What To Do If Your House is Flooding

Immediate steps to take if your house is flooding

What to do at home during a flash flood

If you are in your home during a dangerous flash flood from heavy rains or storms, these are the immediate steps to take:

Stay calm: The most important thing you can do.
Get everyone in your home to higher ground, including children and pets. Do NOT go into a closed attic where you can be trapped by water. Only go to the roof when absolutely necessary.
If you have time, grab essential items like phones, medication, wallets, IDs, shoes, and flashlights. Do not go searching if there is no time.
If you can reach them safely, shut off the electricity and gas to reduce the risk of fire or electrocution.
Avoid walking through standing water, as it may carry an electrical current, dangerous contaminants, or sharp objects. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet.
If water levels are rising rapidly, life is in danger, or you are trapped, call emergency services right away.
Once you and your family are secure, shift your attention to taking additional safety measures outlined in the safety precautions section of this blog.

What to do if your home is flooding from a plumbing issue

If your home is flooding due to a plumbing issue and lives are not immediately at risk, follow these steps:

Shut off the water supply to the house, or shut off access from the individual water fixture causing the issue.
Shut off electricity to the affected areas.
Remove standing water quickly with towels, a wet vacuum, mops, or buckets.
Protect valuables and furniture by removing them from the affected area.
Document the damage with pictures and videos.
Call a professional to fix the issue. Plumbers can fix the water issues, and mold experts and remediators can help repair significant damage from the water.
Dry the area thoroughly with fans and dehumidifiers. Open windows for additional ventilation if the weather allows.
If the water is from a toilet or sewer line, sanitize the area.

Once you’ve taken the immediate steps to protect people and safeguard essential items, shift your focus to stabilizing the situation. Flood conditions can deteriorate quickly, and the environment inside your home becomes increasingly hazardous as water rises. Before you move any further, it’s critical to understand the key safety precautions that reduce risk and prevent additional harm.

Safety precautions during a flood

Floodwater carries hidden risks. Keep children and pets far from it, even if it looks shallow. Wear protective gear such as rubber boots and gloves when entering areas that may be contaminated. According to the CDC, floodwater often contains sewage, sharp objects, or submerged electrical hazards.

If you need light, use flashlights instead of candles to avoid the danger of fire or gas ignition. Basements and enclosed areas should be avoided entirely, since water can rise quickly and cut off escape routes. With your immediate safety secured, you can then consider how to protect your property and belongings.

What to save first in a flood

If you have time and it is safe, prioritize items that are difficult or impossible to replace. Focus on securing critical documents and essentials before water levels rise.

High-priority items include:
• Government IDs and passports
• Insurance policies and financial records
• Medication and medical devices
• Laptops, hard drives, and essential electronics
• Family heirlooms or irreplaceable valuables
• Pets and their necessary supplies
• A small “go bag” with clothes, chargers, and basic necessities

As you take these steps, also document the situation. Photos and videos of your home and belongings will be essential for insurance claims. Once you have gathered what you can, the next step is contacting the right people who can help.

Who to call when your house is flooding

Communication is critical during and after a flood. For immediate threats, call 911. If your power or gas lines are impacted, notify your utility providers. After the immediate danger has passed, contact your flood insurance company to start the claims process.

Professional help is also necessary. Certified water damage restoration services can begin safe cleanup and reduce long-term damage. After those calls are made, your attention will shift to the cleanup process itself.

How to clean up after a flood in your house

Cleanup must be handled carefully to avoid health risks and structural damage. Standing water should be removed gradually using pumps or wet vacuums. Removing water too quickly can stress weakened walls and foundations. Once water levels are under control, use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to speed the drying process.

For significant water damage, it’s often best to bring in a professional water damage restoration company. In Texas, reputable providers include SERVPRO of Texas, Belfor Property Restoration, and Blackmon Mooring & BMS CAT. These companies have the specialized equipment, including industrial pumps, air movers, and moisture meters. These are needed to dry your home safely and prevent further structural issues. They can also assess hidden moisture behind walls and floors and document damages for insurance claims.

Floodwater often contains bacteria, so all affected surfaces must be thoroughly disinfected. Keep a close eye on your home in the days that follow, as mold can develop quickly in damp conditions. Porous materials such as carpet, insulation, and drywall may need to be removed if they show any signs of contamination. Many of the same restoration companies offer mold remediation and sanitation services, ensuring your home is cleaned to industry health standards.

Flood preparedness tips for Texas homeowners

Preparation is the best defense against future flooding. Signing up for local weather alerts helps you stay informed before storms and flash floods arrive. Keeping an emergency kit with food, water, medications, and first aid supplies ensures you are ready if you must evacuate.

Protect your important records by storing them in waterproof containers or creating digital backups. Families should also plan and practice evacuation routes so everyone knows what to do in an emergency. With these measures in place, you can face the future with greater peace of mind.

How to protect your home from flooding in Texas

Floods in Texas are unpredictable, but having a plan and knowing the right steps can protect your family and your property. Staying calm during an emergency, safeguarding your home, and preparing in advance are the most effective strategies for handling flood events.

At BKV Energy, we are committed to supporting Texas homeowners with reliable information and resources that help you prepare for life’s unexpected challenges. From flooding and severe weather to energy savings and home maintenance, our Learning Center and Blog are packed with expert guides designed to help you stay safe, lower costs, and protect your home.

Written by Graham Lumley

Graham Lumley is the Growth Product Manager at BKV Energy, a retail electricity provider in Texas' deregulated market, where he has worked since 2023. He analyzes customer usage and billing data, helps develop BKV's fixed-rate plans, and creates tools to simplify Texas electricity shopping. He has written over 200 articles on Texas electricity rates, delivery charges, plan types, energy generation, and more to help Texans understand their bills and pay less. With over 10 years of experience in consumer products, marketing, and energy, he explains the Texas electricity market in plain language.