When is it safe to go back?
Wait for local officials to say it is safe. Floodwater can hide holes, debris, downed lines and unstable ground, and it may carry sewage, fuel and chemicals. Avoid walking or driving through moving water, since a small depth can sweep a person or vehicle away. If you smell gas, see damaged lines or suspect structural damage, stay out and call the utility or emergency services.
Do not turn on electricity or use a generator indoors where water has been, and have a qualified electrician check the system first.
- Wait for the official all-clear
- Avoid standing water that may touch power lines
- Never run generators indoors or in garages
- Call utilities about gas or electrical damage
How do you document damage?
Take dated photos and video of buildings, equipment, fields, fences, stored feed and animals before you move or discard anything. Keep a list of losses and receipts for repairs. Contact your insurance agent quickly and ask what proof they need.
Report damage to your county emergency management office and the local USDA Farm Service Agency office, because deadlines and eligibility for assistance vary and are set by the agencies, not by this article.
How do you protect your health during cleanup?
Floodwater and mud can carry germs and chemicals. Wear waterproof boots, gloves and eye protection, wash your hands often, and cover cuts. Clean wounds promptly and see a doctor about tetanus protection or any wound that looks infected. The CDC has general guidance on cleanup safety after floods.
Cleanup is exhausting and emotionally heavy. Take breaks, drink water and accept help. If stress feels overwhelming, you can call or text 988 in the US to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is also there for people who are struggling in other ways.
What do you do about wells, septic and drinking water?
A flooded well should be treated as unsafe until it is properly disinfected and tested. Do not drink the water, and use bottled or otherwise safe water until your county health department or a certified lab confirms it is safe. Flooded septic systems also need care before use.
Because the proper steps depend on your system and local rules, call the county health department and see EPA's pages on private wells and septic systems. A licensed contractor can inspect and repair equipment.
If you must treat or dispose of damaged material yourself, ask the county or state environmental office first, since burning or burying some materials can be restricted or harmful.
What happens to flooded feed, stored grain and crops?
Flood-soaked hay, grain and silage can mold or be contaminated by sewage and chemicals, and may be unsafe for animals or for human food. Do not feed it or sell it without guidance. Ask your extension office and veterinarian how to judge feed, and ask local authorities about safe disposal.
Produce touched by floodwater is a food safety issue. Check with your state department of agriculture or county health office about what is safe to harvest or sell.
- Do not feed questionable hay or grain to animals
- Do not eat crops touched by floodwater without official guidance
- Ask about safe disposal before burning or burying anything
How do you care for animals after the water drops?
Check for injuries, foot problems, stress and illness, and offer clean water and safe feed. Fences may be down, so secure animals before letting them out. Livestock that stood in water for long periods can develop hoof and respiratory problems. Call your veterinarian for any concerns, and keep dead animal disposal within local guidance.
Rest and quiet help animals recover, just as they help people.
Keep a log of animal health changes in the days after the flood, with dates and symptoms. Illness can appear several days later, and a record helps your veterinarian.
Where can you find help?
Disaster aid comes from several sources: FEMA, the USDA Farm Service Agency and NRCS, the Small Business Administration, state agencies, local extension, churches and community groups. Programs and deadlines vary by event and place, so contact the offices directly. Farmers.gov and Ready.gov are good places to begin.
Be wary of unsolicited contractors who demand payment up front. Check licenses and get written estimates.
Key takeaways
- Wait for the all-clear and treat floodwater, power lines and mud as hazards.
- Document everything with dated photos before cleanup, and contact insurance and local FSA early.
- Treat flooded wells, feed and produce as unsafe until local authorities say otherwise.
- Take care of your own health and mental state; 988 is available by call or text in the US.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.