From the IICRC S500: Section 13.2.1 – Rapid Response: Mitigation procedures should begin as soon as safely possible following the initial moisture intrusion. If building materials and structural assemblies are exposed to water and water vapor for extended periods, moisture penetrates into them more deeply. The more water they absorb, the more time, effort and expense is required to dry them.
It is in everyone’s best interest that restoration contractors stop their daily tasks and go directly to the jobsite when called for an emergency, to prevent additional damage to building materials and assemblies.