What should I do first?
Stay safe around power and fumes. The CDC says to turn off the main power only if you can do it from a dry location, and to call an electrician if you would have to stand in water to reach it (CDC). Never run a generator or other gas-powered engine inside a garage, or within 20 feet of a door, window or vent (CDC).
Read the video transcript
Your Atlanta garage flooded after heavy rain. Here is what to do first, and what insurance usually says. The CDC says to turn off the main power only if you can do it from a dry location. If you would have to stand in water to reach it, call an electrician. Never run a generator or any gas-powered engine inside a garage, or within twenty feet of a door, window, or vent. Rain water that flows into a building is surface water. Massachusetts public health guidance classes it as Category 3, highly contaminated water. Insurance: most homeowners and renters policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance through the national program generally starts thirty days after you buy it. A car in the garage is an auto insurance question. Comprehensive coverage includes natural disasters such as floods. The full guide, with sources, is at 404waterdamage.com.
Is garage flood water dirty?
Treat it that way. Surface water flowing into a building is Category 3, highly contaminated water (Massachusetts DPH). Clean and disinfect the slab, and throw out cardboard and other porous items that soaked it up.
Does homeowners insurance cover a flooded garage?
Often not, if it was a flood. Most homeowners and renters insurance does not cover flood damage (FloodSmart). FEMA defines a flood as a general and temporary condition of inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land, or of two or more properties (FEMA). Flood insurance through the NFIP generally starts 30 days after purchase (FloodSmart).
What about a car in the garage?
That is auto insurance. Comprehensive coverage includes natural disasters such as floods (Insurance Information Institute). Collision and comprehensive are optional, so check whether you carry it.
Common questions
Can a flooded garage damage the rest of the house?
Yes, if water reached a shared wall, a door into the house or a room built over the garage. Check the drywall and floor on the house side.
Do I need to replace drywall in the garage?
Drywall soaked by contaminated water is usually cut out above the water line and replaced. Clean, disinfect and dry the framing before closing it up.
Who do I call about a city storm drain in Atlanta?
Inside the City of Atlanta, contact ATL311 for water and sewer problems.
Related guides
Sources
- CDC: reentering your flooded home
- Massachusetts DPH: quick reference, water damage response in buildings
- FloodSmart: what you need to know about buying flood insurance
- FEMA: NFIP terminology index, flood
- Insurance Information Institute: collision and comprehensive coverage
- ATL311: water main breaks and leaks
Last reviewed November 13, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal, insurance or medical advice.