The First 24 Hours After Water Damage in your home

The first 24 hours after water damage can shape the rest of the restoration project. Fast action helps limit spread, protect materials, document the loss, and start the drying process before hidden moisture causes additional issues.

Hour 0 to 2: control the situation safely

• Stay out of affected areas if electricity, sewage, structural damage, or ceiling collapse is a concern.
• Stop the source if it is safe, such as turning off a water valve for a plumbing leak.
• Move dry, unaffected contents away from the wet area if you can do it safely.

Hour 2 to 6: document and call for help

• Photograph the affected rooms, water source, visible damage, and contents.
• Call your insurance provider to start the conversation and ask what they need documented.
• Contact a restoration company to assess extraction, drying, and possible material removal.

Hour 6 to 12: extract and reduce humidity

• Standing water should be removed as quickly as possible.
• Air movement and dehumidification help control the drying environment.
• Avoid relying only on household fans when building materials, wall cavities, or flooring systems are wet.

Hour 12 to 24: inspect for hidden moisture

• Check baseboards, drywall, flooring seams, closets, adjoining rooms, and lower wall areas for signs of spread.
• Moisture readings can help identify wet materials that are not obvious visually.
• If needed, selective tear-out can help expose wet materials and speed drying.

Local service areas

• Polaris Restoration Group serves local homeowners.
• For homeowners in these areas, fast local response can help limit damage and get the cleanup process moving.