Stat Restoration

Water Damage? Here's What To Do In The First 60 Minutes

The first hour after discovering water damage can make a HUGE difference in the amount of damage, cost, and recovery time.

Here's what to do 👇

⏱️ First 5 Minutes

– Stay calm
– Determine where the water is coming from
– Shut off the source if possible

👉 Stopping the water is priority #1

⚡ Next 10 Minutes

– Turn off electricity to affected areas if safe
– Move valuables and important items
– Remove electronics from wet areas

Safety comes first.

💧 Next 15 Minutes

– Remove standing water if possible
– Use towels, mops, or a wet vac
– Lift furniture off wet flooring

👉 The faster water is removed, the less damage occurs.

📸 Next 15 Minutes

– Take photos of everything
– Document damaged contents
– Record where the water originated

Good documentation helps support insurance claims.

📞 Next 15 Minutes

– Contact your mitigation company
– Contact your insurance company
– Begin the claim process

The sooner professionals arrive, the better.

⚠️ What NOT To Do

– Don't use household fans on contaminated water
– Don't ignore wet drywall or insulation
– Don't assume the area is dry because the surface looks dry

Hidden moisture causes major problems.

🏔️ Local Insight (Columbia Falls & Flathead Valley)

In Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Kalispell, and surrounding areas, we commonly see homeowners lose valuable time trying to determine if the damage is "bad enough."

👉 If you're asking that question, it's worth making the call.

📢 Bottom Line

The first hour matters.

Fast action can:
– Reduce damage
– Lower repair costs
– Improve claim outcomes

⏭️ Next in the Series:
The 5 biggest mistakes homeowners make after water damage

📍 Serving Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Kalispell, Eureka, Libby, Troy
📞 406-752-8040
🌐 www.statrestore.com

🚨 What Actually Happens During a Mitigation Job? 🚨

Most people don’t know what to expect when a mitigation company shows up.

Let’s break it down 👇

🧠 Step 1: Inspection & Assessment

– Identify the source of damage
– Check how far it has spread
– Determine what needs to be done

💧 Step 2: Stop, Contain & Extract

– Shut off or control the source
– Extract standing water immediately
– Prevent further spread
– Protect unaffected areas

👉 Fast extraction is critical to minimizing damage

📸 Step 3: Documentation & Insurance Coordination

– Photos of all damage
– Moisture readings
– Detailed reports

– Help start the insurance claim
– Communicate directly with your adjuster
– Keep everyone on the same page

👉 We involve insurance early to keep the process smooth from the start

🛠️ Step 4: Removal & Cleanup

– Remove damaged materials if needed
– Dispose of unsalvageable materials
– Clean affected surfaces

🌬️ Step 5: Drying & Stabilization

– Set up professional drying equipment
– Monitor moisture levels daily
– Ensure everything is fully dried

🏁 Step 6: Ready for Repairs

– Property is dry and stable
– Ready for rebuild or restoration

🏔️ Local insight (Kalispell & Flathead Valley)

In Kalispell, Whitefish, and surrounding areas, early extraction and early insurance involvement helps:

– Prevent delays
– Avoid confusion
– Keep claims moving smoothly

📢 Bottom line:

Mitigation is a step-by-step process
👉 And insurance is involved from the beginning—not the end

⏭️ Next in the series:
How long does mitigation take? (what to expect)

📍 Serving Kalispell, Whitefish, Eureka, Columbia Falls, Libby, Troy
📞 406-752-8040
🌐 www.statrestore.com

💬 Drop your questions below—we’ll answer them in upcoming posts