What Should You Do in the First 24 Hours After a Flood?

Last updated October 26, 2026

The short answer

Safety First

Before you touch anything, make sure the power is off. If water has reached electrical outlets or appliances, do not enter the room. If you are unsure about the gas line, leave the building and call the utility company from outside.

Wear rubber boots and gloves when you go back inside. Floodwater can hide sharp objects, chemicals, or sewage. If you feel unwell, see a doctor. Keep children and pets away from the flooded area until it is cleaned.

Document Everything

Take photos and videos of every wet area, item, and structural detail before you move anything. This helps your insurance company understand the scope of the loss. Write down the time the flood started and how high the water rose.

Make a list of damaged belongings, including approximate purchase dates and values if you know them. Keep receipts for any supplies you buy, like pumps or cleaning products. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy to see what you need to submit.

Stop the Water and Remove It

If the flood came from a burst pipe or appliance, shut off the main water valve. If it came from rain or rising water, you may not be able to stop the source, but you can start removing water from your home. Use a wet-dry vacuum, a sump pump, or a mop and buckets.

The longer water sits, the more damage it does to wood, drywall, and flooring. Work quickly but carefully. Move rugs, furniture, and boxes to a dry area if you can. If the water is deep or the area is large, local water damage pros have industrial equipment that can handle the job.

Dry Out and Prevent Mold

Open windows and doors if the weather allows, and use fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air. Remove wet carpets and padding, and pull up wet baseboards. Mold can start growing within a day or two, so drying matters.

Turn off electricity and gas before entering
Photograph and video all damage
Shut off the main water valve if a pipe burst
Remove standing water with a pump or vacuum
Move wet furniture and rugs to a dry spot
Open windows and run fans and dehumidifiers

Call for Help

After you have done what you can safely, contact your insurance company to start a claim. Then reach out to the pros for a full inspection and drying plan. They can check hidden areas like wall cavities and under floors where moisture lingers.

Talk to someone now

Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I dry out my home myself?

For small floods, you can dry things with fans and dehumidifiers. But hidden moisture in walls and floors can lead to mold and structural damage. If the water rose above baseboards or soaked into drywall, call the pros for a professional assessment.

What should I throw away after a flood?

Throw away anything porous that absorbed water, like mattresses, pillows, carpets, and cardboard boxes. Food that touched floodwater should be discarded. Keep non-porous items like glass and metal, but clean and dry them thoroughly. When in doubt, throw it out to avoid health risks.

How long does it take for mold to grow?

Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours in damp conditions. Drying your home quickly is the right way to prevent it. If you see or smell mold, do not disturb it. A mold professional can test the area and recommend safe removal steps.