The First 60 Minutes After a Flood: The Checklist That Blocks Mold and Claim Delays
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The First 60 Minutes After a Flood: The Checklist That Blocks Mold and Claim Delays

FloodMart Rapid Response
A 60-minute checklist that protects your health and your claim file
The goal in the first hour is simple: stay safe, document evidence before cleanup, stop the bleeding (water source), and start drying. CDC guidance stresses drying quickly, ideally within 24 to 48 hours, to reduce mold growth. FloodSmart and FEMA guidance stress documenting damage before you clean, fix, or throw items out.
Safety first
Document before cleanup
Drying momentum
Copy-ready log

Fast decision: what kind of water is this?

If you suspect sewage, river floodwater, or unknown contamination
Treat it as contaminated. Avoid skin contact, wear PPE, keep kids and pets out, and prioritize professional help if the area is large or you have health risks. For contaminated water, porous materials and soft goods often cannot be safely saved.
If it is clean supply water (for example a burst pipe caught quickly)
You may have more salvage options, but the clock still matters. EPA and CDC guidance still emphasize moisture control and drying quickly to prevent mold.
Practical rule: When in doubt, assume contamination until you confirm otherwise. Your safety choices are more important than saving a rug.

60-Minute Action Timer + Checklist (tap to track progress)

Start the timer, then check items as you complete them. The tool timestamps what you did so you can paste a clean log into your claim file.
Status: Not started yet. If the area is unsafe, stop and prioritize safety.
🔌 Safety check: power, gas, stability
If water is near outlets, a panel, or appliances, use extreme caution. If you smell gas or see structural risk, leave and call the right help.
🛑 Stop the water source if possible
Shut off a supply valve, close a main, or move a leaking hose. If it is outside flooding, skip this and move to documentation and protection.
📸 Document first: wide photos, water lines, video
FloodSmart and FEMA emphasize photos and videos of damage, including water levels and structural damage, before cleanup or disposal.
🏷️ Capture serial numbers on appliances and electronics
FloodSmart specifically recommends recording serial numbers to support your claim.
💨 Start drying momentum
Open doors and windows when safe. Use fans to move air and dehumidifiers to pull moisture down. CDC guidance stresses drying quickly, ideally within 24 to 48 hours.
🧺 Stage items: keep vs toss (photograph toss items)
CDC mold guidance advises removing items that cannot be cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours, and taking photos of discarded items for insurance.

The first hour, broken into a simple sequence (do this in order)

This list is written to reduce two common mistakes: unsafe cleanup, and cleanup that destroys claim evidence.
1️⃣

Minute 0 to 10: Make it safe to be inside

Safety decisions first, always.
Do: Keep people and pets out of affected areas. Put on gloves, eye protection, and a well-fitting respirator if you will disturb wet materials or suspected mold.
Do: If safe and you know how, shut off electricity to wet areas. If unsure, step back and call a professional.
Do: Identify the water type: clean supply water vs contaminated floodwater or sewage. Contamination changes what can be saved.
Skip for now: Scrubbing, tearing out drywall, or tossing items before you document.
Health firstAvoid exposureStability check
2️⃣

Minute 10 to 30: Capture evidence like an adjuster would

This is the documentation window that prevents claim headaches.
Do: Shoot one wide photo from each doorway, then close-ups of water lines, damaged flooring, baseboards, cabinets, and any swelling or buckling.
Do: Record a quick video walkthrough. Narrate room names and point out the highest water line.
Do: Photograph the outside too: foundation edges, low points, entry paths, and any standing water marks.
Do: Capture appliance and electronics serial numbers and labels. FloodSmart recommends serial numbers to support claims.
PhotosWater line proofSerial numbers
3️⃣

Minute 30 to 60: Start drying and prevent secondary damage

Your goal is drying momentum and smart triage.
Do: Ventilate. CDC disaster safety guidance recommends airing out and drying quickly, ideally within 24 to 48 hours.
Do: Remove standing water if safe (pump, wet vacuum) and pull up wet rugs if they trap moisture underneath.
Do: Separate items into “cleanable” vs “likely trash” staging areas. Photograph anything you discard for insurance documentation.
Do: Start a receipts envelope or folder for any emergency purchases or protective actions.
Drying starts nowTriageReceipts
Quick triage: what to toss fast vs what to try saving
CDC guidance: If you cannot clean and dry items completely within 24 to 48 hours after floodwater, assume mold growth and remove items that cannot be cleaned and dried. Take photos of discarded items for insurance. EPA notes porous items can be difficult or impossible to fully clean once mold grows inside.
Material Often salvageable if acted on fast Often a toss (especially with contaminated water)
Hard surfaces Metal, plastic, sealed wood, tile, solid countertops (clean with detergent, dry completely). Items with deep cracks that stay damp and cannot be fully dried.
Soft goods Some washable clothing if cleaned quickly and dried thoroughly. Upholstered furniture, mattresses, pillows, stuffed toys that cannot be cleaned and dried quickly.
Carpet and padding Small rugs sometimes, if clean water, quick extraction, and full drying. Carpet padding is often a mold sponge. If it stayed wet or was floodwater, it is commonly removed.
Drywall and insulation Limited cases with very shallow clean water exposure and immediate drying. Wet insulation loses performance. Drywall that wicked water or shows swelling often needs removal to dry wall cavities.
Safety note: If you suspect sewage or contaminated floodwater, take a more conservative approach. Health comes first.
Claim-proof habit: a simple photo order that prevents missed evidence
  • Wide first: One wide shot from each doorway.
  • Water line proof: Wide plus close shot of the highest water line in each affected room.
  • Structure: Flooring, baseboards, cabinets, drywall swelling, foundation seepage marks.
  • Systems: HVAC area, water heater area, electrical panel area (photograph only if safe).
  • Serial numbers: Appliances and electronics labels and serial plates.
FloodSmart guidance: document everything before cleanup and record serial numbers to support claims.
Official sources used