How Do I Keep My Family Safe While Waiting for Restoration?

The moments after water damage feel chaotic, but a few clear actions protect your household. Start by turning off the main water supply if the leak is active. This stops further flooding and reduces slip hazards. If water has reached electrical outlets or appliances, switch off power at the breaker box only if you can do so without standing in water.

For gas leaks or suspected structural damage, leave the home and call emergency services from outside. Do not re-enter until professionals say it is safe. Keep a flashlight handy, but avoid using candles near wet areas. Move valuable items to dry spots if you can do so without risk. Your family's health matters more than belongings.

• Turn off water at the main valve
• Cut power if safe and dry
• Avoid standing water near outlets
• Keep children and pets away
• Use flashlights, not candles

Sort through wet items with care. Discard porous materials like soaked carpets, mattresses, or upholstery that cannot be dried quickly. Place salvageable items on dry surfaces, away from walls. Do not stack wet books or papers, as they grow mold fast. Take photos of damage for your insurance records, but do not risk injury to do so.

For furniture, remove cushions and drawers to help air circulate. Set wooden pieces on blocks to keep them off wet floors. Do not attempt to repair electronics yourself; unplug them and let a professional assess them. Personal property restoration often saves items, but only if you act quickly. Keep a list of what you moved.

Document everything you do while waiting. Write down the time water was discovered, what you moved, and any steps you took. Photograph each damaged room from multiple angles. Keep receipts for any supplies you buy, like gloves or fans. This information helps your claim later. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Contact your insurance company as soon as you can, but do not wait for them to act before protecting your family. You can start cleanup yourself if it is safe. Keep a log of all communication, including dates and names of people you speak with. Ask about deadlines for filing claims. Do not throw away damaged items until you have documented them.