When water comes rushing into your home in Hermosa Beach, every second matters. Whether it’s a flash flood, a broken pipe, or a storm surge from the ocean, the damage can grow fast and hit hard. Many homeowners freeze in the moment, unsure of what to do first. That’s why having a clear plan is key.
This guide walks you through the 7 emergency steps to take after flooding in Hermosa Beach. We’ve broken each step down into simple, easy-to-follow actions so you know exactly what to do when the water rises. Whether your carpets are soaked, your walls are dripping, or your hardwood floors are underwater, we’ll help you get started with the right moves—starting with the most urgent action: emergency water removal.
Let’s dive in and get your home safe, dry, and secure again.
Stop the Water at the Source if It’s Safe
If the flooding in your home is caused by something you can control—like a burst pipe or leaking appliance—your first step is to stop it at the source. Look for the main water valve in your house. It’s often in a basement, garage, or near the foundation wall. Turn it clockwise until it stops. That simple action can prevent hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water from pouring in.
If you don’t know where the water’s coming from, or it’s from a storm or sewer backup, do not enter the water. It could be dangerous or contaminated. In these cases, the focus shifts to calling for emergency water removal as quickly as possible. Professionals have the tools and gear to safely deal with unknown water sources.
Helpful Tip: Keep a water shut-off wrench and flashlight handy near the main valve.
Call a Water Damage Restoration Professional Immediately
Flood water waits for no one. The longer it sits, the worse the damage gets. Mold can start growing in as little as 24 hours. That’s why you need to call a certified emergency water removal team right away. These experts have industrial pumps, moisture meters, dehumidifiers, and drying fans that your everyday shop-vac just can’t match.
You’ll want to find a service that’s trusted in the Hermosa Beach area, like this highly rated team. A fast response could mean the difference between minor repairs and a full gut job.
Here are a few things to ask when you call:
- Do you offer 24/7 emergency services?
- Are your technicians certified and insured?
- How quickly can you arrive?
- Do you help with insurance claims?
Flooding is stressful, but a good restoration team can take a huge weight off your shoulders, especially when emergency water removal is done professionally and safely.
Turn Off Electricity (But Only If It’s Safe)
Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. Before stepping into any flooded area, ask yourself: Is the power off?
If water is touching outlets or electrical panels, don’t risk it. Call your power company or the fire department and wait for help. However, if you can safely access your breaker box without stepping through water, go ahead and flip the main switch off.
Cutting off electricity prevents shocks and can also stop electrical fires. It’s one of the most overlooked steps in flood emergencies.
And while you’re waiting for emergency water removal, keep the area clear. Don’t plug in fans, shop vacs, or other tools unless you know it’s safe to do so. It’s better to be patient than risk injury.
Warning: Never enter a room where water may be in contact with electrical cords or outlets.
Document the Damage for Your Insurance
Once you’re safe and have called for help, grab your phone or camera. Take pictures and videos of everything: wet furniture, soaked drywall, bubbling floors, water lines on the walls, and even the puddles. These images are crucial for your insurance claim.
Make sure to:
- Photograph every room affected
- Capture damaged personal items
- Record standing water before emergency water removal starts
- Write down the time and date of the flood
Keep receipts from any cleanup or repair work you do. This includes pumps you rent, towels you use, or hotel stays if your home becomes unlivable.
The more proof you have, the smoother your claim will go. Most homeowners’ policies cover some types of water damage, but they often require prompt reporting and full documentation.
A good restoration company like this local expert can also assist with insurance documentation and walk you through the claims process.
Begin Drying What You Can
While you wait for the pros to finish their emergency water removal, you can help slow down the damage. Use towels, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum (if safe) to soak up smaller puddles. Open all the windows and doors to let fresh air circulate. If you’re sure the electricity is safe, turn on fans to move air through the space.
Here are helpful drying tools you can use:
| Tool | Purpose |
| Wet/Dry Vacuum | Removes small pools and water from rugs |
| Fans | Speeds up evaporation |
| Dehumidifier | Pulls moisture from air and drywall |
| Baking Soda | Absorbs odor and dampness from surfaces |
| Towels | Basic soaking and blotting |
These steps are no replacement for professional emergency water removal, but every bit helps. Focus on items like books, clothes, or papers that can be lifted and air-dried in a safe area.
Tip: Remove rugs, cushions, and curtains and hang them in the sun.
Prevent Mold and Mildew Growth
After a flood, your next enemy is mold. Spores grow fast in damp environments—especially in warm, beachside climates like Hermosa Beach. Once they take root, they can ruin drywall, spread through your HVAC system, and even make people sick.
