The first 24 hours after water damage are critical. The faster you act, the less damage you'll end up with — and the less your restoration will cost.
First, stop the source. Whether it's a burst pipe, failed appliance, or roof leak — stop the water first. Shut off the main water supply if needed.
Second, call your insurance company. Before you move anything or start cleaning up, notify your carrier. Document everything with photos and video first.
Third, call a restoration professional. This is not a DIY situation. Professional-grade extraction equipment removes dramatically more water than shop vacs, and industrial drying equipment is essential to prevent mold.
Do NOT use household fans — they can actually spread moisture into unaffected areas and increase damage.
Do NOT walk on wet carpet or hardwood if you can avoid it — it accelerates damage.
Do NOT discard anything before the adjuster has documented it.
What to expect from a professional crew: extraction, moisture mapping with thermal imaging, installation of drying equipment, daily monitoring, and a complete drying log for your insurance claim.
Restoration Team
IICRC Certified Restoration Specialists
Our restoration team brings decades of combined field experience to every article. We write about what we see on the job — not theory, but the realities of property damage and recovery in North Central Florida.