Water Damage Flood Cleanup Checklist: What to Do After a Flood in Southern California

Flooding is overwhelming. When water has entered your home, knowing exactly what to do — and in what order — helps you stay calm and protect both your family and your property. This checklist covers the essential steps every Southern California homeowner should take after a flooding event.

Immediate Safety First (Before Anything Else)

Do not enter flooded areas until you’ve confirmed it’s safe. Electrocution from flooded electrical systems kills people every year. Turn off electricity at the breaker before entering flooded rooms. Do not enter if the floodwater may be contaminated with sewage (brownish, bad-smelling water). Wear rubber boots and gloves if you must enter. If the flooding is from a storm or external source, be aware that floodwater can contain chemicals, pathogens, and debris.

Stop the Source

If water is still entering, stop it first. Shut off the main water valve if it’s an interior plumbing source. If it’s from storm water, see if temporary measures (sandbags, moving items off the floor) can reduce ongoing damage while you wait for help.

Call for Professional Help Immediately

Call 1-866-227-1888 for emergency dispatch before you do anything else. Professional water extraction equipment removes water dramatically faster than consumer equipment and begins the professional drying process immediately. The faster professional help arrives, the better your outcome.

Document Everything Before Cleanup

Before moving anything or beginning any cleanup, photograph and video every affected area comprehensively. Walk through every room, open every cabinet, document all visible damage to structure, flooring, walls, and personal property. This documentation is your insurance claim foundation. More is better — take hundreds of photos if needed.

Protect and Salvage Valuables

Move undamaged items out of affected areas to prevent further damage. For wet items, proper handling can make the difference between salvage and total loss: take wet documents, photos, and irreplaceables to a dry area; air-dry them or freeze documents you can’t immediately dry; remove wet area rugs from hard floors to prevent staining; elevate furniture legs with foil or wood blocks on wet carpet.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurer to open a claim as soon as possible. Provide your documentation. Ask about emergency mitigation coverage and advance payments for living expenses if your home is uninhabitable. In California, insurers must acknowledge your claim within 15 days.

FAQ