What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Hurricane Hits Your Home

Once the storm passes, the first 24 hours can make the biggest difference in your home’s long-term recovery. If you want to prepare your home for hurricane season, knowing the next steps afterward can save you from costly repairs and mold risks. And swift professional restoration services provide the cleanup and stabilization you can’t tackle alone.

Hour-by-Hour Recovery Guide:

• Hour 1–3: Safety First
  Ensure power and gas are shut off. Avoid entering if structural damage is visible.

• Hours 3–6: Documentation
  Photograph all damage before moving items. Note soaked areas, debris, and broken fixtures.

• Hours 6–12: Initial Mitigation
  Remove standing water with pumps or buckets. Open windows if safe for airflow.

• Hours 12–24: Drying and Monitoring
  Start ventilation with fans (if power is stable). Monitor for rising humidity or mold smells.

Why You Need Professional Restoration:

• DIY efforts can’t match industrial-grade drying equipment or mold remediation solutions.

• Professionals spot hidden moisture behind walls, ceilings, and subfloors.

• Certified teams prevent secondary damage like microbial growth or structural weakening.

If you acted early and followed these steps, you're in better shape. But nothing replaces full restoration. Be prepared to prepare your home for hurricane season and, after the storm, engage PuroClean Zephyrhills for trustworthy professional restoration services before mold or damage worsens.