What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Flood
What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Flood
BY:
Caleb Jones
Flood Restoration
Jun 4, 2025
Emergency Water Damage Mitigation for Lexington & Central Kentucky Homeowners
Flooding can hit fast and leave lasting damage. Whether it’s a busted pipe in your basement or stormwater pouring in through your crawl space, your response in the first 24 hours is critical. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step-by-step, to minimize loss and start your path to recovery—especially if you're a homeowner in Lexington or the surrounding Central Kentucky region.
1. Make Sure the Area Is Safe
Before entering your home after a flood, safety is your first priority. In many Lexington homes, especially those with basements or older wiring, floodwater can pose a major electrical hazard. If the water has reached electrical outlets or appliances, do not enter until the power is shut off at the main breaker. If you're unsure whether it's safe, call your electric company or a licensed electrician.
Beyond electrical risks, floodwater in Central Kentucky often contains more than just rain. It may carry runoff from farm chemicals, oils, or even raw sewage depending on where it entered. The CDC warns that floodwater may harbor dangerous bacteria, viruses, and chemical contaminants, even if it looks clear. Always wear rubber boots, gloves, and an N95 mask when entering a flooded area.
Spotless often encounters homes in Fayette and Jessamine counties where water seeps into HVAC systems or crawl spaces, creating hidden safety risks. Watch for signs of structural damage too, such as sagging ceilings, warped floors, or bowed walls. If you notice any of these, stay out and call a professional water damage restoration company in Lexington immediately.
Local municipalities like LFUCG (Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government) sometimes issue post-flood safety alerts. Stay informed via lexingtonky.gov and monitor any boil water advisories or road closures if the flooding was widespread in your neighborhood.
2. Take Photos Before Moving Anything
Once the area is confirmed safe, resist the urge to start cleaning. First, document everything. Your insurance provider will require proof of the damage, and well-organized photos can make the difference between a full payout and a denied claim. Take wide shots of entire rooms and zoomed-in images of specific damage—flooring, furniture, appliances, drywall, insulation, and personal belongings.
In Lexington homes, flooding often starts in basements or utility rooms, so pay special attention to water lines on walls or stains around sump pumps and HVAC units. If the water reached your electrical panel or any smart home components, make sure to photograph those too. Include timestamps if possible, and walk through your home with video to create a visual record.
As a local water mitigation provider, Spotless has worked with homeowners across Georgetown, Nicholasville, and Richmond to help them compile proper photo documentation before cleanup. One key tip: Don’t throw away damaged materials—like soaked carpets or furniture—until after your adjuster sees them or you get written approval.
Remember to photograph from multiple angles and keep a running list of damaged items with estimated values. This level of detail helps when filing through national insurers, and it’s especially helpful if you have replacement cost coverage or riders for specialty items like musical instruments, artwork, or antique furniture.
3. Call Your Insurance Provider
Immediately contact your home insurance company or agent to report the flooding. Most policies cover water damage from internal sources—like broken pipes or appliance malfunctions—but not all cover natural flood events unless you carry separate flood insurance. If you’re unsure, ask your agent directly. In Lexington, many homeowners are surprised to find their policy excludes common causes of basement flooding or sump pump failure.
When speaking with your provider, be clear and detailed about what caused the water damage and what’s affected. Ask what documentation they need and whether they require an adjuster visit before any demolition or mitigation work begins. If you’re unsure about coverage for emergency services, check if they allow you to call a water damage mitigation company like Spotless for a moisture inspection or drying setup while you wait.
Keep a log of all communications, including the time, the representative’s name, and what was discussed. Email confirmations are ideal. Many Lexington-area residents have dealt with delayed claims due to missing documentation or miscommunication during the early stages, especially after major rain events like those that frequently hit the Bluegrass region in spring.
If you do have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), visit FloodSmart.gov to start a claim. Be aware that NFIP policies have specific limits and require a detailed proof-of-loss document. Spotless can help Lexington homeowners prepare flood-specific documentation to speed up that process.
4. Begin Water Extraction Immediately
The clock starts ticking the moment water enters your home. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. That’s why the team at Spotless offers same-day emergency water extraction in Lexington and surrounding counties. If you can begin the process yourself, use wet/dry vacs, sump pumps, or mops to get standing water out as quickly as possible.
For smaller incidents—like a washing machine overflow or water heater leak—you might be able to contain the damage yourself if caught quickly. However, if water has soaked into drywall, wood floors, or insulation, professional-grade extraction is necessary to avoid long-term issues. In areas like Richmond or Winchester where crawl spaces are common, water can accumulate in places homeowners can’t easily see or reach.
Ventilation is key during this step. Open windows if the outdoor humidity is lower than indoors, and run fans to promote air circulation. If you're in a part of Lexington where humidity is high, especially in the summer months, focus on using dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of the air. Spotless uses industrial-grade equipment calibrated for Central Kentucky’s variable climate to dry homes efficiently and completely.
Extraction isn’t just about removing visible water—it’s about preventing what's left from becoming a problem. That’s why we always recommend a follow-up inspection with thermal imaging to detect moisture inside walls, floors, or ceilings, especially in homes with finished basements or wood-framed additions.
