Flooding can strike without warning—leaving your property soaked, your belongings damaged, and your peace of mind shattered. Whether it’s from a sudden storm, burst pipe, or appliance failure, water damage spreads fast and creates the perfect environment for mold, bacteria, and structural decay. What you do in the first 24 hours can make all the difference in how well—and how quickly—you recover.
At Thunder & Lightning Services, we’re IICRC-certified and offer 24/7 emergency water restoration services across Southern California. Here’s a step-by-step guide for what to do immediately after a flood to protect your home, your health, and your investment.
1. Prioritize Safety First
Before you do anything, make sure it’s safe to enter the property. Floodwaters can compromise the structure and may contain electrical hazards or contaminants.
- Shut off electricity and gas if it’s safe to do so.
- Watch for sagging ceilings, warped floors, or collapsed walls.
- Wear protective gear, including rubber boots and gloves.
If you’re unsure whether your home is structurally sound, wait for professionals to assess the risk.
2. Call a 24/7 Water Restoration Expert
Water damage doesn’t wait for business hours. The longer you wait, the greater the damage—and the more expensive the repairs. That’s why Thunder & Lightning Services offers emergency water cleanup services 24/7, with rapid dispatch and industrial-grade drying equipment ready to go.
When you call us, we:
- Arrive within hours to assess damage
- Begin water extraction immediately using high-powered pumps
- Deploy drying systems to prevent mold growth and material degradation
- Document everything for insurance purposes
Our team is IICRC certified, meaning we follow the highest standards for water restoration and contamination control.
3. Document the Damage for Insurance
Before removing anything, take comprehensive photos and videos of all affected areas. This includes:
- Flooring, walls, and ceilings
- Furniture, electronics, and personal items
- Standing water and visible mold
- Structural damage
This documentation will help support your insurance claim and avoid disputes. At Thunder & Lightning Services, we work with all major insurance providers and can assist you in navigating the claims process for faster resolution.
4. Start Water Extraction and Drying
Time is critical in water damage restoration. The longer water sits, the more extensive the damage becomes. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours, and porous materials like drywall and insulation may need to be removed.
Our technicians use:
- Truck-mounted water extractors
- Industrial-strength dehumidifiers
- High-velocity air movers
- Moisture detection tools to monitor progress
We also apply EPA-registered disinfectants to eliminate bacteria and contaminants left behind by floodwaters.
5. Separate and Salvage Belongings
While we work to dry and decontaminate your space, we also help you sort and salvage belongings where possible. Items like furniture, documents, and electronics may be recoverable if handled quickly and professionally.
We’ll help you determine what can be saved, what must be disposed of, and how to safely store undamaged items during the restoration process.
6. Begin the Restoration Process
Once your space is dry and sanitized, it’s time to rebuild. Our services include:
- Wall and flooring repair
- Drywall replacement
- Paint and finish work
- Plumbing and electrical restoration (if needed)
We restore your property to pre-loss condition—or better—while working with your insurance adjuster to ensure coverage compliance.
Don’t Wait—Call the Experts Now
Flooding is overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Thunder & Lightning Services, we provide 24/7 emergency water restoration services backed by IICRC certification and years of trusted expertise in Southern California.
Call (951) 479-7038 now to speak with a certified water damage expert. We’ll respond immediately, restore your property efficiently, and help you get back to life—cleaner, safer, and stronger than before.