The images from the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey drive home just how devastating a severe flood can be. Water can inundate basements, ruin personal belongings, and weaken a home's structure by compromising the foundation and other structural components.

Floods aren't always brought on by hurricanes and other storms. Jenkins Restorations, a property repair and reconstruction company based in Sterling, Va., says significant water damage can also be caused by issues such as a malfunctioning sump pump or sewer backup.

Restoring your home after a flood is a long process. Before you begin the process of replacing your belongings and making repairs, a few early steps can help you mitigate further damage and prepare for the work ahead.

Staying safe

A flood can easily leave hazardous conditions in its wake, so you should make sure the property is safe before entering. The Institute of Real Estate Management, an international organization of real estate managers, says you shouldn't enter a home if it is still flooded or if there is standing water puddled around the exterior walls. A call to your community's building inspector or fire department may be able to help you determine whether the home is structurally sound enough to enter.

Conduct an initial inspection to see if there are any obvious hazards. The American Red Cross says you'll want to look for any downed power lines and be aware of odors that might indicate leaking gas. If you encounter these problems, contact your utility company.

Check for any signs of damage to the home's structure. These may include cracks in the foundation, eroded earth around the home, and warped or missing supports.

Wear appropriate clothing to avoid injury or illness. Gwen Moran, writing for the National Association of Realtors' home improvement site HouseLogic, says you should wear rubber gloves when handling materials affected by the flood. Waders or waterproof boots can also be helpful.

Even if the utilities have not yet been restored after a flood, it is a good idea to shut them down until you know they are safe to turn on. Turn off the electricity, water, and gas before inspecting these systems for damage.

Insurance

You shouldn't hesitate to call your insurance company to report the damage, but it is useful to document the extent of the damage first. An insurer may offer reduced compensation if you have already started to make repairs and discard flood-damaged items by the time you file a claim. Make a photographic record or shoot a video of your home to help show the extent of the damage.

Discuss your coverage with a representative after contacting your insurer. Typical homeowners insurance policies will cover some instances of flooding, such as water damage stemming from a burst pipe. However, groundwater damage is usually only covered by a separate flood insurance policy.

Your neighborhood may be declared an emergency area if flooding is particularly severe. If this action has occurred, your insurer can tell you more about the emergency relief options available to you. Alternatively, you can contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance.

In many instances of flooding, your insurer will be able to send someone out to assist you. Clark Harris, writing for the home design site Houzz, says a water remediation specialist will begin the process of removing damaged items and drying out the damp areas of your home. They may also be able to send a specialist to help prevent mold from forming or remove items damaged by mold.

Cleaning up

While a specialist can help you make a quick recovery from a flood, they may be in short supply after a major flood. In this case, you can take some steps on your own to help limit the damages at your home.

Try to dry out the home as much as possible. Moran says sump pumps and wet vacs are useful for removing standing water. The Red Cross cautions that water removal from the basement should be done gradually, since pumping it out too quickly can cause the foundation to buckle.

Open doors and windows to help air out the rooms. Fans, dehumidifiers, and desiccants can help speed up the process.

Ceilings will sag noticeably when water is trapped inside. Poking a hole at the edge of the sagging area will allow water to drain out. Don't drain the central area until you have taken this first step, since the ceiling might collapse if you start at the lowest area.

Your home may be vulnerable to more damage from wind, rain, or animals if there are any openings in the walls or roof. Securely cover these gaps with plywood, tarps, or plastic sheeting. You can also prevent further damage by using pieces of lumber to prop up sagging floors, ceilings, or roofing.

Salvage and clean off your most valuable items, including cash, photographs, family heirlooms, and jewelry. These can be sealed in a plastic bag or stored in a dry part of the home.

Dispose of items that have been thoroughly saturated by floodwaters. Harris says sodden furniture and carpeting should be thrown out, along with affected baseboards, insulation, and drywall.