Right after water damage: stay safe, stop the water source if you can, shut off power to affected areas only if it is safe, move valuables, photograph the damage, contact your insurer when appropriate, and call a professional to assess and dry the property. Avoid wet electrical areas and any contact with sewage.
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In the first minutes, your priorities are personal safety, stopping more water from coming in and protecting what matters most. Everything else — extraction, drying, repairs and insurance — can follow.
01
Safe actions
- Stop the water source if it is safe to do so — close the main shut-off or the fixture’s valve.
- Shut off electricity to affected areas only when you can reach the panel safely without standing in water.
- Move valuables, documents, electronics and medications to a dry area.
- Place aluminum foil or blocks under furniture legs on wet carpet.
- Photograph and video the damage before anything is moved or removed.
- Contact your insurer when appropriate and note your claim number.
- Call a professional restoration company to assess and dry the property.
02
What NOT to do
- Do not enter areas where water may be in contact with outlets, cords, appliances or the electrical panel.
- Do not touch or disturb sewage or contaminated water.
- Do not use a household vacuum to remove water.
- Do not ignore hidden moisture just because surfaces look dry.
- Do not delay professional assessment when significant water is present.
- Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet or sagging.
03
What to photograph
- The source (burst pipe, failed hose, overflowing fixture)
- Water levels and wet areas in each room
- Damaged flooring, walls, ceilings and contents
- Serial/model numbers of damaged appliances
- Any temporary repairs you made
Sources & further reading
Not sure how serious it is?
A professional assessment shows exactly where the water went and what it will take to dry and restore your property.