fans and heaters, but monitor the heat level. You want the heaters to help get rid of the moisture, not warp your floors and walls.

Floors, insulation and plaster may need to be removed as damp spaces can lead to the spread of mould and mildew in your home. It only takes mould about 24 hours to develop and start spreading, so your focus should be on removing wet items and drying out your house as soon as possible.

Only start major repairs once moisture levels have stabilised.

Clean and disinfect your property and belongings

Floodwater can contain harmful bacteria, chemicals and mould spores. It's important to disinfect everything that floodwater could have touched.

• Hard surfaces. Scrub floors, walls and tiles with hot water and detergent, then disinfect with bleach (one cup of household bleach to a bucket of water). Rinse thoroughly.
• Soft furnishings. Wash in hot water if possible, or have them professionally cleaned.
• Kitchen items. Wash crockery and cutlery in hot soapy water and sanitise with boiling water.
• Mould patches. Clean small patches (under one square metre) yourself using detergent and water, then dry completely. Avoid dry brushing mould, which can release spores into the air. For large infestations, or if mould keeps coming back, call a mould remediation professional.

Divide things into piles to keep and throw away. If the flooding, and consequent damage, has been widespread, it might be best to get a skip for larger items and garbage bags for smaller items, as you work your way through the house. Discard anything porous that can't be properly cleaned, such as mattresses, pillows and padded furniture.

Garden and outdoor clean-up

Flood and storm damage doesn’t stop at the front door. Clear gutters and downpipes of debris so the water can drain away properly. Remove silt and mud from lawns to help grass recover, and prune or remove trees and branches that are unstable or broken. Dispose of any green waste appropriately.

Tips for cleaning your home after storm or flood damage

Have a dedicated cleaning kit

Items that will help clean your home include brooms, mops, rakes and buckets. Stock up on household cleaners, detergents, bleach and disinfectants as well, and always read the label before using the product.

Safety and hygiene

Water damage can introduce bacteria, so be vigilant. Practice good hand hygiene and use disinfectant when cleaning. Stick to solid and sturdy water-resistant boots, long pants and long sleeves, gloves, protective glasses (if needed). If outside, don't forget a hat, insect repellent and SPF, depending on the season.

If wounded while cleaning up, disinfect immediately and cover the injury with a waterproof dressing. Avoid entering lingering water as it can hide submerged hazards such as nails, glass and other harmful detritus.

Watch out for snakes, spiders and any other animals that could prove a hazard. If an animal has taken up residence in your home in your absence, call your local wildlife rescue to come and safely relocate it.

Don't bring the kids

Leave your children and pets with a trusted relative or friend if possible when returning to your property. It can be distressing for children, who are also at risk of injuring themselves or becoming ill from the flood waters.

Think about home security

Your house may not be liveable for some time. In this case, it's advisable to notify your utilities of the situation and arrange with Australian Post to have your mail held or diverted. If your property can't be secured due to the destruction of locks, consider arranging for a temporary security measure (i.e. cyclone fencing) to be installed as a deterrent.

Check electrical equipment

Thoroughly dry out any electrical items and have them checked by an electrician before attempting to use them again, as water damage might not be immediately apparent.

Do not turn on wet appliances until inspected and cleared by a licensed electrician. Replace power boards, extension leads and other small electricals if they were submerged. Finally, have your switchboard and wiring checked before reconnecting to the mains.

Know when to call the professionals

Flood and storm clean-up is exhausting and sometimes dangerous. Consider professional help when:

• your home's structure is damaged or unstable
• you have extensive water damage inside walls or floors
• mould covers large areas or keeps returning
• sewage-contaminated water entered your home.

Restoration specialists have equipment like moisture meters, industrial dryers and antimicrobial treatments to safely speed recovery.

How to prepare your home for a future storm or flood

Review your insurance cover

Check that your insurance cover is current and that your policy provides you with adequate cover.

Check your roof and clean your gutters

Fix any roof damage, including broken or missing tiles, and clean your gutters to prevent future blockages and damage. These task can be dangerous to do yourself, so consider getting a professional.

Secure large items

Ensure any large items outside your home (including items on your balcony) that could be damaged or cause damage in a storm are secured or put inside.

Keep your tree branches trimmed to help decrease your chance of damage in a storm or when there are strong winds.

Create an emergency kit and have an action plan

Prepare a home emergency kit in the event that you have no power or you need to leave your home. Include things like a change of clothes, batteries, torches, bottled water and a first aid kit.

Ensure yourself and your family are prepared for an emergency by creating an action plan. Know where you will go if told to evacuate and how you will get there, planning for multiple routes in case of road closures.

Listen to your local radio for weather warnings. Make sure you've got batteries on hand so you can operate your radio without power if needed.  The VicEmergency website and app also features up-to-date information.

^{The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.}