What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Water Damage

By the Palm Desert Water Damage team · October 3, 2026

Part of Palm Desert Water Damage — 24/7 restoration dispatch based in Palm Desert, CA.

Step 1: Make Sure It's Safe

Before doing anything else, check for hazards. If water is near an electrical panel or outlets, avoid the area and shut off power at the breaker if you can do so without stepping in water. If you smell gas or see structural damage like a sagging ceiling, leave the area and call 911.

Step 2: Stop the Water Source

If the damage is from a plumbing failure or slab leak, shut off the water at the main valve or the fixture's shutoff. If it's from a monsoon storm or an external source, this step may not apply — focus on documentation and calling for help instead.

Step 3: Document Everything

Take photos and video of the damage before you move anything or start cleanup. This documentation is valuable for insurance claims regardless of whether coverage ends up applying.

Step 4: Move Valuables and Furniture

Move anything you can safely lift away from standing water — furniture, electronics, rugs, and important documents. Don't worry about deep cleaning yet; the priority is limiting further damage.

Step 5: Call for a Damage Assessment

Once the immediate safety and documentation steps are done, call a restoration line for an assessment. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours anywhere moisture lingers — even in the desert, inside a wall cavity or under tile — so the sooner extraction and drying start, the better the outcome.

What Not to Do

• Don't use a household vacuum on standing water — it's not designed for it and creates a shock hazard.
• Don't wait to see if it "dries on its own" — hidden moisture in walls and under flooring doesn't dry without help, even in dry air.
• Don't attempt to clean contaminated water (sewage, monsoon flood water) yourself — call a professional.

Frequently Asked Questions