What should I do immediately after water damage?

Water does not stay where you can see it. Within a short time it wicks into drywall, runs along subfloors and framing, soaks into carpet padding and insulation, and raises the humidity of the whole room. The visible puddle is the smallest part of the loss, and every hour of delay gives the water more surface area to saturate.

That is why the professional sequence is extraction first, then structural drying, then cleaning and repair. The crew removes the free water, stages air movers and dehumidifiers, and measures moisture in materials you cannot see so the drying job is verified, not guessed.

Never stand in water near electrical outlets, panels, or appliances. If there is any doubt about electrical safety, stay clear and call 911 or your utility company. Do not wade into water that could be contaminated, such as sewage backup or floodwater from outside, and do not enter a room where the ceiling is sagging from trapped water.

If the leak is from a supply line or appliance, shut off the main water valve or the fixture's shutoff when you can reach it safely. If the water is from outside, close doors and floor drains where possible, but never walk into moving floodwater.

Move documents, electronics, furniture, and family items to a dry, elevated area. Every item saved early is one fewer thing to dry or replace. Take clear photos and notes of the affected rooms, the water line, and damaged items before anything is moved, because those records support your insurance claim.

Keep towels at doorways to slow the spread, and open windows or doors where it is safe to encourage airflow. Do not run a vacuum cleaner, shop vac, or any appliance over wet carpet or flooring, and do not attempt large-scale extraction yourself.