Minutes 0 to 10: stop it and stay safe
- Shut off the water. Use the fixture valve if you can see the source, or the main shutoff near the water meter.
- Check the electricity. If water is near outlets, cords or the panel, switch off those circuits from a dry spot. If you cannot do that safely, stay out.
- Identify the water. Supply water is clean. Anything from a drain, toilet or outdoors is not. Keep out of contaminated water.
Minutes 10 to 30: document and protect
- Take photos and video. Wide shots of every room, close-ups of the source and damaged items. Do this before moving things.
- Lift what you can. Rugs, electronics, books, boxes. Put foil or plastic under furniture legs sitting on wet carpet.
- Check below. Look at the ceiling of the floor underneath. Clear the area if it is stained or sagging.
Minutes 30 to 60: get help moving
- Request service. Use the request form for emergency water removal.
- Call a plumber if a pipe or fixture needs repair.
- Notify your insurance carrier and ask what they need from you.
- Start removing clean water with mops and towels if it is safe.
What not to do
- Do not use a household vacuum on water.
- Do not walk into water where the power is still on.
- Do not throw away damaged items before photographing them.
- Do not close up the room. Air circulation helps until equipment arrives, unless the water is sewage.
For what comes next, see water damage restoration.