Steps to Take if Your Home or Vehicle Flooded During Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene brought in heavy rainfall across Georgia with up to 11 inches of rain in parts of Atlanta. If you are experiencing flooding in your home or vehicle, here’s what to do:

What to Do if Your Home is Flooded

• Turn off the power: If you can safely access the main power switch without wading through water, turn it off. If water is present, call an electrician rather than attempting it yourself.
• Inspect the electrical system: Before restoring power, have an electrician evaluate your home’s electrical system.
• Suspect a gas leak?: If you smell gas, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and leave immediately. Contact your gas provider or emergency services. Avoid anything that could create sparks until it’s safe to return.
• Ventilate your home: If your home has been closed for several days, open windows and doors for at least 30 minutes to air it out before staying inside.
• Mold and contamination: After a flood, assume mold is present, and floodwater may be contaminated. Dry your home as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Here are some steps for drying your home, based on tips from Progressive.com:

• Wear protective gear: Use rubber boots and gloves, as floodwaters may contain hazardous materials or sewage. Homes built before 1978 could have lead-based paint particles.
• Dry the space: Use a wet/dry vacuum or hire professionals to prevent mold from spreading.
• Remove damaged items: Remove everything that was in contact with floodwater. Solid wood furniture may be saved, but carpets and other items will likely need to be discarded.
• Ensure electrical safety: Have an electrician inspect submerged wiring or breakers before restoring power.
• Discard contaminated food: Throw out any food that came into contact with floodwater.
• Remove damaged drywall: Cut out at least one foot above the waterline to prevent further damage. If your insurance adjuster hasn’t yet inspected the damage, save a piece for them.

Handling Belongings After a Flood

FEMA.gov offers advice for salvaging family treasures:

• Air-dry items: Avoid using hair dryers, irons, ovens, or prolonged sunlight, as these can cause permanent damage.
• Handle with care: Wet heirlooms are fragile; handle them gently and separate damp materials.
• Clean cautiously: Use soft brushes or cloths to clean fragile items.
• Save photos: Rinse photos in clean water and air-dry them on a plastic screen or paper towel.
• Prioritize: You may not be able to save everything, so focus on the most important items.

What to Do if Your Vehicle is Flooded

If your vehicle has comprehensive insurance, it likely covers flood damage, as well as damage from falling trees, hail, fire, and vandalism. If your car was in a garage, check your homeowners insurance first.

If your vehicle has been flooded, follow these steps:

• Don’t start it: Starting the vehicle could cause more damage if water entered the engine, transmission, or fuel system. If the interior is dry and water didn’t reach the doors, the vehicle might be okay, but have it inspected by a professional.
• Document the damage: Take photos of the car's damage.
• Disconnect the battery: This prevents further electrical damage or shock.
• Ventilate the vehicle: Open the doors and windows to dry out the car and prevent mold.
• Check the oil: If water is present, change the oil and transmission fluid. Repeat this after driving a few hundred miles if the vehicle is salvageable.
• Inspect electrical components: Ensure that electrical parts and the fuel system are undamaged.
• Remove personal items: Take out personal belongings from the vehicle and dry them.

For minor flooding, use a vacuum to remove water from the interior. Dry mats separately, and remove the carpet if necessary. If the water level reached the engine or the vehicle was submerged in saltwater, major repairs may be required, or the vehicle may be a total loss.

Check your auto policy to see if it includes rental car coverage. If the water level rose beyond the engine, your car is likely considered a total loss.