Water leak at home? What to do in the first hour

Minutes 0 to 10: safety and the source

1. Check for danger. Is anyone hurt? Is there a gas smell, a sagging ceiling or water near outlets? If yes, leave and call 911 or the utility.
2. Stop the water. Close the fixture valve or the main shut-off. See burst pipes and leaks if you are not sure where the valves are.
3. Power. Switch off breakers for wet areas only if you can do so safely and dry. Never use a wet-dry vacuum or electrical tool while standing in water.

Minutes 10 to 30: protect and photograph

4. Photograph first. Take wide and close-up photos and a short video of the water, the source and damaged items before you move anything.
5. Move what you can. Lift small valuables, electronics, documents and rugs onto dry surfaces. Do not lift heavy furniture on wet carpet if it risks injury.
6. Contain it. Use towels and buckets to limit spread, and open drawers or cabinet doors under a leak.

Minutes 30 to 60: call the right people

7. Insurer. Tell your insurer promptly. Florida law sets deadlines for giving notice of a claim: 1 year for an initial or reopened claim and 18 months for a supplemental claim, per section 627.70132. See the insurance guide.
8. A plumber if a pipe or fixture failed.
9. A restoration provider to extract water and dry the structure. Our city guides cover local help for Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Naples and Punta Gorda. If water is still coming in, call a licensed provider right away.

After the first hour

• Keep drying going. The U.S. EPA advises drying water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold growth.
• Keep a log of calls and receipts.
• If the water might be sewage or floodwater, read clean, gray or black water before you touch it.

What not to do

• Do not use a household vacuum on standing water.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures under a wet ceiling.
• Do not throw away damaged items before photographing them.
• Do not sign a contract under pressure. Read it first.