Water Damage Emergency Checklist | What to Do Right Now

Phase 1: STOP THE SOURCE

First 5 minutes

Turn off the water source

Find it if you can — main shut-off valve (usually near the street or where the main line enters your home), under-sink valve, or water heater breaker.

Turn off electricity to affected areas

If water is near outlets or electrical appliances, go to your breaker panel and shut off circuits for affected rooms. Do NOT touch wet switches or outlets directly.

Can't stop the water? Call for help NOW

If you can't find or reach the shut-off, call a plumber AND a restoration company immediately. Don't wait — every minute matters.

Phase 2: PROTECT YOURSELF & YOUR STUFF

Next 15 minutes

⛔ Don't walk through standing water you can't see through

Hidden electrical hazards, sharp objects, and contamination risks. If the water is murky or more than an inch deep, stay out until power is confirmed off.

Move furniture, electronics, and valuables to dry areas

Prioritize electronics, important documents, photos, and irreplaceable items. Furniture can be dried — your family photos can't.

Lift curtains and drapes off wet floors

Pin them up or drape them over rods. Wet fabric wicks water upward and creates larger stains on walls.

Place aluminum foil under furniture legs on wet carpet

Wood and metal furniture legs will stain wet carpet permanently. Foil or plastic pieces under each leg prevents discoloration.

Remove rugs from wet areas

Area rugs trap moisture underneath and can cause dye bleed onto floors. Remove them to a dry area and lay flat.

Phase 3: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING

Before cleanup starts

Take photos and video of ALL damage

Every room, every angle. Include wide shots showing the extent and close-ups showing the detail. This is critical for insurance claims.

Photograph the SOURCE of the water damage

The burst pipe, the failed appliance, the roof leak — your insurance company needs to see what caused it.

Write down when you discovered the damage

Date, time, and what you were doing when you noticed it. Insurance adjusters will ask. A note on your phone is fine.

Save any damaged materials for the adjuster

Don't throw away damaged items until your insurance adjuster has seen them or approved disposal. Take photos of everything before moving it.

Phase 4: CALL FOR HELP

Get professionals involved

Call your restoration company

(321) 306-4584 — DryResponse, available 24/7 in Brevard County. We'll dispatch a team immediately and can often arrive within 60 minutes.

Call your insurance company to report the claim

Or let your restoration company help you file. DryResponse works with every major Florida insurance carrier and handles documentation for you.

Notify HOA or building manager if applicable

If the damage is from a neighbor's unit, shared plumbing, or a building system, your HOA/building manager needs to know immediately — there may be additional units affected.

Phase 5: WHILE YOU WAIT FOR THE PROS

Minimize further damage

Open windows and doors for ventilation

If weather permits and it's safe to do so, air circulation helps slow mold growth. Skip this if it's raining or there's a security concern.

Turn up the AC

Your air conditioner is also a dehumidifier. Crank it down to help pull moisture from the air. This is especially important in Florida's humidity.

Mop or blot excess water with towels

Every bit of water you remove helps. Use towels, mops, or squeegees. Do NOT use a regular household vacuum on water — it's an electrical hazard and will destroy the vacuum.

⛔ Do NOT pull up carpet or flooring

The pros need to document the damage in place for insurance purposes. Pulling up flooring prematurely can actually void parts of your claim.

⛔ Do NOT use electrical appliances while standing in water

This includes shop vacs, fans, or anything plugged in. Electrocution risk is real. Wait until the area is safe or power is confirmed off.

⛔ Do NOT enter rooms with sagging ceilings

A water-saturated ceiling can collapse without warning. Stay out of any room where the ceiling is bulging, sagging, or dripping from a large area.