What to Do After Water Damage: First 24 Hours Checklist

Safety First: Utilities, Contamination & PPE

Water damage can hide risks. Treat every loss with care.

Electrical safety after flooding

• If water touches outlets, cords, or the breaker panel, don’t enter the room until power is shut off to those circuits.
  
• Never stand in water while handling electrical devices.
  
  

Gas and structural concerns

• If you smell gas or the building seems unsafe (sagging ceilings, buckled floors), evacuate and call the utility company or fire department.
  
  

Water categories: know your risk

• Category 1 (clean water): From a supply line or rain through a clean roof. Lower risk if dried fast.
  
• Category 2 (gray water): From dishwashers, washing machines, or slightly dirty sources. Needs disinfection.
  
• Category 3 (black water): From sewage, flooding, or water that has sat for too long. High contamination; requires specialized handling.
  
  

Personal protection

• Wear gloves, boots, and a mask when handling wet materials.
  
• Ventilate carefully if conditions are safe; avoid blowing moist air into unaffected rooms.
  

Stop the Source & Stabilize the Property

Stop the water source

• Use the main shutoff valve to stop the flow.
  
• Turn off individual fixture valves (toilets, sinks) if the main isn’t needed.
  
• For roof leaks, place containers and consider temporary tarping. For window/door leaks, use towels and plastic sheeting until help arrives.
  
  

Limit spread and cross-contamination

• Keep foot traffic out of soaked areas.
  
• Close doors or set up plastic to separate wet rooms from clean rooms.
  
• Remove small rugs and items that bleed color.
  

Documenting the Loss for Insurance

Strong records make claims go smoother.

• Take wide shots of each room, then close-ups of damage, labels, and serial numbers.
  
• Create a simple spreadsheet for document water damage: item name, brand, age, condition, and estimated cost.
  
• Save every receipt for temporary repairs, cleaning supplies, fans, dehumidifiers, and additional living expenses (hotel, meals, laundry).
  
• Keep a log with dates, times, and names for all calls with your adjuster and contractors.
  

Emergency Water Extraction & Containment

Quick removal stops further damage.

• Pump or vacuum standing water if it’s safe to do so.
  
• Professionals use truck-mounts and high-capacity extractors for emergency water extraction.
  
• On contaminated losses (Category 2–3), they may set up plastic walls and negative air to control airflow and protect clean areas.
  
  

Prioritize high-risk assemblies

• Ceilings with visible bulges: carefully pierce to relieve water only if you know what’s above and it’s safe, otherwise wait for a pro.
  
• Cabinets, wall cavities, and insulation can trap moisture—these often need special drying methods or removal.

Structural Drying & Dehumidification

Drying is a science, not just fans.

• Moisture detection and moisture mapping show what’s truly wet using meters and thermal cameras.
  
• Pros design a drying plan with air movers, dehumidification, and air exchange to pull moisture out of materials.
  
• Daily moisture meter reading confirms progress toward “dry standards.”
  
  

When removal is necessary

• Drywall and carpet removal may be needed when materials are saturated or contaminated.
  
• Baseboards may be pulled to dry wall cavities.
  
• Special considerations for hardwood, cabinetry, and tile require targeted techniques to prevent warping or hidden moisture.
  

Cleaning, Disinfection & Odor Control

Sanitation depends on the water category.

• For Category 1, cleaning may focus on soils and preventing odor removal needs.
  
• For Category 2–3, expect disinfect and sanitize steps with antimicrobial treatment, plus HEPA air filtration during active work.
  
• Deep cleaning of floors, walls, and contents follows once materials hit dry targets.
  

Mold Prevention & Remediation Triggers

Mold can begin growing in 24–48 hours on damp, porous materials.

How to lower risk

• Dry quickly and thoroughly with professional equipment.
  
• Keep humidity under 50% during drying using dehumidification.
  
• Remove items that can’t be cleaned and dried, like soaked insulation and some carpets.
  
  

When it becomes mold remediation

• Musty odors that don’t fade, visible growth, or repeated high moisture readings are red flags.
  
• A separate, controlled process with containment and HEPA filtration may be required.
  
  

Contents: Salvage vs. Discard Decisions

Not everything needs to be tossed, but safety comes first.

• Porous vs. non-porous materials: Books, unsealed wood, and fabrics hold moisture and microbes; glass, metal, and some plastics clean up better.
  
• Electronics: Don’t power on until inspected; moisture and minerals can short components.
  
• Documents and photos: Freeze-drying and specialty services can save cherished items.
  
• Contents pack out: A professional team can inventory, clean, deodorize, and store belongings while your home dries.
  

What Not to Do After Water Damage

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t turn on the HVAC if returns or ducts were wet; you could spread moisture and contaminants.
  
• Don’t use household bleach on porous materials—it won’t reach deep moisture and can damage finishes.
  
• Don’t paint over damp walls; the paint will trap moisture.
  
• Don’t ignore bulging ceilings, popping tiles, or soft subfloors—these can be safety hazards.
  

Working with Insurance & Your Restoration Team

Clear communication shortens the process.

• Ask your adjuster what’s covered: structure, contents, and additional living expenses.
  
• Choose a licensed, insured, IICRC-certified company for water damage restoration.
  
• Expect a written scope with line items for emergency water extraction, demolition, structural drying, cleaning, and rebuild.
  
• If hidden damage appears, your contractor may submit “supplements” for approval.
  
• Decide early which finishes you want to match and which you may upgrade.
  

Reconstruction & Returning to Pre-Loss Condition

After the home is clean and dry, repairs can begin.

• Typical work includes drywall, insulation, flooring, trim, paint, cabinets, and sometimes electrical or plumbing repairs.
  
• Your contractor will help with permits and inspections if required.
  
• Discuss timelines, budget, and material lead times before placing orders.
  

Cost & Timeline Snapshot

Every project is unique, but a few factors drive time and price:

• How long water ran and how far it traveled
  
• The type of water (clean vs. contaminated)
  
• Number of rooms and assembly types (tile over slab vs. wood over crawlspace)
  
• Access for equipment and whether contents pack out is needed
  
  

Typical timeline (varies by loss):

• Day 1: Safety, source control, documentation, emergency water extraction, set drying equipment.
  
• Days 2–4: Moisture mapping, monitoring, targeted removal of unsalvageable materials, continued dehumidification and airflow.
  
• Days 3–7: Re-checks, odor control, cleaning; finalize dry-out.
  
• Reconstruction: Ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on scope.

First 24 Hours Checklist (Printable)

• Ensure personal safety; watch for shock and slips
  
• Shut off main water / isolate the leak
  
• Turn off power to wet areas if unsafe conditions exist
  
• Take photos/video before moving anything
  
• Move dry valuables to a safe room
  
• Call insurer; open a water damage insurance claim
  
• Contact an IICRC-certified team for water damage cleanup
  
• Begin emergency water extraction and set dehumidification
  
• Start moisture detection and moisture mapping
• Plan for remove wet materials if needed to speed structural drying

Frequently Asked Questions