Before the storm window
- Clear downspouts and note low-grade areas that already pond.
- Know shutoff locations for water and relevant breakers.
- Move storage off basement floors and away from exterior walls when flooding is a known pattern.
- Photograph pre-storm exterior drainage and any existing stains for later comparison.
First safe actions after water intrusion
| Condition | Do this | Do not do this |
|---|---|---|
| Water near electricity | Stay out; use utility/emergency guidance | Wading in to rescue belongings |
| Ceiling stain after wind-driven rain | Document rooms under the stain; separate roof and interior notes | Paint over a cavity that may still be wet |
| Basement seepage or sump overflow | Log pump status, water height, materials, and water appearance | Assume all basement water is the same category |
| Humidity stays high after surface drying | Ask for moisture verification before cosmetic resets | Close walls over unresolved damp cavities |
Local follow-through
National readiness still needs local context: Gulf humidity, river stages, freeze-thaw basements, mountain crawl spaces, and red-clay drainage each change the next question. Use this checklist, then open the matching city quote guide or damage hub for documentation specifics.