Water Damage Emergency Checklist

• Ensure personal safety — Do NOT enter standing water if it may be in contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or your breaker panel.
• Shut off the water supply — Turn your main shutoff valve clockwise. It is usually near where the main water line enters your home.
• Cut electrical power — If safe to reach, turn off the breaker for affected areas. If the panel is near standing water, call your utility company.
• Turn off the gas — If you smell gas or suspect damage to gas lines, shut off the main gas valve and leave the house.
• Call for emergency help — If water is rising, there is structural damage, or anyone is trapped, call 911 first.
• Call a water damage professional — The sooner a pro arrives, the less damage you will have. Call (833) 281-1085.
• Open windows and doors — Start air circulation immediately to slow mold growth (weather permitting).

• Document everything with photos and video — Before moving anything, photograph all damage from multiple angles. Use a ruler against walls to show water height.
• Contact your insurance company — Report the damage and ask about your coverage. Write down your claim number, adjuster name, and phone number.
• Begin water removal — Use towels, mops, buckets, or a wet/dry shop vacuum for small amounts. For standing water, rent a submersible pump ($40-75/day).
• Move valuables to dry areas — Lift furniture off wet carpet (use aluminum foil or plastic under legs). Move electronics, documents, and irreplaceable items to a dry room.
• Remove area rugs and loose items — Get anything movable off wet floors and out to dry.
• Do NOT use your regular vacuum — Standard vacuums are not designed for water and pose a serious electrocution risk.

• Set up drying equipment — Place fans to create cross-ventilation. Point them at wet surfaces. Run a dehumidifier at maximum extraction.
• Remove wet materials — Pull up saturated carpet and padding. Remove wet drywall up to 12 inches above the visible water line. Remove wet insulation.
• Save what you can — Photos and documents: lay flat on paper towels. Books: stand upright, fan pages open. Electronics: do NOT power on for 48+ hours.
• Clean and disinfect — Wash all hard surfaces that contacted floodwater with 1 cup bleach per 1 gallon of water. Wear gloves and a mask.
• Prevent mold growth — Mold can start within 24-48 hours. Keep fans and dehumidifiers running continuously. Do not close up the area.
• Keep a written log — Record every action, every conversation with insurance, and every dollar spent. This log is critical for your claim.

• Get a professional assessment — Have a licensed restoration company inspect for hidden damage inside walls, under floors, and in crawlspaces.
• Get a written remediation plan — This should include scope of work, timeline, cost estimate, and what materials need to be replaced vs. restored.
• File your insurance claim formally — Submit all photos, video, receipts, and your written log. See our insurance claim guide.
• Get multiple estimates — Get at least 2-3 written estimates. Verify each company is licensed, insured, and IICRC-certified.
• Address structural concerns — Warped floors, sagging ceilings, or cracked foundations require immediate professional evaluation.
• Check your HVAC system — If water reached your furnace, AC, or ductwork, have it inspected before use. Wet ducts can spread mold throughout your home.
• Monitor for mold daily — Watch for musty smells, visible growth (white, green, or black patches), and allergic symptoms.

What NOT to Do — Common Mistakes

When to Call a Professional vs. DIY

Insurance Documentation Tips

Emergency Contacts Template

Fill in these numbers and keep this page with your emergency supplies.