Emergency Water Damage Mitigation for Lexington & Central Kentucky Homeowners
Flooding can hit fast and leave lasting damage. Whether it’s a busted pipe in your basement or stormwater pouring in through your crawl space, your response in the first 24 hours is critical. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step-by-step, to minimize loss and start your path to recovery—especially if you're a homeowner in Lexington or the surrounding Central Kentucky region.
1. Make Sure the Area Is Safe
Before entering your home after a flood, safety is your first priority. In many Lexington homes, especially those with basements or older wiring, floodwater can pose a major electrical hazard. If the water has reached electrical outlets or appliances, do not enter until the power is shut off at the main breaker. If you're unsure whether it's safe, call your electric company or a licensed electrician.
Beyond electrical risks, floodwater in Central Kentucky often contains more than just rain. It may carry runoff from farm chemicals, oils, or even raw sewage depending on where it entered. The CDC warns that floodwater may harbor dangerous bacteria, viruses, and chemical contaminants, even if it looks clear. Always wear rubber boots, gloves, and an N95 mask when entering a flooded area.
Spotless often encounters homes in Fayette and Jessamine counties where water seeps into HVAC systems or crawl spaces, creating hidden safety risks. Watch for signs of structural damage too, such as sagging ceilings, warped floors, or bowed walls. If you notice any of these, stay out and call a professional water damage restoration company in Lexington immediately.
Local municipalities like LFUCG (Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government) sometimes issue post-flood safety alerts. Stay informed via lexingtonky.gov and monitor any boil water advisories or road closures if the flooding was widespread in your neighborhood.
2. Take Photos Before Moving Anything
Once the area is confirmed safe, resist the urge to start cleaning. First, document everything. Your insurance provider will require proof of the damage, and well-organized photos can make the difference between a full payout and a denied claim. Take wide shots of entire rooms and zoomed-in images of specific damage—flooring, furniture, appliances, drywall, insulation, and personal belongings.
In Lexington homes, flooding often starts in basements or utility rooms, so pay special attention to water lines on walls or stains around sump pumps and HVAC units. If the water reached your electrical panel or any smart home components, make sure to photograph those too. Include timestamps if possible, and walk through your home with video to create a visual record.
As a local water mitigation provider, Spotless has worked with homeowners across Georgetown, Nicholasville, and Richmond to help them compile proper photo documentation before cleanup. One key tip: Don’t throw away damaged materials—like soaked carpets or furniture—until after your adjuster sees them or you get written approval.
Remember to photograph from multiple angles and keep a running list of damaged items with estimated values. This level of detail helps when filing through national insurers, and it’s especially helpful if you have replacement cost coverage or riders for specialty items like musical instruments, artwork, or antique furniture.
3. Call Your Insurance Provider
Immediately contact your home insurance company or agent to report the flooding. Most policies cover water damage from internal sources—like broken pipes or appliance malfunctions—but not all cover natural flood events unless you carry separate flood insurance. If you’re unsure, ask your agent directly. In Lexington, many homeowners are surprised to find their policy excludes common causes of basement flooding or sump pump failure.
When speaking with your provider, be clear and detailed about what caused the water damage and what’s affected. Ask what documentation they need and whether they require an adjuster visit before any demolition or mitigation work begins. If you’re unsure about coverage for emergency services, check if they allow you to call a water damage mitigation company like Spotless for a moisture inspection or drying setup while you wait.
Keep a log of all communications, including the time, the representative’s name, and what was discussed. Email confirmations are ideal. Many Lexington-area residents have dealt with delayed claims due to missing documentation or miscommunication during the early stages, especially after major rain events like those that frequently hit the Bluegrass region in spring.
If you do have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), visit FloodSmart.gov to start a claim. Be aware that NFIP policies have specific limits and require a detailed proof-of-loss document. Spotless can help Lexington homeowners prepare flood-specific documentation to speed up that process.
4. Begin Water Extraction Immediately
The clock starts ticking the moment water enters your home. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. That’s why the team at Spotless offers same-day emergency water extraction in Lexington and surrounding counties. If you can begin the process yourself, use wet/dry vacs, sump pumps, or mops to get standing water out as quickly as possible.
For smaller incidents—like a washing machine overflow or water heater leak—you might be able to contain the damage yourself if caught quickly. However, if water has soaked into drywall, wood floors, or insulation, professional-grade extraction is necessary to avoid long-term issues. In areas like Richmond or Winchester where crawl spaces are common, water can accumulate in places homeowners can’t easily see or reach.
Ventilation is key during this step. Open windows if the outdoor humidity is lower than indoors, and run fans to promote air circulation. If you're in a part of Lexington where humidity is high, especially in the summer months, focus on using dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of the air. Spotless uses industrial-grade equipment calibrated for Central Kentucky’s variable climate to dry homes efficiently and completely.
Extraction isn’t just about removing visible water—it’s about preventing what's left from becoming a problem. That’s why we always recommend a follow-up inspection with thermal imaging to detect moisture inside walls, floors, or ceilings, especially in homes with finished basements or wood-framed additions.
