Emergency Response Guide

Water Damage Emergency:
Act in the First 60 Minutes

The decisions you make right now determine how much this costs, how fast you recover, and whether your insurance claim succeeds. This guide covers the exact sequence of actions.

Call 24/7: (888) 217-3503

Response typically within 45–60 minutes

What to Do Right Now

Water Damage Emergency: 5 Steps in the First 60 Minutes

1
Shut off the main water supply — Stop the water source immediately — every second adds more damage.
2
Cut power to wet areas — Flip circuit breakers for rooms with standing water before entering.
3
Document all damage — Video and photograph everything before moving anything — critical for your insurance claim.
4
Call a restoration company (not a plumber) — They extract water, set drying equipment, and document for your insurer simultaneously.
5
Open an insurance claim — Call your insurer immediately — emergency extraction doesn't need to wait for adjuster approval.

The Emergency Timeline

0–5 min— Stop the water and cut power

Locate and close your main water shutoff valve (usually near the water meter, under a sink, or in a utility room)
If flooding is near electrical panels, outlets, or appliances — do NOT enter without cutting power at the breaker
If you smell gas, evacuate immediately and call your gas company
If sewage is involved, leave the area — Category 3 water contains pathogens that require PPE

5–15 min— Document everything

Take video walking through the entire affected area — narrate what you see
Photograph standing water from multiple angles, showing depth if possible
Photograph the source of water (broken pipe, open window, damaged roof)
Photograph all damaged furniture, flooring, walls, and personal property
Do NOT move or discard anything yet — adjusters need to see it

15–30 min— Make the critical calls

Call a certified restoration company: (888) 217-3503 — they dispatch faster than your plumber
Call your insurance company to open a claim — get a claim number before any contractor starts work
Tell both parties the water category: clean (pipe), gray (appliance), or black (sewage/flood)
Confirm the restoration company's IICRC certification and licensing before authorizing work

30–60 min— Protect what you can

Move important documents, medications, and irreplaceable items to a dry area
Place aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent rust stains on wet carpet
Remove soaked rugs from hardwood floors (trapped water accelerates warping)
Do not use household fans if sewage or gray/black water is present
Track all expenses starting now — hotel, meals, emergency supplies — for your claim

Critical Dos and Don'ts

DO These Things

Shut off the main water supply immediately
Cut power to affected areas at the breaker panel
Photograph and video ALL damage before moving anything
Move important documents, medications, and valuables to dry areas
Call a restoration company (not just a plumber)
Call your insurance company to open a claim
Open windows if outside humidity is low (speeds evaporation)
Remove soaked throw rugs and mats from hard flooring

DON'T Do These

Don't use electrical appliances in wet areas
Don't run a regular vacuum on water
Don't use fans if sewage or Category 3 water is involved (spreads contamination)
Don't dispose of any damaged items before your adjuster sees them
Don't apply bleach to drywall (it won't penetrate, and insurance may dispute coverage)
Don't wait 'to see if it dries on its own'
Don't sign Assignment of Benefits forms without reading (Florida homeowners especially)
Don't hire contractors who knock on your door after a storm without researching them first

Ready to Connect You With Local Pros

Our line is answered 24/7 by real people — not bots. We'll identify the nearest IICRC-certified team and get them dispatched immediately.

(888) 217-3503

Free · No obligation · IICRC-certified pros only

24/7 Emergency Response

We connect you with pros available around the clock — nights, weekends, and holidays.

IICRC-Certified Pros

We only refer to restoration professionals certified under IICRC standards (S500, S520).

Licensed & Insured

All referred contractors carry full state licensing and liability insurance.

Free Consultation

Call anytime — triage help and contractor dispatch at no cost to you.

Emergency Response Questions

: A restoration company. Restoration pros extract water, set drying equipment, and document damage for your insurer — all while coordinating with a plumber if needed. Calling only a plumber stops the source but leaves you with standing water and no documentation.
: For clean water (Category 1) events, yes — with caution around wet areas. For sewage backup or Category 3 (flood) events, your family should vacate until decontamination is complete. Your restoration team will advise on habitability.
: Call your insurer immediately — most water damage events are covered. If uninsured, FEMA assistance may apply after declared disasters. Restoration companies also work directly with insurers on payment. Never let cost prevent you from calling in the first hour — delays cost far more.
: Photograph and video everything before touching anything: standing water depth, damaged furniture, affected walls and ceilings, the source of water, and any visible mold. Keep all damaged items until your adjuster visits. Track every expense — hotel, food, emergency repairs.

