The First 24 Hours After Water Damage

What you do in the first hours after a leak or flood has a big effect on how much has to be removed later. Here is a simple order of operations.

1. Stay safe

Turn off electricity to affected areas if you can do it safely, and avoid standing water near outlets and appliances. Sewage water should be treated as contaminated.

2. Stop the water

Close the main water valve for plumbing leaks. Know where it is before you need it.

3. Document

Take photos and video of the water, the source and damaged belongings before cleanup. Your insurer will ask for them.

4. Start drying

Remove what water you can, move furniture off wet floors and open interior doors. Wet materials can begin to support mold within roughly 24 to 48 hours, so professional extraction and drying should start as soon as possible.

5. Call your insurer

Report the claim promptly and ask what documentation they need. Keep receipts for emergency work.

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