Emergency Water Damage Mitigation for Lexington & Central Kentucky Homeowners
Flooding can hit fast and leave lasting damage. Whether it’s a busted pipe in your basement or stormwater pouring in through your crawl space, your response in the first 24 hours is critical. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step-by-step, to minimize loss and start your path to recovery—especially if you're a homeowner in Lexington or the surrounding Central Kentucky region.
1. Make Sure the Area Is Safe
Before entering your home after a flood, safety is your first priority. In many Lexington homes, especially those with basements or older wiring, floodwater can pose a major electrical hazard. If the water has reached electrical outlets or appliances, do not enter until the power is shut off at the main breaker. If you're unsure whether it's safe, call your electric company or a licensed electrician.
Beyond electrical risks, floodwater in Central Kentucky often contains more than just rain. It may carry runoff from farm chemicals, oils, or even raw sewage depending on where it entered. The CDC warns that floodwater may harbor dangerous bacteria, viruses, and chemical contaminants, even if it looks clear. Always wear rubber boots, gloves, and an N95 mask when entering a flooded area.
Spotless often encounters homes in Fayette and Jessamine counties where water seeps into HVAC systems or crawl spaces, creating hidden safety risks. Watch for signs of structural damage too, such as sagging ceilings, warped floors, or bowed walls. If you notice any of these, stay out and call a professional water damage restoration company in Lexington immediately.
Local municipalities like LFUCG (Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government) sometimes issue post-flood safety alerts. Stay informed via lexingtonky.gov and monitor any boil water advisories or road closures if the flooding was widespread in your neighborhood.
2. Take Photos Before Moving Anything
Once the area is confirmed safe, resist the urge to start cleaning. First, document everything. Your insurance provider will require proof of the damage, and well-organized photos can make the difference between a full payout and a denied claim. Take wide shots of entire rooms and zoomed-in images of specific damage—flooring, furniture, appliances, drywall, insulation, and personal belongings.
In Lexington homes, flooding often starts in basements or utility rooms, so pay special attention to water lines on walls or stains around sump pumps and HVAC units. If the water reached your electrical panel or any smart home components, make sure to photograph those too. Include timestamps if possible, and walk through your home with video to create a visual record.
As a local water mitigation provider, Spotless has worked with homeowners across Georgetown, Nicholasville, and Richmond to help them compile proper photo documentation before cleanup. One key tip: Don’t throw away damaged materials—like soaked carpets or furniture—until after your adjuster sees them or you get written approval.
Remember to photograph from multiple angles and keep a running list of damaged items with estimated values. This level of detail helps when filing through national insurers, and it’s especially helpful if you have replacement cost coverage or riders for specialty items like musical instruments, artwork, or antique furniture.
3. Call Your Insurance Provider
Immediately contact your home insurance company or agent to report the flooding. Most policies cover water damage from internal sources—like broken pipes or appliance malfunctions—but not all cover natural flood events unless you carry separate flood insurance. If you’re unsure, ask your agent directly. In Lexington, many homeowners are surprised to find their policy excludes common causes of basement flooding or sump pump failure.
When speaking with your provider, be clear and detailed about what caused the water damage and what’s affected. Ask what documentation they need and whether they require an adjuster visit before any demolition or mitigation work begins. If you’re unsure about coverage for emergency services, check if they allow you to call a water damage mitigation company like Spotless for a moisture inspection or drying setup while you wait.
Keep a log of all communications, including the time, the representative’s name, and what was discussed. Email confirmations are ideal. Many Lexington-area residents have dealt with delayed claims due to missing documentation or miscommunication during the early stages, especially after major rain events like those that frequently hit the Bluegrass region in spring.
If you do have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), visit FloodSmart.gov to start a claim. Be aware that NFIP policies have specific limits and require a detailed proof-of-loss document. Spotless can help Lexington homeowners prepare flood-specific documentation to speed up that process.
4. Begin Water Extraction Immediately
The clock starts ticking the moment water enters your home. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. That’s why the team at Spotless offers same-day emergency water extraction in Lexington and surrounding counties. If you can begin the process yourself, use wet/dry vacs, sump pumps, or mops to get standing water out as quickly as possible.
For smaller incidents—like a washing machine overflow or water heater leak—you might be able to contain the damage yourself if caught quickly. However, if water has soaked into drywall, wood floors, or insulation, professional-grade extraction is necessary to avoid long-term issues. In areas like Richmond or Winchester where crawl spaces are common, water can accumulate in places homeowners can’t easily see or reach.
Ventilation is key during this step. Open windows if the outdoor humidity is lower than indoors, and run fans to promote air circulation. If you're in a part of Lexington where humidity is high, especially in the summer months, focus on using dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of the air. Spotless uses industrial-grade equipment calibrated for Central Kentucky’s variable climate to dry homes efficiently and completely.
Extraction isn’t just about removing visible water—it’s about preventing what's left from becoming a problem. That’s why we always recommend a follow-up inspection with thermal imaging to detect moisture inside walls, floors, or ceilings, especially in homes with finished basements or wood-framed additions.
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