Did you visit a room that had flooded out? Have you noticed water spreading throughout a room? What should be your first course of action? Though it may seem overwhelming when faced with an emergency such as a flood, what you do during the first hour after flooding will play a large role in determining the severity of the damage and the cost associated with repairing or replacing the affected materials.
It is imperative that as soon as you discover water damage due to flooding, you take the necessary steps as soon as possible to minimise the chances of future damage or further deterioration of your property, as well as to aid in the recovery of your property following a water loss incident.
In this blog, we’ll discuss exactly what you should do to minimise the potential damage caused by flooding during the first 60 minutes of a flooding emergency, what you should consider to stay safe during the process, and why take the assistance of a professional Water Damage Restoration Company in Riverside.
Why It Is Important to Take Immediate Action After Water Damage
The term “golden hour” refers to the first hour following water intrusion, when water inundates an area at an exceptionally rapid rate and begins to infiltrate building materials (walls, floors, ceilings, etc.) and weaken the structure of the building itself.
If you allow the flooded area to remain wet, mold can grow within 24–48 hours after the water has entered the building, and the structure of your property can begin to deteriorate. Water damage has a specific timing for remedial action:
- Drywall will begin absorbing the moisture in minutes.
- Wood will swell and warp and begin to absorb moisture within just minutes.
- Electrical systems become hazardous.
- Rapidly increasing risks of contamination occur.
The sooner you take action during that first hour, before many types of damage continue to increase, the less damage will be incurred and the less restoration cost you will incur, as well as protecting your current health.
Step 1 – Ensure That Everyone Is Safe First
Your personal safety is more important than ensuring property protection! Before attempting to stop the water or remove anything from the area, assess the situation carefully! If you see a high water level that has flowed rapidly or is close to any electrical outlets, then:
- Do not walk through standing water if there is electricity present.
- Do not allow children and pets to enter the area affected by water.
- If the building has a risk of structural collapse, evacuate immediately.
If the water is clear (such as from a broken pipe) and all other aspects are safe, then you can proceed with caution. Sewage-contaminated water from backups and storm flooding is hazardous, and it is necessary to contact Water Damage Services Riverside for urgent response to such situations.
Step 2 – Shut Off Water Source Immediately!
Shutting off the source of water is the most critical step taken in the first few minutes after water has flowed into a building. More water flowing into a building equates to more water damage.
You can often find common shut-off locations for water at:
- The main water supply valve is close to your water meter.
- The valves used to shut off individual appliances or the sink under the sink.
- The valves that turn off the water heaters.
If the source of water is coming from outside the structure, such as heavy rain or flooding, then you want to do whatever you can to divert it away from areas where water is coming into the structure until professionals arrive, using towels, sandbags, or temporary barriers.
Step 3- Disconnect Power in Affected Areas
If water has come into contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or cabling, disconnect electricity immediately by turning off the breaker for that area of the house.
You should refrain from:
- Standing in water while working with electrical equipment.
- Turning off the breaker unless you’re safely able to access the breaker panel.
- Keep the electric system off until it’s examined and made safe by a qualified electrician.
If you’re not sure, wait until qualified water damage specialists from Water Damage Services Riverside arrive to evaluate the situation and make the electric system safe.
Step 4: Contact Professionals for Water Damage Restoration ASAP
The sooner water damage specialists can begin their work after water damage occurs, the better chance there is that successful restoration will take place. Even a few hours after the incident can allow moisture to penetrate hidden spaces within walls and beneath floors and make it more challenging to completely dry out those areas.
When contacting Water Damage Restoration Riverside for help, water damage specialists will be well-trained and experienced in:
- Fast removal of standing water
- The use of heavy-duty drying machines
- Preventing mold from developing
- Using thermal imaging to find hidden moisture
- Providing documentation for your insurance company
Water damage specialists can help you make immediate repairs to significantly minimize the chances of long-term damage, as well as reduce the amount of money you will need to invest in repairing the damage.
Step 5: Take Limited Steps to Contain Water (If Safe)
If it is safe to do so while waiting for professionals, you can take the following limited actions to limit spreading: towels or mop up water from the top surface.
