What to do immediately after water damage: a 24-hour checklist
The first day after water damage decides how big the repair gets and how smoothly an insurance claim goes. Work through this list in order.
Updated October 2026 · Sources are linked in the text.
1. Make it safe
- Stay out of standing water that could be near outlets, cords, appliances or the electrical panel.
- If you can reach the breaker panel from a dry spot, switch off power to wet areas. If you can't, leave it and call an electrician or the utility.
- If you smell gas, see a sagging ceiling, or the water came from outside during a storm, leave and call 911 or the utility.
2. Stop the water
Shut off the main water valve for pipe or appliance leaks, or the valve on the appliance itself (washing machine, dishwasher, toilet, water heater). For roof leaks, catch drips and keep water off floors.
3. Document everything
Before you move or throw anything away, take photos and video of every affected room, the source of the leak, damaged belongings and any visible water lines on walls. Keep receipts for anything you buy.
4. Call your insurer and a restoration company
Report the claim promptly; policies generally expect you to report damage quickly and to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. A restoration company can start extraction and drying and will usually document moisture readings, which helps the claim.
5. Start drying
The EPA says that if wet materials are dried within 24–48 hours, in most cases mold will not grow (EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home). Open windows if it's dry outside, run fans and a dehumidifier, lift rugs, and move furniture off wet carpet.
6. Protect your belongings
- Move electronics, documents and photos to a dry room.
- Put foil or wood blocks under furniture legs on damp carpet.
- Don't use a household vacuum on water.
7. Know what to throw away
Food, medicine and cosmetics touched by flood or dirty water should be discarded. Porous items soaked by contaminated water (mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpet pad) usually can't be saved.
Quick answers
Should I call my insurance company or a restoration company first?
Make the property safe and stop the water first. Then contact both; there's no need to wait for an adjuster before starting emergency drying, but document everything before work starts.
How long do I have to dry things out?
The EPA's guideline is 24–48 hours to prevent mold in most cases (EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home).