Going home after a flood is emotional and exhausting, and it's easy to rush. A little order up front protects your health, your insurance claim and the house.
Before you go in
- Wait until officials say it's safe. Road closures in the lower Russian River area can last after the river drops.
- Wear boots, gloves, long sleeves and eye protection. The EPA suggests an N-95 respirator when working around mold (EPA).
- If you smell gas or see damaged wiring, leave and call PG&E or 911.
- If the electrical panel or outlets got wet, don't turn power on until an electrician checks them.
Document first
Photograph and video every room, the water line on walls, and damaged belongings before you move anything. Your insurer will want this. See flood insurance in Sonoma County.
What to keep and what to toss
Floodwater can carry sewage, fuel and chemicals. Hard, non-porous items like glass, metal and ceramic can usually be cleaned. The California Department of Public Health says porous materials such as drywall, ceiling tiles, drapes and upholstered furniture usually can't be effectively cleaned of mold, and porous materials that stayed wet more than a day or two may need removal even if they don't look moldy yet (CDPH). Carpet and pad soaked by floodwater are almost always removed.
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Dry it fast
The EPA says that drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours usually prevents mold (EPA). After a river flood that's hard to do without equipment, because whole neighborhoods are wet at once. A restoration provider will remove soaked materials, open walls above the wick line, and run dehumidifiers and air movers with daily readings.
Watch the crawlspace
Many river-area homes sit over crawlspaces. Mud and water left under the house keep humidity high for weeks. Insulation that got wet usually needs to come out, and the soil and framing need to dry.
Mold
If you already see mold, CDPH says testing usually isn't needed: if you can see or smell it, fix the moisture and remove or clean the mold (CDPH). Our sister site has a full after-the-storm drying and mold timeline.
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Hiring help
Disasters attract unlicensed operators. CSLB says contracting without a license in a declared disaster area is a felony, and advises paying no more than 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less (CSLB). Verify any license at CSLB.
Sources
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
- California Department of Public Health: Mold FAQ
- CSLB disaster guidance
- CSLB license check
- Ready.gov: Floods
Sources checked October 18, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash and keep flooded drywall?
Generally no. Drywall is porous, and floodwater is contaminated. It's typically cut out above the highest wet point and replaced.
Should I bleach everything?
CDPH doesn't recommend bleach for mold cleanup; it suggests scrubbing non-porous surfaces with soap and water. Never mix bleach with ammonia.