The short answer
First Steps After the Flood
Your first job is to keep children away from any floodwater. Floodwater can contain sewage, chemicals, and sharp objects that you cannot see. Even shallow water can be dangerous, so do not let kids wade, play, or splash in it. Keep them indoors and away from the affected area until you know more.
Check that your home's electricity is off before anyone steps into a wet room. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave the house and call the gas company from outside. Have a bag ready with snacks, water, and clean clothes for each child so they can stay comfortable while you sort out the next steps.
Cleanup Safety for Children
Cleanup after a flood is messy and can be risky for small lungs and skin. Do not let children help with removing wet carpets, drywall, or furniture. Those materials can carry mold and bacteria that are not safe to breathe. Keep kids in a separate, dry part of the home while you work.
If you hire local water damage pros, ask them to set up a safe path for your family. They usually bring their own equipment and know how to contain dust and debris. You can also ask them to work in sections, so your family has a clean area to stay in while the rest of the home is being dried out.
- Keep children out of rooms with standing water or wet carpets.
- Use plastic sheeting to block off hallways leading to the work zone.
- Run a dehumidifier in the dry part of the home to keep the air comfortable.
- Wash children's hands and faces often, especially before meals.
- Do not let kids touch mud, toys, or furniture that got wet.
- Throw away any stuffed animals or pillows that soaked up floodwater.
Health Watch After the Flood
Floodwater can leave behind germs that make kids sick. Watch for stomach upset, skin rashes, or breathing trouble in the days after the flood. If your child has a cough, fever, or seems unusually tired, see a doctor. Trust your gut if something feels off, even if the child looks fine.
Mold can start growing within a day or two in a damp home. If your child has asthma or allergies, keep them out of any room that smells musty. Run a dehumidifier and open windows when the outside air is dry. If the mold covers a large area, a mold professional may need to handle it.
Emotional Support for Kids
Floods are scary, and children may feel anxious long after the water is gone. Talk to them in simple words about what happened and what you are doing to fix it. Let them ask questions and tell you how they feel. Reassure them that you are taking care of the home and that they are safe now.
Try to keep some routines, like meals and bedtime, as normal as possible. Give them a small job, like picking out new towels or drawing a picture for the wall. If your child has trouble sleeping or seems very upset, a doctor or counselor can help. You do not have to handle it alone.
Long-Term Home Safety
After the flood is dry, think about how to make your home safer for the next heavy rain. Keep important papers and medicines in a high, dry spot. Show older kids where the main water shutoff valve is, but do not let them touch it unless you are there. If you live in Redmond, write down the valve location and keep it handy.
Check your home's foundation and basement walls for cracks that let water in. A water damage inspection can find weak spots before the next storm. If you have a sump pump or backup generator, test it each season. Having a family plan for where to go during a flood can help everyone stay calm.
- Store flashlights and batteries where kids can reach them.
- Keep a list of emergency numbers on the fridge.
- Practice a flood drill with your family twice a year.
- Move valuable items to higher shelves before a storm.
- Check that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work.
Talk to someone now
Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (425) 407-5186Frequently asked questions
When can my kids play outside after a flood?
Wait until local officials say the floodwater has receded and the ground is dry. Even then, check for debris, mud, or standing puddles that could hide dangers. Keep kids away from any area that still smells or looks contaminated. When in doubt, keep them indoors for another day.
Can my kids keep their toys that got wet?
Hard plastic toys can often be cleaned with soap and water, then disinfected. Soft toys, stuffed animals, and anything with fabric should be thrown away if they touched floodwater. They can hold bacteria and mold that are hard to remove. When in doubt, toss it out.
How do I know if the air in my home is safe for my kids?
If the home smells musty or you see mold on walls, the air may not be safe for children. Run a dehumidifier and open windows when the weather is dry. If mold covers a large area, have a mold professional check the air quality. See a doctor if your child has coughing or breathing trouble.