Photograph first
Document items before you move or discard them. Photographs support your claim.
Hard and non-porous items
Glass, metal, plastic and ceramics can usually be cleaned and sanitized, even after dirty water.
Soft and porous items
Upholstery, mattresses and carpet that touched sewage or floodwater are usually discarded. Clean-water items may be dried and cleaned.
Paper and photographs
Freeze wet paper and photographs to stop mold, then call a specialist.
Electronics and appliances
Do not plug them in. Have them checked by a technician.
Food and medicine
Discard food exposed to smoke, heat or water. Ask a pharmacist about medicine.
Our advice in one sentence
Photograph, sort by material and let professionals handle the delicate items.
