Your next step, made clearer
Water damage: what to do first
A calm, practical checklist for the first hour.
Put safety first
Keep children and pets away from the affected area. Never walk into standing water near electrical outlets, appliances, or electrical panels. Leave an unsafe building. For immediate danger, call 911.
Stop the source, only if safe
For a plumbing leak, shut off the water supply if the valve can be reached from a safe, dry place. Do not approach an electrical panel through water. Contact a qualified professional if you are unsure.
Document from a dry location
Take photos of visible damage and the apparent source without entering an unsafe area. Record when you first noticed the problem. Keep receipts for emergency expenses.
Contact your insurer and a professional
Ask your insurer about emergency mitigation, documentation, and your deductible. Seek qualified help for water extraction and drying. Do not handle sewage or suspected contamination yourself.