- Place buckets under a leaking ceiling.
• Remove sensitive items from the flooded area.
• Use a block or piece of foil to elevate the legs of your furniture.
Don’t:
- Use your home vacuum to suck up the water.
• Try to take out any wet drywall, flooring, etc.
• Use fans to dry out the area with contaminated water.
These measures will help slow the spread of water during the flooding process. They do not replace professional experience to mitigate the water flood scenario.
Step 6: Protect Your Valuables & Important Things
Water damage can destroy all your possessions, including furniture, electronics, documents, and sentimental items in minutes. If you feel it is safe, you should prioritize protecting or removing your most valuable and sensitive items before moving on to anything else.
Your focus should be:
- Significant documents and memorable photographs.
• Electronic devices (laptops, tablets, etc).
• Area rugs or carpets.
• Upholstered furniture (sofa/chair/etc).
• Clothing, shoes, bags, etc.
If possible, move them to a location that is dry and has good air circulation. If they are wet already, please do not use heat to dry them because heat may cause warping or irreparable damage. Drying chambers will usually be used by restoration professionals for salvaging anything that can be salvaged.
Step 7: Document Damage for Insurance Purposes
The success of your insurance claim will depend heavily on documentation of the damage within the first hour. Therefore, if the situation allows, please begin documenting the damage within the first hour.
- Please take clear pictures and videos of all affected areas.
• Document the source and the water lines.
• Document all damaged property (furniture, etc.).
• Do not throw away any damaged property before an adjuster approves.
Documentation will help support your claim, and the documentation will assist your restoration team with the efficient approval of your restoration request through Water Damage Services Riverside.
Step 8: Determine the Type of Water
You need to determine the type of water to be able to best create a safe and effective recovery plan for you and your property.
Category One Water (Clean Water) is from broken supply lines or broken faucets/fixtures. Low risk to human health, so long as it is cleaned up immediately after exposure.
Category Two Water (Gray Water) is from washing machines, dishwashers, and sump pump failure. May have some contaminants in gray water.
Category Three Water (Black Water) is from sewage, landfill, or storm surge. Extremely hazardous; professionals should be contacted immediately.
If you do not know the source of the water, assume it is contaminated, and immediately call experts.
What Happens After the First Hour Following Water Damage?
When one hour after water damage has occurred, professional mitigation should already be completed. The professional restoration company will:
- Extract water
- Set up air movers and dehumidifiers
- Monitor the moisture content of the air every day
- Remove items that cannot be salvaged
- Begin the structure drying process and sanitation of the structure, if applicable
In most cases, taking immediate action can reduce the amount of reconstruction and the amount of time a business/home has to close to repair the damage caused by the water.
GREEN Solutions Environmental Services Inc. is an environmentally friendly restoration and remediation company that offers proven, reliable, and science-based methods for solving your restoration problems. Through the use of up-to-date technology as well as health- and safety-certified technicians, we can address water damage restoration, mold remediation, and environmental cleanup right away.
Contact us today to ensure your health, safety, and peace of mind.
Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What should I do first when I discover there has been some water damage?
The first thing you should do is ensure your safety by securing the water source and contacting an experienced water damage restoration professional in Riverside. As soon as the water has been removed, you will need to contact a qualified water damage service in Riverside immediately. - Can I delay calling a restoration company for a few hours?
No, every hour (minute) you wait permits additional penetration of water further through the structure, which significantly increases the possibility of mold growth, structural damage, and increased costs due to more extensive water restoration work. - Is it safe for me to clean up the water damage myself?
You may be able to handle small amounts of clean water spills, but large spills or contaminated water will require the use of special equipment and the following strict safety measures. - How long does it take to complete the professional restoration of water damage?
Typically, the drying phase of the process takes from 3 to 5 days (longer if there is extensive damage to the structure). The length of the total restoration time frame varies depending on the overall level of damage. - Will insurance pay for emergency water restoration services?
Most homeowners and commercial property insurance carriers do cover sudden water damage. A qualified water damage restoration service will assist you with preparing the documentation necessary to facilitate an easier approval of your insurance claim.