First 60 Minutes After Water Damage — Do This

You just discovered water damage in your home. Your heart is racing. The clock is ticking. What you do in the next 60 minutes will determine whether this is a $2,000 problem or a $15,000 catastrophe. This is your minute-by-minute action plan.

Minutes 0 to 5: Safety First

Do NOT wade into standing water until you have assessed electrical risk.

1. Check for electrical hazards. If water has reached any electrical outlets, appliances, or your breaker panel, do not enter the water. Go to your main electrical panel (if accessible without stepping in water) and shut off power to affected areas. If you cannot reach the panel safely, call your utility company.
2. Check for gas leaks. If you smell natural gas, leave the house immediately. Call your gas utility from outside.
3. Put on protective gear if you have it: rubber boots, waterproof gloves, eye protection. You do not know what is in that water yet.

Minutes 5 to 10: Stop the Source

If the water is coming from inside your home, stop it.

• Burst pipe or leaking fixture: Turn off the main water shutoff valve. In most homes, it is near where the main water line enters the house, typically in the basement, crawlspace, or on an exterior wall.
• Appliance failure: Look for individual shutoff valves behind or beneath the appliance. Water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets all have dedicated shutoff valves.
• Roof leak: Place buckets under drip points. You cannot stop rain, but you can contain it.
• External flooding: You cannot stop the source. Focus on protecting your home's interior and documenting the damage.

Minutes 10 to 20: Document Everything

Before you move a single item or begin cleanup, grab your phone and document. This step is critical for your insurance claim.

1. Photograph the water level. Place a ruler or tape measure against the wall and photograph it next to the water line.
2. Video the entire affected area. Walk slowly through every room, narrating what you see. Include timestamps.
3. Photograph individual damaged items, especially high-value items like electronics, furniture, and appliances.
4. Note the time and date you discovered the damage. Write it down or text it to yourself so you have a timestamped record.

Read our detailed guide on documenting water damage for insurance claims.

Minutes 20 to 40: Begin Water Removal

Every minute water sits, it penetrates deeper into building materials. Start removing it now.

• For small amounts (under 1 inch): Towels and a wet/dry shop vacuum work. Wring towels into a bucket and dump outside, away from your foundation.
• For moderate amounts (1 to 6 inches): A shop vacuum is your best tool. Empty it frequently. Direct water outside, at least 20 feet from your foundation.
• For large volumes or contaminated water: Call a professional emergency extraction service immediately. Do not attempt to handle sewage backup or flood water yourself.

Minutes 20 to 40 (Simultaneously): Protect Your Belongings

While extracting water, move items out of the affected area:

1. Electronics first: unplug and move to a dry area. Do not turn them on until they are completely dry.
2. Documents and photos: irreplaceable items take priority. Lay them flat on a dry surface to air dry.
3. Furniture: lift wooden furniture legs off wet carpet using aluminum foil or plastic blocks to prevent staining.
4. Area rugs: remove from wet floors immediately. Hang to dry if they are small enough.

Minutes 40 to 60: Start Airflow and Dehumidification

Drying needs to begin within the first hour, not tomorrow.

1. Open windows if the outside air is drier than inside (not during rain or high humidity).
2. Set up every fan you own pointing across wet surfaces toward windows or open doors.
3. Turn on your home dehumidifier if you have one. Set it to the lowest humidity setting.
4. Turn on your HVAC fan (fan-only mode, not heating or cooling) to circulate air through the house.
5. Pull wet carpet away from the floor to allow air underneath. If possible, remove carpet padding entirely, as it holds enormous amounts of water.

Before Hour 1 Ends: Make the Call

Before the first hour is up, you need to make two phone calls:

1. Your insurance company. Report the damage. Ask about coverage, your deductible, and whether they have preferred restoration vendors. Do not wait until tomorrow.
2. A restoration company. Even if you think you can handle the cleanup yourself, get a professional assessment. Most companies offer free inspections. They can identify hidden damage you might miss and give you an honest recommendation about DIY versus professional restoration.

Use our cost calculator to get a quick estimate before calling.

The first 60 minutes set the trajectory for your entire restoration. Act fast, stay calm, and document everything. If you need emergency help right now, contact us immediately. We connect homeowners in Jackson, Shreveport, and Boise with licensed professionals who respond within the hour for emergency water extraction.