24-Hour Flood Response: What Needs to Happen in Each Hour

Flood response is a race against physics and biology. This guide maps what needs to happen — professionally and on your part — across the first 24 hours of a flood event to maximise recovery and minimise permanent damage.

Hour 0-1: Immediate Containment

• Identify and stop the water source if possible — main shutoff, roof breach, or call municipal emergency line for street flooding
• Evacuate all people and pets from affected areas
• Cut electrical power at the breaker to any flooded zones
• Call emergency flood response dispatch — get a crew en route before any other calls
• Begin photographic documentation from safe vantage points

Hours 1-4: Professional Extraction

• Extraction crew arrives and begins bulk water removal with truck-mounted systems
• Thermal imaging assessment identifies water migration beyond visible zone
• Containment barriers established to prevent cross-contamination spread
• Insurance company notified — adjuster coordinated for earliest available visit
• Salvageable contents identified and moved to dry areas

Hours 4-12: Drying Initiation

• Industrial air movers positioned per IICRC drying calculations across affected zones
• Commercial dehumidifiers deployed — minimum one per 1,500 square feet affected
• Baseline moisture readings logged across all substrate types
• Structural assessment for compromised flooring, walls, and ceiling systems
• Material removal decisions made — carpet, insulation, and drywall below water line flagged for removal

Hours 12-24: Monitoring and Documentation

• First moisture reading check — drying progress logged against baseline
• Equipment adjusted based on readings — additional units deployed if needed
• Scope of material removal confirmed and work begins where approved
• Insurance adjuster visit — detailed damage report presented
• Mold prevention assessment — antifungal treatment applied to at-risk surfaces