What to Do in the First Hour After Water Damage

Find the source before anything else. If it is a supply line, close the fixture valve or the main shutoff. If water is entering from outside, the source cannot be stopped — shift to protecting the interior and getting help on the way.

Knowing where your main shutoff is before an emergency is one of the few genuinely useful preparations a property owner can make.

Water and electricity are the real hazard. If water is near outlets, appliances or a panel, cut power to those circuits at the breaker only if you can reach it without standing in water.

Keep people and pets out of affected rooms, particularly if the water may be contaminated or a ceiling is sagging.

Photograph and video everything: the source, standing water, affected rooms and damaged contents. Wide shots plus close-ups.

This record is what an insurance carrier reviews later. Cleaning first and documenting second removes evidence of the loss.

Drying gets harder every hour. Calling early means extraction and equipment placement can begin before water fully absorbs into subfloor, drywall and framing.