To stay ahead of it:
- Don’t let wet items sit more than 24 hours
- Disinfect all hard surfaces with a bleach and water solution (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water)
- Keep the air moving with fans or AC
- Don’t repaint or patch up walls until they are fully dry
If mold has already started growing by the time emergency water removal is complete, your restoration team will likely recommend mold remediation. It’s better to handle mold early than wait and face a full teardown.
Look for these early mold signs:
- Musty or sour smell
- Discoloration on walls or ceilings
- Warping floors or furniture
- Allergy flare-ups in the hom
Save What You Can—But Let Go of What You Can’t
Once the home is drying out and the emergency water removal is complete, it’s time to focus on recovery. Start by sorting your items into three groups: salvageable, questionable, and damaged beyond repair.
Salvageable Items:
- Non-porous items like dishes, glassware, and metal
- Clothing that can be washed
- Solid wood furniture (if not warped)
- Electronics (if inspected by a pro)
Questionable Items:
- Books and papers with light water damage
- Padded furniture
- Photos or artwork
- Area rugs
Unsalvageable Items:
- Mattresses
- Stuffed animals or plush furniture
- Particle board cabinets
- Carpet soaked for more than 48 hours
Emotionally, this step is the hardest. It’s tough to throw away a favorite armchair or baby blanket. But holding onto soaked items can bring mold and bacteria into your home. Think safety first.
The good news? Many people find peace of mind knowing their home is clean, dry, and safe again—thanks in large part to professional emergency water removal.
Recap: Your Emergency Flood Action Checklist
When time is short, it helps to have a clear list. Here’s your quick reference guide for when flooding hits your home in Hermosa Beach:
- Shut off water source if possible
- Call a trusted water damage restoration company
- Turn off electricity only if it’s safe
- Document the scene with photos and notes
- Start light drying work if safe to do so
- Fight mold with disinfectant and airflow
- Sort items and throw out unsafe materials
Floods are scary. But having a plan and trusted help nearby makes all the difference. Whether it’s a sudden kitchen leak or a full-blown living room flood, acting fast and calling for emergency water removal is the smartest thing you can do.
Why Choose Local Help in Hermosa Beach?
Working with a local team means faster response times and experts who understand the challenges unique to beach communities—like humidity, saltwater exposure, and older homes with crawl spaces. Services like this trusted restoration provider are just a call away and know the area inside and out.
They also bring:
- 24/7 availability
- Certified professionals
- Insurance claim help
- Fast, effective emergency water removal
- Friendly service with real local reviews
When flood trouble hits, don’t go it alone. Call the experts, protect your family, and take each step one at a time.
Final Thoughts
Flooding doesn’t have to be the end of your home’s story. With the right action steps, quick thinking, and a team of professionals to handle emergency water removal, you can protect your home, your health, and your peace of mind. Stay informed, be prepared, and take heart—because Hermosa Beach is a strong community, and recovery always follows the storm.
If you’re ever unsure what to do next, don’t wait. Reach out to the experts who specialize in helping people just like you recover and rebuild.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flood Recovery in Hermosa Beach
What’s the first thing I should do after a flood hits my home?
If it’s safe, shut off the water at the source—especially if the flooding is from a burst pipe or appliance. Locate your main water valve and turn it clockwise. If the source is unknown or dangerous (like stormwater or sewage), evacuate the area and immediately call a local emergency water removal specialist.
Can I start cleaning up water myself, or should I wait for the professionals?
While waiting for your restoration team, you can begin safe cleanup by soaking up small puddles with towels, using a wet/dry vacuum, and opening windows for airflow—but only if electricity is off and the water is not contaminated. Avoid DIY efforts in areas with electrical hazards or standing water deeper than a few inches.
How quickly should I call a water damage restoration service?
Call immediately—flood damage escalates fast. Mold can start growing in 24 hours, and the longer water sits, the more structural damage it causes. Choose a 24/7 service local to Hermosa Beach that offers certified technicians and quick arrival, like the trusted teams mentioned in the blog.
Will my insurance cover the flood damage and cleanup?
Most homeowners’ policies cover water damage caused by sudden, accidental events like pipe bursts—not always natural flooding. That’s why documenting damage (photos, videos, receipts) right away is critical. Restoration pros can often help you with the claims process and provide needed reports for adjusters.
How do I know if it’s safe to keep water-damaged items?
Items like metal, washable clothing, and some solid wood furniture can often be salvaged. But porous items—like mattresses, plush furniture, and soaked carpets—usually need to be discarded to prevent mold and bacterial growth. When in doubt, consult your restoration team for guidance on item recovery.
