What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Flood | Arizona Restoration Phoenix
Does your mind race with thoughts of what needs to happen in the first 24 hours after your home floods, so your damage is minimized and your personal safety is protected? Flooding can arise quickly in Phoenix due to severe rain, a burst pipe, or plumbing failure. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) notes that an inch of water in your home can cost $25,000 or more in damage. That number will increase the longer it is left unattended.
In the very first hours after flooding, moving quickly is critical. From the first 60 minutes to 24 hours later, you face an enormous window of risk, but at the same time, an even larger opportunity to mitigate flooding damage. Speed of response and recovery can mean the difference between minimal loss and a total loss with a long recovery time.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what homeowners should expect and do in the first 24 hours after flooding, as explained by a flood damage restoration company in Phoenix.
The First Hour: Safety and Awareness
The utmost priority after flooding is personal safety. Floodwater can be contaminated and carry sewage, chemicals, and possibly sharp debris.
- Don’t walk through standing water until you have confirmed the power has been shut off.
- If possible, turn off electricity and gas at the main hookup.
- Check for visible structural damage before re-entering your residence.
During this hour, do not start saving items. Focus on getting your family and property out of any remaining threats. Professional Water Damage Restoration in Phoenix cannot commence until the property is safe.
Hours 2-3: Documentation and Contacting Your Insurance
Once safety is secured, your next step is documenting what has happened. Insurance companies want proof of loss. This step is one of the most important.
- Take pictures of every affected room, wall, and floor.
- Take short videos capturing flooding activity.
- Write down a list of destroyed items with estimated values.
Following the documentation, contact your insurance company. Inform them of the situation and ask for instructions on the claims process. This is a time-sensitive step, and fast documentation is needed so they can approve your claim faster.
Hours 4-6: Calling for Professional Help
By hour four, it is time to call for help. Water quickly spreads into walls, under floors, and into furniture, where it can cause irreparable damage. Reaching out to a trusted Water Damage Restoration Company in Phoenix during this time can make a big impact.
Certified professionals will:
- Start with emergency water extraction
- Check their work to find any pockets of water still hidden in the structure
- Set up drying equipment and dehumidification
At this point, no time can be wasted. Every hour that water remains within your home increases the fungus growth rates. As a homeowner, mold is an unseen threat. What you see is usually far less than what you can’t see, and approved estimates will reflect higher repair costs, because inevitably, water damages areas not easily visible.
Hours 7-10: Clean-Up and Belongings Protection
While waiting for professionals to show up, you can begin light cleaning of anything safe to handle. This step helps limit further loss of belongings.
- Any furniture and personal items that are not wet should be cleaned and moved.
- Use foil or wood blocks under furniture legs to minimize staining.
- Remove small rugs, cushions, and other water-saturated belongings that could harbor mold.
This window also provides an opportunity to recover irreplaceable items such as photos or important documents. Place those items in a dry, ventilated area.
Hours 11–14: Water Extraction and Drying
At this point, restoration professionals should be arriving on-site or in motion to arrive. Professional Water Damage Services Phoenix teams are equipped with industrial pumps, vacuums, and fans, and are well-trained for maximum water removal.
This is important because:
- Water could now be in drywall, insulation, and under subflooring.
- Industrial equipment allows moisture removal faster than doing it yourself.
- The sooner drying starts, the less chance of bacteria and mold spreading.
During hours 11–14, do not turn on household fans or heaters unless directed by a restoration professional, as too much air movement in the wrong direction could worsen damage or create further problems.
Hours 15–18: Mold Prevention and Air Quality Control
Floodwater not only damages materials, it also creates a favorable environment for mold. With mold spores beginning to grow within 24–48 hours, the remediation process starts now.
Professional crews will often:
- Deploy antimicrobial sprays
- Remove porous materials beyond repair
- Increase dehumidification
For residents, this is the time to limit exposure to damp conditions (if possible, move to a secure area until your home stabilizes). This is also when Flood Damage Repair Phoenix gets integrated into the plan, as technicians evaluate items to salvage versus items to replace.
Hours 19–21: Assessing Structural and Electrical Safety
When the environment feels safe and dry, the next few hours are about inspections. Restoration professionals will check the property, assessing:
- Electrical wiring
- Gas connections
- Foundation and support beams
- Drywall and insulation
This ensures that when repairs begin, they are done safely, thoroughly, and professionally. Homeowners should never attempt DIY repairs, because hidden moisture could compromise structures and create serious hazards.
Hours 22–24: Planning for Full Restoration
In the final hours of the first day, immediate threats are under control. Standing water is removed, drying is underway, and mold prevention has started. Now the focus shifts to recovery and long-term solutions.
This phase often includes:
- Developing a restoration plan with experts
- Estimating costs for repairs to floors, walls, and furniture
- Working with insurance adjusters
- Considering preventive measures for future flooding
This is where the larger process of Water Damage Restoration Phoenix transitions into repair and rebuilding. For homeowners, this is the time to mentally, emotionally, and financially prepare for what is to come.
Time is Money
The first 24 hours after flooding are like a ticking clock. Each hour brings either worsening conditions or a chance to lessen damage. The hourly approach allows you to:
- Put safety first, ahead of property
- Establish accurate documentation for insurance
- Get quicker restoration results
- Reduce the potential for mold growth and structural failure
If you respond quickly within the first 24 hours of flooding, you may save thousands of dollars later, as well as months of repair disruptions.
Conclusion
Floods, particularly in Phoenix, Arizona, can occur suddenly, and their effects are incredibly detrimental. The first 24 hours of flooding are the most critical time to protect safety and property. For the first few hours, focus on safety and documentation. As hours pass, it will be time to call in professionals, begin drying, prevent mold, and prepare for a restoration plan.
If you take an hour-by-hour approach, not only will you save money, but you may also reduce the amount of time needed to return to normal. Researching Water Damage Restoration Near Me is an essential step to ensure rapid, professional help, because every moment counts. Recovery is manageable with the right response.
About Arizona Restoration
Arizona Restoration is the trusted leader in Phoenix Water Damage Restoration. With years of experience and state-of-the-art equipment, our team responds quickly and efficiently to ensure complete recovery for commercial and residential properties. From emergency water extraction to reconstruction, we facilitate every stage of the process, including drying and mold prevention.
For homeowners experiencing Water Damage in Phoenix, our skilled experts are reliable, trustworthy, and compassionate, available 24/7. Arizona Restoration is the provider to turn to when flood damage happens, and you Need restoration to return comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
