Water damage: the first hour
One page for the moment you find water: stay safe, stop it, document it and get drying started.
Tap items to check them off, or print this page and keep it near your main water shutoff.
Print checklist1. Stay safe
Stay out of rooms where water is near outlets, cords or the electrical panel.
If you smell gas or a gas appliance is under water, leave and call the gas company from outside.
Keep kids and pets away from dirty water, like sewage or toilet water.
Watch for sagging ceilings and slippery floors.
2. Stop the water
Shut off the main water valve. It's usually where the water line enters the house: basement, crawl space, utility room or near the water heater.
For a toilet, sink or appliance, turn off its own supply valve.
Turn off power to wet rooms at the breaker, but only if you can reach the panel without standing in water.
Roof or window leak: catch drips in buckets and move belongings out of the way.
3. Document it
Photograph and video every wet room, wide and close up, before you move anything.
Photograph the source: the burst pipe, failed hose, appliance label or ceiling stain.
Keep the part that failed.
Write down when you found the water and what you did about it.
4. Start drying and get help
Get water extraction and drying started. Drying within 24 to 48 hours is what stops mold.
Move furniture, rugs and electronics to a dry room. Put foil or blocks under furniture legs that have to stay.
Report it to your insurance company and write down the claim number.
Save every receipt from today.
Water still coming in? Call (800) 555-0100 to reach a local water damage company. Homeowners only, no obligation to hire. For the full claim, use the claim checklist. WaterClaims.com
This checklist is general information, not legal advice. Your policy and your state's rules decide what's covered.
Water coming in?
Talk to a local water damage crew now
No obligation to hire. A local crew can help stop the water and start drying. Homeowners only.
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