What Do I Do in the First Hour After Flooding?

Your first priority is keeping yourself and your family safe. Do not enter standing water if you suspect any electrical hazard, such as submerged outlets or appliances. If the main electrical panel is in a dry area, turn off the power to the flooded zone. Evacuate the area and move to a secure, dry location to assess the situation without immediate risk.

Wear protective gear like rubber boots and gloves if you must walk through the water. Be aware that floodwater can hide sharp objects or cause slips on slick floors. If the flooding is from a sewage backup or outside source, assume the water is contaminated. Keep children and pets away from the affected area to prevent accidental exposure or injury.

Use your phone or camera to take clear photos and videos of all affected areas and items. Capture water levels, damaged belongings, and the source if visible. This visual evidence is crucial for your insurance claim and for water damage pros to understand the scope. Take pictures from multiple angles and include wide shots of the room along with close-ups of specific damage.

Write down a list of damaged items as best you can, noting their approximate age and value. Do not throw anything away until you have documented it, as your insurer may need to see it. Keep this documentation organized and safe. This step helps create a clear record of what happened during the initial stages of the flooding incident.

• Photograph standing water levels and the source.
• Video pan across entire rooms showing all damage.
• Take close-up shots of ruined flooring, drywall, or furniture.
• Document serial numbers and models of damaged electronics.
• Include photos of any personal belongings that are affected.
• Save all photos and videos in a secure digital folder.

If it is safe and you have the equipment, start removing standing water with a wet-dry vacuum, mops, or towels. This can help slow secondary damage like swelling wood or mold growth. Move saturated rugs and furniture to a dry area if possible, but be careful not to injure yourself lifting heavy, waterlogged items. Focus on removing water, not on repairs, in this first hour.

• Use a wet-dry vacuum for large volumes of water.
• Mop and towel-dry hard surface floors.
• Move lightweight, soaked items like area rugs outside.
• Prop up wet furniture cushions for better air circulation.
• Use fans to increase airflow across damp surfaces.
• Place wood blocks or foil under furniture on wet carpet.