Water Damage: What to Do in the First 24 Hours

Stop the water and stay safe

Shut off the water source if you can, and cut power to affected areas at the breaker before wading in — water and electricity are a dangerous mix.

If it's a sewage or flood-water backup, avoid contact; that's category-3 'black water' and needs professional handling.

Document everything for insurance

Before you move or throw anything out, photograph and video the damage from multiple angles. This documentation is what your insurer will base the claim on.

Start drying — then call a pro

Move valuables to a dry area, blot standing water, and get air moving. But structural drying (inside walls, subfloors, and framing) needs commercial air movers and dehumidifiers — a restoration crew can be on-site within a couple hours and prevent mold, which starts within 24–48 hours.