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What Should I Do Right After a Severe Thunderstorm?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

Safety First

After a severe thunderstorm, your first priority is safety. Look for downed power lines, broken glass, or standing water near electrical sources. If you see sparks or smell gas, leave the house and call emergency services from a safe distance. Do not enter a room where water touches outlets or appliances.

Check for structural damage like sagging ceilings or cracked walls before walking through rooms. If the roof leaks, place a bucket under the drip and move furniture away. If you feel unwell from fumes or stress, step outside for fresh air and see a doctor if symptoms persist.

  • Turn off the main power if water is near electrical panels
  • Wear rubber boots and gloves when walking through wet areas
  • Keep children and pets away from flooded rooms
  • Open windows if you smell gas or sewage
  • Photograph any damage before you start cleanup

Document the Damage

Take clear photos and videos of every wet area, including the source of the water, damaged belongings, and any stains on walls or floors. Write down the time the storm hit and when you noticed the water. This record helps your insurance company understand the situation.

List items that got wet, including furniture, electronics, and personal belongings. Note their approximate age and condition. Keep receipts for any supplies you buy to dry out your home. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

  • Capture wide shots of each room and close-ups of damage
  • Note the date and time of the storm and your discovery
  • Save all receipts for drying equipment or cleaning supplies
  • Do not throw away damaged items until you have documented them

Stop the Water

If the storm caused a leak through the roof, windows, or vents, try to stop the water from spreading. Use towels or rags to soak up puddles, and place a tarp over a broken window if you can do so safely. If you see a burst pipe or overflowing gutter, turn off the main water valve.

For minor leaks, move furniture to a dry area and lift rugs off the floor. Keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can act fast. Do not climb onto a wet roof or ladder during or right after a storm.

Dry Wet Areas

Start drying as soon as possible to limit mold growth and further damage. Open windows if the outside air is drier than inside, and run fans or a dehumidifier to pull moisture from the air. Remove wet carpets and padding if they are soaked through, and hang them outside to dry.

Wipe down wet walls and floors with a clean cloth, and use a wet-dry vacuum to suck up standing water. In humid weather, drying may take longer, so keep air moving for several days. If the water came from sewage or floodwater, treat the area as contaminated and avoid contact.

For large areas of standing water, the pros can bring industrial drying equipment. They can also check hidden spaces like wall cavities and under flooring where moisture may linger.

When to Call the Pros

If the storm left more than a few inches of water, or if the water reached drywall, insulation, or electrical systems, call the pros. They have moisture meters and drying tools that can handle the job safely. They can also assess whether materials like drywall or flooring need to be removed.

Water that soaks into drywall or wood can cause mold within a day or two. If you see visible mold or smell a musty odor, do not disturb it. A mold professional can test the air and guide you on safe removal. For extensive flooding, professional flood damage cleanup is often the right move.

The cost to hire help depends on the extent of the damage and the size of the affected area. You may also need to remove water-damaged flooring or repair ceiling damage. Ask the pros for a written scope of work before they start.

  • Water depth exceeds one inch in multiple rooms
  • Ceiling or wallboard is sagging or soaked through
  • You see or smell mold within 48 hours
  • Electrical outlets or appliances got wet
  • The water came from sewage or floodwater

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Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to dry things out before mold grows?

Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours on wet surfaces. Act quickly: remove standing water, increase airflow, and use dehumidifiers. If you cannot dry an area in that time, consider calling the pros for help.

Should I throw away wet furniture and carpets?

Not right away. First document everything with photos for your insurance. Porous items like mattresses, pillows, and heavily soaked carpet often cannot be saved. Non-porous items like plastic or metal can be cleaned and dried. If the water was contaminated, discard anything porous.

Can I handle the cleanup myself?

You can handle small spills if the water is clean and the area dries quickly. For large areas, contaminated water, or damage to walls and ceilings, professional help is safer. They have equipment to dry hidden spaces and can prevent mold from spreading.

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