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What to do if…
you find standing water in a basement or crawl space after heavy rain

Short answer

Assume an electrocution and contamination risk until proven otherwise. Keep everyone out and shut off power from a dry, safe location before you go near the water.

Do not do these things

  • Do not enter standing water if outlets, appliances, wiring, or your electrical panel/breaker area could be wet.
  • Do not turn power on/off or use corded tools while standing in water or on wet flooring.
  • Do not pump/drain aggressively while water is still high outside or still rising inside (it can cause more damage).
  • Do not use generators indoors or near open windows/doors—carbon monoxide can build up fast.
  • Do not let kids or pets into the area.
  • Do not start tearing out materials or discarding items before photographing for insurance.

What to do now

  1. Make the area off-limits. Close the basement/crawl space access if you can and keep people/pets away.
  2. Check for “leave now” hazards. If you smell gas, see sparking, hear buzzing/crackling, or notice major structural sagging: leave and call 911.
  3. Make electricity safe first.
    • If you can reach your main breaker/service panel from a completely dry, safe spot, turn power off.
    • If you would need to step into water to reach the panel, do not. Call an electrician or your utility to shut power off safely.
  4. If there’s a simple, safe way to limit more water, do it.
    • Move items up off the floor if you can do so without wading.
    • If you suspect a plumbing break is contributing, shut off the main water valve only if it’s safe to reach.
  5. Document damage before cleanup. Take photos/video of: water depth, likely entry points, affected equipment (furnace/water heater/outlets), and damaged belongings/materials.
  6. Start the insurance/landlord chain early.
    • Contact your home insurer (or landlord/property manager) to report the loss and get instructions on mitigation and approved contractors.
    • If you have flood insurance (NFIP or private), follow their documentation instructions and keep receipts for emergency mitigation.
  7. If you’re going to remove water yourself, go slowly and in stages.
    • Wait until the situation is stable and water outside has dropped.
    • FEMA guidance warns that pumping a basement too soon after flooding can contribute to structural damage—avoid rushing.
  8. Treat the water as contaminated unless you’re sure it’s clean.
    • Wear boots and gloves; avoid splashes to your face; wash hands well afterward.
    • If you suspect sewage backup (odor, toilet overflow, debris), keep everyone out and contact a qualified cleanup service and/or follow local public health guidance.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to diagnose the exact cause (grading, gutters, foundation, groundwater) right now—first make it safe, stop it getting worse, and document.
  • You don’t need to start demolition immediately; insurers often want documentation first and may guide what to remove.
  • You don’t need to decide on long-term waterproofing/drainage today—focus on safe shutdown, documentation, and controlled drying/cleanup.

Important reassurance

This is a very common post-storm problem, and you don’t have to solve it all at once. Preventing electrical shock and avoiding rushed cleanup without documentation are the two biggest ways to reduce harm right now.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Cleanup, drying, mold prevention, and repairs can become complex and may require licensed professionals and insurer guidance.

Important note

This is general information, not professional advice. If electrical equipment has been wet, you suspect structural damage, or sewage contamination may be present, prioritise professional help and follow local instructions.

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