Key Takeaways
- Prioritize safety by shutting off electricity and avoiding hazardous areas
- Identify and stop the source of water if possible
- Document all damage thoroughly for insurance claims
- Contact a professional water damage restoration company like Rock Emergency ASAP
- Begin water removal and drying only if it's safe to do so
- Remove and protect belongings from further damage
- Increase airflow and monitor for mold growth
- Avoid using contaminated items until properly sanitized
- Stay in communication with your insurance provider
- Take proactive steps to prevent future water damage
These essential steps help minimize property damage, reduce health risks, and accelerate recovery after water intrusion. For 24/7 emergency response and expert restoration services, contact Rock Emergency.
At Rock Emergency, we understand that experiencing water damage in your home or business can be incredibly overwhelming. Whether it's caused by a burst pipe, a heavy storm, a leaking appliance, or a flooded basement, water damage can happen suddenly and bring life to a standstill. As a professional water damage restoration and mold remediation company, we are here to guide you through those crucial first steps and help you take control of the situation with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you can do immediately after discovering water damage, to minimize the impact and start the restoration process off on the right foot.
1. Put Your Safety First
Your safety and the safety of your family or coworkers should always come first. Water damage can create hazardous conditions such as:
- Electrical risks (if water is near outlets or wiring)
- Slippery surfaces
- Contaminated water
- Structural damage (such as weakened ceilings or floors)
Before doing anything else, turn off the electricity in the affected areas if it's safe to do so. Avoid entering rooms with standing water until you know the power is off. If the water damage appears severe or the area is unsafe, it’s best to wait for the professionals.
2. Identify the Source and Stop the Flow
Once you're sure it's safe, the next step is to stop the water from flowing. If a pipe has burst or an appliance is leaking, turn off the water supply to that fixture or to the whole house. You may need to locate your main water shut-off valve.
Stopping the source of the water as quickly as possible is critical to minimizing the damage. If the water is coming from an external source like heavy rain or flooding, do what you can to block entry points, such as using sandbags or tarps.
3. Document the Damage for Insurance
Before you start cleaning up, take the time to document everything. This can be essential when filing an insurance claim.
- Take clear photos and videos of all affected areas and items
- Make a list of damaged belongings
- Keep receipts for any emergency repairs or services
This documentation can make the claims process smoother and help ensure you're fairly compensated. Working with a qualified and experienced expert, like Rock Emergency, through the restoration process can ensure that you have help with getting the proper documentation and maximum possible coverage for your unique situation
4. Call a Water Damage Restoration Professional
Contacting a trusted water damage restoration company like Rock Emergency should be your next move. Time is of the essence when dealing with water damage, and we have the experience, tools, and expertise to respond quickly and effectively.
Our team is available 24/7 to assess the damage, remove standing water, dry out your property, and begin the restoration process. We also specialize in mold removal and remediation, which is essential because mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours after water damage occurs.
5. Begin Water Removal (If It's Safe to Do So)
If it's safe and the damage is minimal, you can begin removing standing water using:
- Mops
- Towels
- Wet/dry vacuums
Avoid using household vacuums that aren't rated for water, as this can be dangerous. Also, never attempt to remove water in rooms where there's still electrical risk.
The sooner you remove the water, the less likely it is to cause long-term damage. If it is unsafe or you are unable to begin removing the water on your own, there is no need to worry, as your restoration experts can handle it all.
6. Move Your Belongings to a Dry Area
Remove furniture, electronics, rugs, and personal items from the wet area if you can do so safely. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs to prevent further water absorption and staining.
Dry and clean items as much as possible, and place wet items in a dry, well-ventilated space. This will help prevent mold growth and allow your belongings to start drying out.
7. Increase Airflow and Start Drying
Proper airflow is essential in drying out your home or business. Open windows and doors (weather permitting) to encourage air circulation. Use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.
Keep in mind that household fans and dehumidifiers might not be enough for large-scale damage. That’s where our industrial-grade equipment at Rock Emergency comes in. We use high-powered air movers and commercial-grade dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry spaces and prevent mold from taking hold.
8. Check for Signs of Mold
Mold can begin to grow quickly in damp environments, so it’s important to be vigilant. Common signs of mold include:
- Musty odors
- Discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors
- Allergic reactions like sneezing or skin irritation
If you suspect mold, don't try to clean it yourself. Some types of mold can be harmful to your health. Our certified mold remediation team can safely assess and remove mold, ensuring your home or workplace is safe.
9. Avoid Using Contaminated Items
Water damage—especially from flooding or sewage backups—can contain harmful contaminants. Be cautious with what you touch and avoid using any items that have been saturated until they’ve been properly cleaned and sanitized.
10. Keep a Line of Direct Communication with Your Insurance Company
Stay in touch with your insurance company throughout the process. They may require updates, additional documentation, or assessments. At Rock Emergency, we work directly with many insurance providers and can help guide you through the process.
We know that dealing with insurance after water damage can be stressful. That’s why we do everything we can to support you and ensure you have all the information needed to get your claim processed quickly.
11. Be Patient, But Proactive
Water damage restoration isn’t always an overnight process. Depending on the severity of the damage, full restoration can take several days to weeks. While our team works efficiently, we always prioritize doing the job right, not just fast.
Being proactive—by calling in professionals early, documenting everything, and avoiding DIY risks—can make a world of difference in how smoothly the process goes.
12. Prevent Future Water Damage
Once the immediate crisis is under control, it’s a good idea to think about prevention. Here are a few tips to help reduce the risk of water damage happening again:
- Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean
- Seal any cracks in your foundation
- Install a sump pump with a battery backup
- Consider a water leak detection system
We can also help assess your property and provide guidance on how to protect it better moving forward.
We're Here for You
At Rock Emergency, we treat every home and business like it’s our own. We understand the emotional and financial toll that water damage can take, and our mission is to bring you peace of mind through fast, reliable, and compassionate service.
If you ever find yourself facing water damage, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is ready to respond at a moment's notice and help you recover as quickly and safely as possible. Together, we’ll get you back on track.
Need Help Right Now?
Call Rock Emergency 24/7 for immediate water damage restoration or mold remediation services. We’re here when you need us most.