Panic makes flood damage worse. Every minute that passes with standing water in your home, materials absorb more moisture and repair costs climb. Here's what to do — in order — the moment you discover a flood.
Minute 0–5: Safety first
- Kill the electricity at the breaker before stepping into standing water.
- Shut off the main water supply if the flood is from a pipe.
- Get people and pets out of affected rooms.
Minute 5–20: Document everything
Before you move anything, walk through the house with your phone and video every room. Zoom in on damaged items, waterlines on walls, and any visible source of the leak. This is the single most important thing you can do for your insurance claim.
Minute 20–45: Mitigate damage
- Move furniture and valuables to a dry area.
- Lift drapes off wet flooring.
- Place foil or plastic under furniture legs to prevent staining.
- Remove wet area rugs completely.
Minute 45–60: Call for help
Call a 24/7 emergency water extraction team and your insurance carrier — in that order. Restoration companies can start drying immediately; insurance intake can happen while extraction is underway.
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