Keep everyone away from affected zones and avoid contact with standing water near electrical hazards. If water has reached outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel, shut off power at the breaker before entering the area. Do not enter flooded basements if the power source is still active.

Locate and shut off water supplies at accessible valves to prevent continued water spread. For municipal supply, locate the main shutoff. For appliance failures, shut off the dedicated supply valve. If the source is a roof or building envelope failure, place towels and buckets to minimize interior spread.

Move electronics and valuables to dry spaces immediately. Elevate furniture onto blocks if floors are flooded. Document all damage through photographs and video before moving anything - this documentation is essential for insurance claims.

Open windows in dry conditions and activate fans in unaffected areas to promote circulation. Do not run HVAC systems as they can spread contaminated air and moisture to unaffected areas. Avoid using household fans in directly flooded areas until electrical safety is confirmed.

Do not begin demolition or remove building materials - leave assessment to professionals. Do not mix cleaning chemicals on unknown water sources as sewage-contaminated water requires specific handling. Do not assume surfaces are dry based on appearance - moisture hides inside wall cavities and under flooring.

Professional assessment includes moisture mapping with specialized meters and thermal imaging to identify all affected areas. Our team establishes documented drying protocols, sets up professional extraction equipment, and begins controlled drying with continuous monitoring. Every step is documented for insurance purposes. Learn more about our water damage restoration process.