What To Do Within the First 24 Hours of Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage can turn your home upside down fast. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, heavy rain, or a leaking appliance, the first 24 hours are critical. What you do immediately after the damage occurs can mean the difference between a quick fix and long-term problems, such as mold, structural issues, and costly repairs. In this article, we’ll walk you through the immediate steps to take after water damage hits so you can act quickly, stay safe, and protect your home.

1. Contact Your Insurance Right Away

• Every homeowner’s policy is unique, so your first step should be to contact your insurance provider. They’ll send an adjuster to inspect the extent of the water damage and figure out if your claim is eligible. While you wait, start documenting everything.

Write down the value of damaged items and take clear photos of affected areas and belongings before, during, and after cleanup. These details will help support your claim. Just keep in mind that not all policies cover flood damage. Always double-check what’s included in your coverage.

2. Prioritize Safety for Yourself and Your Home

The most important thing after water damage is making sure everyone stays safe. Here are a few safety steps to follow right away:

• Water and electrical currents are a dangerous mix. If turning off the power means stepping into the water, don’t do it. Call an electrician immediately.
• Protect yourself with rubber boots, gloves, and even a face mask if mold is suspected. Floodwater often contains bacteria and contaminants.
• Lift wooden furniture off wet floors and slide tin foil or plastic under the legs to prevent carpet stains. Remove area rugs from damp flooring to prevent mildew growth.
• If the flooding is severe and you have to leave your home, wait until it’s declared safe before returning. Avoid driving or walking through floodwater.

3. Begin Cleanup and Repairs ASAP

• Once you’ve been cleared to re-enter your home safely, act fast. Begin by thoroughly documenting the damage before you start cleaning; this is crucial for your insurance claim.

Ideally, water damage repair should begin within the first 24 to 48 hours. The longer the water sits, the worse the damage gets. In many cases, it’s best to call a professional restoration service to handle the cleanup properly and prevent further issues like mold growth.

Depending on the extent of damage, you might need to:

• Remove soaked carpet, insulation, and drywall
• Dry out or dispose of damaged furniture
• Begin disinfecting surfaces and air out the home

Hardwood floors are especially vulnerable. Water can cause buckling and warping fast, so prioritize drying these areas first.

Opt for Professional Inspection

• Hire flood restoration experts to assess the extent of the damage. The assessment involves identifying the type of water infiltration, affected areas, and degree of damage. Once the damage has been assessed, the professionals determine the appropriate restoration procedure. 

In addition, thoroughly inspect your wiring. This includes assessing any electronic appliances that may have undergone damage during the flood. Before plugging anything back in, it’s crucial to determine what is safe to use.

Quick Action Can Prevent Long-Term Damage

• Flood damage doesn’t wait, and neither should you. The first 24 hours after a water disaster can shape the outcome of your entire recovery. By acting quickly, you’ll give yourself the best chance to save your belongings and your home. If it feels like too much to handle alone, don’t hesitate to call in experts. It’s always better to get help than risk bigger problems later.

Call a professional water damage specialist after a disaster and get the help you need today. Move back into your home or restart your business quickly by hiring experienced Flood Restoration Services. Love Your Carpet provides flood restoration services for the Las Vegas Valley, whether from a burst pipe, water heater, appliance, sewage backup, or natural disaster. We offer a wide variety of water damage and flood repair services. Call us today at 702-898-6070.