Minutes 0 to 15: stop the water and stay safe
Close the main water valve or the fixture shut-off. If water is near outlets, appliances or a breaker panel, stay out of the water and turn off power only if you can do so from a dry spot. If the ceiling is sagging, stay away from the area because wet drywall can fall suddenly.
If you cannot stop the source or the situation feels unsafe, call (786) 928-1890. Call to be connected with a provider. See emergency water damage restoration.
Minutes 15 to 60: document and protect
Before you move anything, take wide photos and short videos of every wet area, damaged item and the source of the water. Then protect what you can:
- Lift furniture legs onto foil or plastic blocks
- Move rugs, boxes and electronics to dry rooms
- Remove loose wet items like books, clothing and toys
- Open cabinet doors to let air circulate, but leave heavy extraction to the pros
Hours 1 to 4: call your restoration provider and your insurer
Call a restoration provider first, because every hour of delay matters, and then your insurance company to open a claim. Ask the provider for an arrival time, what to avoid doing and what to document. Many insurers require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, and professional mitigation is that step.
Our insurance claims help page explains what adjusters typically ask for.
Hours 4 to 24: extraction, moisture mapping and drying begins
When the crew arrives, expect them to confirm the water category, extract standing water, remove saturated pad and materials that cannot be saved and map moisture. Then they set structural drying equipment and keep a log of readings.
The goal is to get wet materials below mold-friendly moisture levels within 24 to 48 hours.
What not to do
- Do not use a household vacuum on water
- Do not run ceiling fans or an HVAC system if the water is contaminated
- Do not throw away damaged items before photographing them
- Do not wait for an adjuster to start mitigation
- Do not assume a dry-looking wall is dry
Quick answers
How long do I have before mold starts?
Mold can begin within 24 to 48 hours in damp materials. That is why quick extraction and drying matter.
Should I turn off the power?
Only if you can reach the breaker safely without standing in water. If in doubt, stay out and call for help.
Need help now?
If water is already in your home, call (786) 928-1890 for 24/7 help in the West Valley. See our emergency water damage restoration service.
West Valley Water Damage is a referral service. Information here is general and not legal, insurance or engineering advice.
