What to Do Immediately After a Flood: Your Emergency Action Plan

The first 24-48 hours after a flood are critical. Taking immediate action can mean the difference between minor repairs and extensive structural damage. Here's your comprehensive emergency action plan.

Within the First Hour: Immediate Safety Steps

1. Ensure Everyone's Safety

Your first priority is the safety of everyone in the property. If flooding is severe or rising rapidly, evacuate immediately. Don't risk lives for possessions.

2. Contact Emergency Services if Needed

If there's any risk to life, structural damage, or gas leaks, call 999 immediately. For non-emergency flooding support, contact your local council's emergency flood line.

3. Turn Off Utilities

If it's safe to do so, turn off electricity at the mains and shut off the water supply. Gas should also be turned off if you smell gas or suspect a leak. Never touch electrical equipment while standing in water.

Within 2-4 Hours: Damage Limitation

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt notification, and they can guide you on approved restoration companies and the claims process. Document everything with photos and videos before moving items.

5. Call Professional Flood Restoration Services

Time is critical when dealing with flood damage. Professional restoration companies like RapidDry have specialized equipment to extract water quickly and begin the drying process. The sooner water is removed, the less damage occurs.

6. Begin Water Removal

While waiting for professionals, you can start removing standing water if it's safe. Use buckets, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum if you have one. Remove as much water as possible to prevent further absorption into materials.

Within 24 Hours: Documentation and Protection

7. Document Everything

Take extensive photos and videos of all damage before cleaning or moving items. Document:

• Water levels and affected areas
• Damaged furniture, appliances, and belongings
• Structural damage to walls, floors, and ceilings
• Any valuable items that were damaged

8. Remove Salvageable Items

Move undamaged items to a dry area. For wet items that can be saved, move them to a well-ventilated area to begin drying. Separate items by material type - wood, fabric, electronics, etc.

9. Increase Ventilation

Open windows and doors to increase air circulation (weather permitting). Use fans to promote air movement, but avoid using them if there's any electrical hazard. Dehumidifiers can help remove moisture from the air.

Within 48 Hours: Preventing Secondary Damage

10. Monitor for Mold Growth

Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours in damp conditions. Check regularly for musty odors or visible mold. Professional restoration includes antimicrobial treatment to prevent mold.

11. Remove Wet Materials

Carpets, underlay, and damaged drywall may need to be removed to prevent mold and allow proper drying of structural elements. Professionals can assess what can be saved versus what must be replaced.

12. Continue Drying Process

Complete drying can take 3-5 days or longer depending on the extent of flooding. Professional moisture meters ensure materials are thoroughly dry before reconstruction begins.

What NOT to Do After a Flood

Why Choose Professional Flood Restoration?

While some initial steps can be taken by homeowners, professional flood restoration offers critical advantages:

Get Professional Help Immediately

If you've experienced flooding in South Wales, the Midlands, or along the M4 corridor, RapidDry's IICRC certified team is available 24/7 for emergency response. We arrive quickly with industrial equipment to extract water, dry your property, and prevent secondary damage like mold growth.

Our comprehensive flood restoration service includes water extraction, structural drying, dehumidification, antimicrobial treatment, and full restoration. We work directly with insurance companies and provide detailed documentation for your claim.