First 24 Hours – The Most Important 24 Hours After Water Damage

Mold is one of the most dangerous consequences of water damage. It can form in as little as 24 hours and needs a moist, damp environment to grow. This makes water damage restoration urgent and something that should be started as soon as possible. Mold grows rapidly and can lead to and aggravate several health issues, including asthma, allergies, and lung irritation.

Without proper water removal, drying, and decontamination, you’re likely to face long-lasting consequences. To minimize damage and maximize the likelihood of salvaging your possessions, it’s important for you to take swift action within the first 24 hours.

Problems That Arise From Water Damage

If water damage is not tackled as soon as you detect it, you risk further damage that can be even more time-consuming and costly to repair. If you find water damage in your home, the first thing you need to realize is that the clock is ticking. The first 24-48 hours and your response in them will determine the extent of the damage.

Damage to Possessions and Structure

Water can completely damage your belongings. While some items can be salvaged if rescued and treated in time, others cannot. Any porous items that have been soaked are extremely difficult to treat and will probably need to be replaced.

When water damage is targeted within the first 24 hours, damaged items can be removed, cleaned, thoroughly dried, and likely saved. The more time that passes, the more unlikely this becomes. This isn’t just true for personal items. It also applies to tiles, drywall, and more. When left untreated for long periods, you risk structural damage to your home or property. To avoid costly repairs and longer restoration time, it’s better to call restoration experts as soon as you detect water damage.

Mold Formation and Health Issues

The primary reason a swift response is crucial is that mold and bacteria can grow and reproduce as quickly as 24 hours, even from smaller amounts of water. Drywall can show microbial growth within 48 hours of being damaged by water, and items like rugs and clothes can also harbor mold in a short time.

In addition to ruining your belongings, mold can pose a great risk to your health. When not removed in time or properly, toxic mold can cause nausea, inflammation, skin irritation, respiratory problems, and immune system suppression. If you already have breathing problems, asthma, or other conditions, these can be significantly worsened by the presence of mold. Acting within the first 24 hours is vital because the longer you wait, the more the mold can grow and spread.

Pathogen Exposure

If the source of flooding is a sewer line backup, not tackling the water damage by calling emergency water damage restoration services can lead to pathogen exposure. Stagnant water sitting for long periods can produce a greater smell and breed both mold and bacteria. The smell from this can set into your furniture, clothing, and more and be difficult to fully remove later on. Since the water damage is from contaminated water, it’s also likely that pathogens and fecal matter will damage your possessions.

Steps to Take After Water Damage

If your home has been flooded or has faced some other kind of water damage, there are some measures you can take to ensure that you start the proper procedures immediately. Follow these steps if you experience water damage.

Stay Safe

Certain precautions must be taken in the face of water damage. If there has been a flood and there’s extensive water damage, turn off the power. If you cannot do so safely, call an electrician as soon as possible to turn it off for you. Similarly, if you’re facing sewage backup and are dealing with blackwater, wear protective clothing when you re-enter your home.

Call Your Insurance Agent

Whether or not your insurance will cover water damage depends on your policy. However, it’s important to know whether or not you have to pay out of pocket before starting more extensive repairs. Take pictures, document the damage, and call your insurance company to ask them to send over an adjuster to assess the damage.

Call a Water Damage Restoration Service Immediately

To tackle the problem head-on and minimize damage, the restoration process has to start as soon as possible. Many people think they can handle it themselves and end up making the situation worse before calling a water damage restoration company. Avoid this costly mistake and call in the professionals immediately so that they can start to salvage your belongings and mitigate water damage.

911 Restoration of Fort Myers

Sometimes, no matter how many precautions you take, water can still find its way into your home and cause damage. If left unchecked, water damage can result in mold, cause health issues, and affect your home’s structural integrity. By ignoring water damage, you can cause it to become more extensive and more expensive.

You need to work with a qualified and reputable water damage restoration company to mitigate water damage and save your home and belongings. 911 Restoration of Fort Myers is one such company and can help with all your home restoration needs. Our IICRC-certified technicians can handle everything from water removal and flood cleanup to leak repair and dying.

Any dark stains or water bubbles can be signs of water damage within your home. Our water damage restoration services are available 24/7. If you have an emergency, we can be at your property within 45 minutes. Call us at (239) 322-1217 or contact us here for comprehensive home restoration services.