Outside floodwater in the house. Category 3. You do not go in until it is safe.

Floodwater carries sewage, chemicals and electrical hazard, and the EPA says to discard anything wet for more than 24 to 48 hours.

What is probably happening

• Rising water from a river, street or storm surge. IICRC S500 classes all forms of flooding from seawater and rising water from rivers or streams as Category 3, grossly contaminated.
• The EPA says floodwater may have high levels of raw sewage or other hazardous substances, and early symptoms of exposure include upset stomach, intestinal problems and headache.
• Drywall, insulation, carpet and pad that floodwater touched are removed, not dried. The CDC says to throw away items that cannot be disinfected, like wall coverings, cloth, rugs and drywall.

Do this in the next five minutes

1. Stay out until the water is gone and officials say the area is safe.
2. If you can reach the main breaker from a dry spot, turn it off. If not, call the utility to disconnect.
3. Rubber boots, rubber gloves, goggles and an N95 or better before you go in (CDC).
4. Photograph every room and the high water mark before you move or discard anything.
5. Any generator stays outside, at least 20 feet from the house (CDC).
6. Call your flood insurer, then a restoration company. Ask for Category 3 experience.

Do not

• Do not let a cut or open wound touch floodwater. Clean any wound at once with soap and clean water (CDC).
• Do not turn the power back on until an electrician has checked the system (CDC and ESFI).
• Do not plug in or run any appliance that got wet until an electrician says it is safe (ESFI).
• Do not sign an Assignment of Benefits or a work contract from someone who came to the door. See the Insurance branch.

Ask this contractor, on the phone, before anyone comes out

Tap each one as you ask it.

• Are you pricing this as Category 3 under S500, and what does the scope remove versus clean?
• How high above the water line will you cut the drywall, and why?
• What disinfectant are you using, and will you document application?
• Will you leave a daily moisture log tied to the scope, and how many days do you expect?
• Will an electrician inspect before power is restored, and is that in the quote?

End the call if

• A crew with no respirators or gloves.
• A company that wants to dry the drywall in place after sewage-contaminated floodwater.
• A door knock after the storm, or an Assignment of Benefits on the clipboard.