What Should I Do in the First 24 Hours After a Flood?
Last updated October 25, 2026
The short answer
Ensure Personal Safety First
Before you do anything else, assess the safety of the situation. Never walk through floodwater if there is any chance electricity is active, as this poses a severe electrocution risk. If you must enter, wear rubber boots and gloves. Be aware that flood water can be contaminated with sewage or chemicals, which presents health hazards.
If the flood was caused by a storm, watch for structural damage to your home. Check for sagging ceilings, cracks in walls, or exposed wiring. If you smell natural gas, leave the property immediately and call the utility company from a safe distance. Your personal safety is more important than saving property in these initial moments.
Stop the Water Source and Document
If the water is coming from a broken pipe inside your home, locate your main water shutoff valve and turn it off. For a roof leak, place buckets to catch drips and use tarps if you can do so safely. For external flooding, sandbags may help divert water away from doors.
Start documenting the damage immediately for your insurance claim. Use your phone to take clear photos and videos of the water levels, the source, and all affected rooms and belongings. Make a written list of damaged items, including their approximate age and value. Do not throw anything away until an insurance adjuster has seen it, unless it is a biohazard.
Begin Water Removal and Ventilation
Once it is safe, remove as much standing water as you can. Use a wet-dry vacuum, mops, and towels. The faster you extract water, the less time it has to soak into materials. Move saturated rugs and furniture outdoors if possible. Pull up wet carpeting and remove the padding, as padding acts like a sponge and will ruin the subfloor.
Increase airflow to help surfaces begin drying. Open windows and doors if the outdoor humidity is lower than indoors. Use fans and dehumidifiers if you have them, pointing fans at wet walls and floors. Do not use standard household fans if there is visible mold growth, as this can spread spores. Focus on creating cross-ventilation throughout the wet areas.
Protect Your Belongings and Home
Move undamaged furniture and valuables to a dry area. Place aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent staining carpets. Lift curtains and drapes out of the water. Remove books, papers, and fabrics to dry separately. For electronics, unplug them and do not attempt to turn them on. If you have valuable art or documents, consult a conservation specialist for recovery advice.
Prevent secondary damage by wiping down wet surfaces. Wipe water from wood furniture, cabinets, and appliances. Remove contents from wet cabinets and drawers to dry them separately. Prop up wet couch cushions and pillows for better air circulation. Check closets and under beds for hidden moisture, as these areas are often overlooked but can harbor mold quickly.
- Move electronics and small appliances to a dry room.
- Place wood blocks or foil under furniture legs on wet carpet.
- Remove books, photos, and important papers to dry flat.
- Hang wet clothing and fabrics to air dry, if possible.
- Empty and dry out wet cabinets and drawers completely.
- Check for hidden water in closets, under insulation, and behind walls.
When to Call for Professional Help
For any significant flooding, professional drying equipment is necessary. Household fans cannot remove moisture trapped inside walls, under flooring, or in structural cavities. Local water damage pros have industrial extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers to dry your home properly. They also have moisture meters to find hidden wetness you cannot see. This step is crucial to prevent mold and structural rot.
Contact your insurance company to start a claim and ask about their preferred vendors. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. The pros can provide a detailed assessment and drying plan, which is often required by your insurance. They handle contaminated water safely and know local permitting requirements for any necessary repairs, helping you navigate the recovery process.
Talk to someone now
Call (562) 512-6288 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (562) 512-6288Frequently asked questions
Can I stay in my home during flood cleanup?
It depends on the water source and extent of damage. If the water is contaminated or there is major structural or electrical damage, you should leave. For minor, clean water leaks, you may stay if the area is well-ventilated and safe. Always prioritize the health of vulnerable household members.
What should I do about wet drywall or flooring?
Do not attempt major demolition yourself. Wet drywall and flooring often need professional removal to dry the structure behind them. Poking holes or removing baseboards can help air circulation temporarily. The pros use moisture meters to determine what can be dried and what must be replaced to prevent mold.
How long does it take for mold to grow after a flood?
Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours on wet organic materials like drywall, wood, and fabric. This is why rapid water removal and professional drying are so important. If you see or smell mold, contact a mold assessment professional for guidance on safe cleanup.
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