Who to Call Guide All water damage guides

Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent informational resource. This guide is for general educational purposes and does not constitute professional safety, medical, or legal advice. Always contact emergency services (911) if there is immediate safety risk. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property.

Water Damage Emergency: 5 Steps in the First 60 Minutes

Shut off the main water supply — Stop the water source immediately — every second adds more damage.

Cut power to wet areas — Flip circuit breakers for rooms with standing water before entering.

Document all damage — Video and photograph everything before moving anything — critical for your insurance claim.

Call a restoration company (not a plumber) — They extract water, set drying equipment, and document for your insurer simultaneously.

Open an insurance claim — Call your insurer immediately — emergency extraction doesn't need to wait for adjuster approval.

The Emergency Timeline

0–5 min— Stop the water and cut power

Locate and close your main water shutoff valve (usually near the water meter, under a sink, or in a utility room)
If flooding is near electrical panels, outlets, or appliances — do NOT enter without cutting power at the breaker
If you smell gas, evacuate immediately and call your gas company
If sewage is involved, leave the area — Category 3 water contains pathogens that require PPE

5–15 min— Document everything

Take video walking through the entire affected area — narrate what you see
Photograph standing water from multiple angles, showing depth if possible
Photograph the source of water (broken pipe, open window, damaged roof)
Photograph all damaged furniture, flooring, walls, and personal property
Do NOT move or discard anything yet — adjusters need to see it

15–30 min— Make the critical calls

Call a certified restoration company: (888) 217-3503 — they dispatch faster than your plumber
Call your insurance company to open a claim — get a claim number before any contractor starts work
Tell both parties the water category: clean (pipe), gray (appliance), or black (sewage/flood)
Confirm the restoration company's IICRC certification and licensing before authorizing work

30–60 min— Protect what you can

Move important documents, medications, and irreplaceable items to a dry area
Place aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent rust stains on wet carpet
Remove soaked rugs from hardwood floors (trapped water accelerates warping)
Do not use household fans if sewage or gray/black water is present
Track all expenses starting now — hotel, meals, emergency supplies — for your claim

Critical Dos and Don'ts

DO These Things

Shut off the main water supply immediately
Cut power to affected areas at the breaker panel
Photograph and video ALL damage before moving anything
Move important documents, medications, and valuables to dry areas
Call a restoration company (not just a plumber)
Call your insurance company to open a claim
Open windows if outside humidity is low (speeds evaporation)
Remove soaked throw rugs and mats from hard flooring

DON'T Do These

Don't use electrical appliances in wet areas
Don't run a regular vacuum on water
Don't use fans if sewage or Category 3 water is involved (spreads contamination)
Don't dispose of any damaged items before your adjuster sees them
Don't apply bleach to drywall (it won't penetrate, and insurance may dispute coverage)
Don't wait 'to see if it dries on its own'
Don't sign Assignment of Benefits forms without reading (Florida homeowners especially)
Don't hire contractors who knock on your door after a storm without researching them first

Emergency Response Questions

A restoration company. Restoration pros extract water, set drying equipment, and document damage for your insurer — all while coordinating with a plumber if needed. Calling only a plumber stops the source but leaves you with standing water and no documentation.

For clean water (Category 1) events, yes — with caution around wet areas. For sewage backup or Category 3 (flood) events, your family should vacate until decontamination is complete. Your restoration team will advise on habitability.

Call your insurer immediately — most water damage events are covered. If uninsured, FEMA assistance may apply after declared disasters. Restoration companies also work directly with insurers on payment. Never let cost prevent you from calling in the first hour — delays cost far more.

Photograph and video everything before touching anything: standing water depth, damaged furniture, affected walls and ceilings, the source of water, and any visible mold. Keep all damaged items until your adjuster visits. Track every expense — hotel, food, emergency repairs.

Water Damage Emergency:Act in the First 60 Minutes

Water Damage Emergency: 5 Steps in the First 60 Minutes

The Emergency Timeline

Critical Dos and Don'ts

DO These Things

DON'T Do These

Ready to Connect You With Local Pros

24/7 Emergency Response

IICRC-Certified Pros

Licensed & Insured

Free Consultation

Emergency Response Questions

Water Damage Emergency:Act in the First 60 Minutes

Water Damage Emergency: 5 Steps in the First 60 Minutes

The Emergency Timeline

Critical Dos and Don'ts

DO These Things

DON'T Do These

Ready to Connect You With Local Pros

24/7 Emergency Response

IICRC-Certified Pros

Licensed & Insured

Free Consultation

Emergency Response Questions

Water Damage Emergency:
Act in the First 60 Minutes

Water Damage Emergency:
Act in the First 60 Minutes