What to Do in the First 30 Minutes After a Flood

When floodwater enters your home, time becomes your most valuable resource. Whether it's from a burst pipe, appliance failure, or heavy rain, acting fast can mean the difference between a quick cleanup and a long-term rebuild. The first 30 minutes are critical, and your focus should be on safety, stopping the source, and contacting professionals.

First, make sure everyone in the home is safe. If the water is near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the electricity to those areas if it's safe to do so. Avoid standing water in those zones altogether.

Next, stop the water at its source. This might mean turning off the main water shut-off valve or closing a localized valve behind a toilet, under a sink, or at your water heater. If you don't know where these shut-offs are, refer to our second blog post to learn how to locate them.

Now it's time to call a 24/7 emergency restoration company. Waiting on insurance approval before acting can cost you literally. Most insurance policies expect you to take immediate action to mitigate damage, and delaying can lead to denied claims or higher repair costs.

While you're waiting for the professionals to arrive, take photos or videos of all visible damage. Document everything for your insurance claim and keep receipts for any emergency expenses.

Quick, confident action in those first moments can drastically reduce the scope of damage, prevent mold, and speed up the restoration timeline. Always have a plan and a provider—you can count on.