Brooklyn Flooding in November 2026: What to Do in the First 48 Hours

Vanesa Levine

21 hours ago

2 min read

Heavy rain and coastal flooding have hit Brooklyn and other parts of New York City this month. On November 5, 2026, Governor Hochul announced that New York State is requesting federal assistance for coastal storm damage on Long Island and in New York City. If water got into your home, basement or building, here is what to do in the first 48 hours.

Is It Safe to Go Back Into a Flooded Basement?

Wait for the water to go down before going in. Do not step into standing water if outlets, cords or appliances are under it. If you cannot reach your electrical panel from a dry spot, leave the power alone and call an electrician or your utility. If you smell gas, leave right away and call 911 and your gas company from outside.

What Should I Do in the First 24 Hours?

Take photos and video first. Record the water line on the walls, every damaged room and every damaged item before you move or throw anything out.
Report the claim. Call your insurance company or agent. If you have a flood policy, report it to the company that sold you that policy.
Report the damage to the City. Call 311 and submit a damage report at reportdamage.nyc.gov. These are two separate steps.
Stop more damage. Pump or extract the water, move dry items up and out, and open the space up to dry. Insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to protect your property.
Keep every receipt. Pumps, fans, hotel stays, cleanup bills and supplies can all matter for your claim.

Should I Throw Out Wet Things Right Away?

Not before you photograph them. Floodwater in NYC often mixes with sewer water, so porous items it touched, like carpet padding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, cardboard and drywall below the water line, are usually treated as contaminated. Make a list as you go, and keep a small cut sample of carpet or flooring for the adjuster. For more help deciding, read Can Wet Carpet and Furniture Be Saved After a Flood?

How Fast Does Mold Start After a Flood?

Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours on wet materials. Fast water removal and real drying, not just fans in a closed room, is what stops it. See How Long Does Water-Damage Drying Take in NYC?

Does My Insurance Cover This?

It depends on where the water came from. Standard homeowners and renters policies usually do not cover outside flooding. Flood damage is normally covered by a separate flood policy, and sewer backup through a floor drain usually needs a water backup endorsement. Read Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood Cleanup in New York?

Will FEMA Help After This Storm?

FEMA help for households is only available if a federal disaster declaration is approved for your area. Check disasterassistance.gov for updates, and see Will FEMA Help If I Don't Have Flood Insurance in NYC?

Need Help Now?

Call Flood Cleanup NYC at 212-600-9290 for flood cleanup in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. If you need help with your insurance claim, see our Insurance Claims page.