After a severe storm hits, one of the first questions homeowners ask is, “Can I stay in my house, or do I need to leave?” The answer depends on the type and extent of the damage. In some cases, it’s safe to stay with a few precautions. In others, the risks to your health and safety are too high. This guide will help you understand when it’s safe to remain in your home and when to evacuate — and what steps to take either way.
How to Know If It’s Safe to Stay in Your Home
Start by assessing the situation. If there’s no flooding inside your home, no electrical damage, and no risk of structural failure, it might be safe to stay — especially once a restoration company has started mitigation. Safe situations may include:
- Minor roof damage or small leaks that have been tarped
- Cosmetic siding or gutter damage
- Broken windows that have been boarded up
- Localized clean water damage caught early
In these cases, you can usually remain at home while the drying and repairs take place, especially if affected areas can be isolated from your living space.
When You Should Leave Your Home After a Storm
There are times when it’s simply not safe to stay in your home. If any of the following apply, it’s best to leave until a licensed professional tells you it’s safe to return:
- Structural damage: If parts of your roof, ceiling, or walls are sagging or unstable, the risk of collapse is too great to ignore.
- Flooding from contaminated water: Water from outside sources, sewer backups, or overflowing storm drains is often classified as black water and poses serious health risks.
- Electrical hazards: If water reached your outlets, breaker panel, or wiring, there’s a risk of shock or fire until the system is professionally inspected.
- Mold concerns: If more than 48 hours have passed and materials remain wet, mold growth may have started, making the air unsafe to breathe.
At Eco Water Restoration, we respond quickly and can help you make the right decision. Our trained technicians use moisture meters, infrared imaging, and structural evaluations to assess safety.
Need Immediate Help?
Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (253) 204-3646. We’ll be there in 60–90 minutes for most areas of Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma.
You can also email us at info@eco-wr.com or fill out our contact form to request help right away.
What to Do If You Need to Leave
If it’s not safe to stay, take the following steps before you go:
- Take photos or video of all visible damage, including contents and structure
- Secure your valuables and important documents
- If safe, shut off your main water valve and electricity
- Call your insurance company to begin your claim
- Contact Eco Water Restoration to begin mitigation and protect your home from further damage
Can I Still Stay in Part of My Home?
In some cases, you may be able to stay in an unaffected portion of the home. For example, if the damage is isolated to a single room or floor and the area can be sealed off with containment barriers, you might be able to remain safely. Our team can help you decide and even install protective barriers during the restoration process.
We’re Here to Help You Make the Right Call
When in doubt, call Eco Water Restoration. Our IICRC-certified technicians will inspect the damage, discuss the risks, and help you choose the safest option for your family. We also work directly with your insurance company, providing documentation, estimates, and assistance with your claim every step of the way.
Call for a Fast, Professional Assessment
If your home was hit by a storm, don’t guess whether it’s safe to stay. Let our experts inspect the damage and walk you through your options.
Call (253) 204-3646 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Use our contact form to reach us now
As co-owner of Eco Water Restoration, Ivan plays an active role in the company’s water, flood, storm, sewage, and mold damage restoration services, ensuring every job is done right the first time. The company offers free estimates and focuses on returning properties to their pre-damage condition with precision and attention to detail. Ivan works directly with insurance companies to minimize out-of-pocket expenses for clients, helping to streamline the claims process and reduce stress.
Ivan's personal involvement and dedication to customer satisfaction are frequently mentioned in reviews, with clients highlighting his professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment to quality. Many customers specifically praise Ivan for his hands-on approach and for going the extra mile to ensure their needs are met.
For water, flood, storm, sewage, or mold damage restoration, Ivan Mukomol and his team provide exceptional service and care. With free estimates, a focus on reducing expenses, and a strong commitment to restoring properties to their pre-damage state, you can trust Ivan to ensure a smooth and efficient restoration process from start to finish.
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