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Water damage destroys homes fast. At Freedom Restoration & Remodeling, we’ve responded to thousands of water damage emergencies across Northeast Wisconsin. The first 60 minutes determine what you save.
Here’s your action plan.
Your 60-Minute Emergency Timeline
| Time | Priority Actions | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 min | Safety first: Shut off water source, turn off electricity in affected areas, ensure everyone is safe | ☐ |
| 15-30 min | Document: Take photos/videos from all angles, capture serial numbers, contact insurance company | ☐ |
| 30-45 min | Remove water: Start extraction with towels/wet vac, move salvageable items to dry areas | ☐ |
| 45-60 min | Prevent mold: Open windows, set up fans, remove baseboards, call professionals if needed | ☐ |
Print this checklist or save it to your phone for quick reference during emergencies
Stop the Water Source Immediately
Find where water’s coming from and shut it off. Panic makes people skip this obvious step.
If a pipe burst, turn off your main water valve near the water meter. Washing machine leak? Turn off the valves behind the machine. Water heater leaking? Shut off both water supply and power to the unit.
Shutting off the water source is your first priority
Can’t find the source? Call our emergency team at (920) 504-2202. We’re available 24/7.
Turn Off Electricity in Affected Areas
Water and electricity kill. Go to your electrical panel and flip breakers for wet rooms. If you must walk through water to reach the panel, call emergency services.
Never touch electrical appliances or outlets in wet areas. Per CDC flood safety guidelines, electrical hazards cause the most water damage injuries.
Document Everything for Insurance
Your insurance claim needs proof. Document before moving anything.
Take photos and videos from multiple angles. Capture water levels, damaged items, and the source. Get serial numbers on appliances. Film a walkthrough with timestamps.
Thorough documentation is essential for successful insurance claims
Documentation Checklist
- Water source and damage location: Proves cause and extent
- All damaged property: Establishes replacement value
- Structural damage: Supports repair costs
- Appliance serial numbers: Verifies age and value
- Before and after photos: Shows mitigation efforts
Save everything to cloud storage. The Insurance Information Institute recommends digital backups of all damage documentation.
Contact your insurance company within the first hour. They’ll assign an adjuster and tell you what immediate steps you can take.
Remove Standing Water and Salvageable Items
Standing water causes more damage every minute. Start removing it now.
For shallow water (under an inch), use towels, mops, and wet/dry vacuums. Deeper water needs pumps and professional extraction. Don’t use household vacuums on water.
What You Can Save in the First Hour
Usually Salvageable: Hard furniture, electronics (if dried fast), dishes, photos, documents
Usually Lost: Particle board furniture, mattresses, sewage-affected carpeting, insulation, saturated drywall
Move salvageable items to dry areas. Don’t stack wet items together. For sewage or contaminated water, wear gloves. Category 3 water requires professional remediation.
Maximize Air Circulation
Trapped moisture breeds mold within 24 to 48 hours. Open windows and run fans toward them to push humid air outside. Use dehumidifiers continuously.
Remove baseboards in wet rooms for wall ventilation. Pull up wet carpeting.
According to the EPA guidelines, preventing mold requires humidity below 60% and drying within 24-48 hours. Household fans can’t achieve this.
⚠️ Critical Mistakes That Make Water Damage Worse
| ✕ | Don’t wait to call insurance. Most policies require notification within 24-48 hours. Delays can void your claim. |
| ✕ | Don’t use regular vacuums on water. They’re not designed for liquids and can cause electrical fires or shocks. |
| ✕ | Don’t enter rooms with ceiling damage. Waterlogged drywall and insulation can collapse without warning. |
| ✕ | Don’t turn off HVAC systems. Central air and heating help with dehumidification. Just keep them away from wet areas. |
| ✕ | Don’t assume it’s dry once surfaces feel dry. Moisture hides inside walls and under floors for weeks, creating hidden mold growth. |
When to Call Professional Restoration Services
Call professionals immediately if water is from sewage, sat over 24 hours, affected multiple rooms, damaged ceilings, or smells musty.
At Freedom Restoration & Remodeling, our IICRC-certified team responds 24/7 across Northeast Wisconsin. We use thermal imaging, industrial dehumidifiers, and professional air movers while working with your insurance adjuster from start to finish.
Facing Water Damage in Northeast Wisconsin?
24/7 emergency response with professional extraction, drying, and restoration services.
Call (920) 504-2202 Now
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does emergency water damage restoration cost?
Emergency extraction costs $3.50 to $7.00 per square foot depending on water category and materials affected. Most homeowner insurance covers sudden water damage minus your deductible. We provide free inspections and work with adjusters.
Can I dry everything myself with fans?
Household fans miss moisture trapped in walls, floors, and ceilings where mold grows. Professional equipment finds hidden moisture and removes it completely. Missing hidden moisture leads to expensive mold remediation later.
How quickly does mold start growing?
Mold colonizes wet materials within 24 to 48 hours per EPA and IICRC standards. Once it spreads inside walls or under flooring, remediation becomes extensive and costly.
Will insurance cover water damage restoration?
Most policies cover sudden damage like burst pipes. They don’t cover gradual damage or flooding (which requires separate flood insurance). Document immediately and notify your insurer within 24-48 hours. We provide documentation adjusters need.
