First Steps After Water Damage

First Steps After Water Damage

Water safety, documentation and damage-control steps after a leak or flood.

• Keep people away from electrical hazards and contaminated water.
• Stop the source only if it can be done safely.
• Photograph the source, affected rooms and damaged materials.
• Move unaffected items away from the wet area when safe.
• Call for a restoration assessment before concealed moisture spreads.

When to call for help

Contact a restoration professional when damage is active, utilities may be unsafe, contamination is possible, materials remain wet, mould is visible or the affected area is larger than a simple surface cleanup.