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What To Do in a Home Emergency: A Restoration Expert’s Guide

May 1, 2025Blog

When disaster strikes your home, the first few minutes can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s a burst pipe flooding your basement, smoke damage after a kitchen fire, or toxic mold appearing seemingly overnight, emergencies are not just stressful; they’re dangerous. That’s why having a clear action plan and knowing who to call makes all the difference.

At Valley Restoration & Construction, we specialize in emergency restoration services throughout Montrose, Delta, Ouray, Telluride, and surrounding areas. We’re available 24/7 and ready to act fast when your home or business is at risk.

First Things First: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

The most important thing in any emergency is safety. Before you think about property damage or insurance, take steps to make sure everyone is out of harm’s way.

Common Home Emergencies and Immediate Safety Tips

Flooding from a broken pipe or appliance
Shut off the main water valve right away. Water can spread fast through drywall, flooring, and electrical systems.

Electrical fire or smoke
Exit the home immediately and call 911. Do not try to put out large or electrical fires on your own.

Suspect asbestos exposure during a DIY project
Stop work and leave the area. Asbestos particles can be extremely harmful when disturbed.

Noticing musty smells or visible mold
Avoid breathing in spores or disturbing the area. Close off the room if possible until professionals arrive.

Step 1: Call Emergency Restoration Professionals

Once everyone is safe, contact a professional restoration company immediately. Time is critical. The longer you wait, the more damage moisture, smoke, or mold can do.

Valley Restoration & Construction is available 24/7. We will dispatch a certified team to your property to assess the situation and initiate mitigation.

We respond to emergencies, including:

  • Flooded basements and crawlspaces

  • Sewage backups

  • Fire and smoke damage

  • Mold outbreaks

  • Appliance leaks and overflows

  • Storm or accident-related structural damage

  • Asbestos exposure in older homes

We take the pressure off your shoulders so you can stop worrying and start recovering.

Step 2: Secure and Document the Damage

If it’s safe to do so, begin taking photos or videos of everything you see. This includes damaged walls, furniture, personal items, and appliances—document where the water spread or what rooms were affected by smoke or mold. Do not throw anything away until your insurance company has reviewed the loss.

Our team can help you properly document damage and walk you through the insurance process from start to finish.

Step 3: Avoid DIY Cleanup

It might be tempting to mop up water or spray some mold remover, but improper cleanup can make things worse. Here’s why you should leave it to the professionals:

  • Water damage needs industrial-grade drying equipment. Miss a hidden area, and mold can begin growing in just 24 to 48 hours.

  • Smoke damage seeps into insulation, air ducts, and even electronics. Surface cleaning won’t remove the lingering toxins or odors.

  • Mold remediation requires containment, filtration, and professional disposal to prevent spores from spreading.

  • Asbestos removal must follow strict safety and disposal guidelines. Exposure during DIY projects can pose serious long-term health risks.

At Valley Restoration, we are fully certified in:

Step 4: Begin the Recovery Process

Once we contain the damage, we begin a personalized restoration plan that includes:

  • Damage assessments and moisture mapping

  • Industrial drying and dehumidification

  • Smoke, soot, and odor removal

  • Mold containment and cleanup

  • Demolition of unsalvageable materials

  • Reconstruction and remodeling

  • Help navigating your insurance claim

We restore homes to pre-loss condition or better, and we handle everything under one roof.

Why Homeowners Choose Valley Restoration

Locally Owned and Operated
We live and work in the communities we serve. Our team members are your neighbors, and we treat your home like it’s our own.

Certified and Experienced
Our technicians are certified in fire, water, mold, radon, and asbestos services. We follow strict safety and cleanup protocols on every job.

Available Anytime You Need Us
We respond to calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We act fast to minimize damage and costs.

Start to Finish Services
You do not need to hire multiple contractors. We handle everything from cleanup to full reconstruction.

Transparent Communication
We keep you informed every step of the way, from the initial inspection to the final walkthrough.

When Disaster Hits, Make Valley Your First Call

Damage spreads quickly. Waiting only increases the cost. But when you call Valley Restoration, you get a partner who knows what to do, how to do it, and how to guide you through the entire process with confidence.

Call 970-964-4437 now for emergency restoration services in Montrose, Delta, Ouray, Telluride, and nearby communities.

We are here when you need us most.


FAQs: What You Need to Know During an Emergency

How soon can you arrive?
In most cases, we arrive within a few hours of your call. Our team is always ready to go.

Do I have to use the restoration company my insurance recommends?
No. You have the right to choose the company you trust. Valley Restoration works with all major insurers.

Can I upgrade my home during restoration?
Yes. If you’ve been thinking about a remodel, we can combine repairs with improvements to save time and money.

Will you help with insurance?
Absolutely. We assist with documentation, adjuster coordination, and billing.