← All Resources
Resource Guide
The first hour after you find water.
What you do in the first hour matters. Here is what to do, in order.
1. Stay safe
- If water is near outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel, do not touch them. Turn off power at the breaker only if you can reach it from a dry spot.
- Watch for sagging ceilings. Stay out from under them.
- Treat sewage or floodwater as hazardous. Keep kids and pets away.
2. Stop the water
- Shut off the main water valve. Know where it is before you need it: often in the garage, basement, crawl space, or near the street.
- For a single fixture, close the valve under the sink or behind the toilet.
- For a water heater, turn off the cold supply valve on top and the power or gas.
4. Document
- Take photos and video of the water, the source, and anything damaged — before you move things.
- Keep broken parts like a failed supply line. Your adjuster may want to see them.
5. Call your insurance
Report the claim and write down your claim number. Most policies require prompt notice and reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Calling a mitigation company counts as one of those steps.
6. Protect what you can
Do
- Move small furniture, rugs, electronics, and valuables to a dry area.
- Put foil or wood blocks under furniture legs that cannot be moved.
- Lift curtains and skirts off wet floors.
- Open interior doors and cabinets to let air move.
Do not
- Do not use a household vacuum to pick up water.
- Do not turn on ceiling fans or lights if the ceiling is wet.
- Do not throw away damaged items before they are documented.
- Do not wait to see if it dries on its own.