The first hour, in order

Minute 0 to 2
Look before you step. If water is near outlets, cords, the panel, a ceiling light or a sagging ceiling, stay out of that room.
Minute 2 to 5
Stop the flow: close the fixture valve, the appliance valve or the main shutoff. In an apartment, call maintenance at the same time.
Minute 5 to 10
Cut power to wet areas at the breaker, but only from a dry spot. Unplug what you can reach safely.
Minute 10 to 20
Move people, then irreplaceable belongings, out of the wet area. Lift furniture onto blocks or totes.
Minute 20 to 30
Photograph and video every wet room before cleanup: the source, the water, the ceiling, the floor.
Minute 30 to 45
Soak up or push water toward a drain, put towels at doorways, and open a window if the weather allows.
Minute 45 to 60
Call a plumber for the cause, a mitigation company if materials are soaked, and your insurer or landlord.

Check off as you go

  • Nobody is standing in water near electricity.
  • The water is off at the fixture, appliance or main.
  • Power is off to wet rooms, or confirmed safe.
  • Valuables, documents and electronics are out of the water.
  • Photos and video taken before cleanup.
  • Neighbors or units below have been warned.
  • A plumber, landlord or manager knows about it.
  • Times and actions written down.

After the first hour

The next day matters almost as much as the first hour. Water that soaked into drywall, carpet pad, subfloor or insulation will not dry on its own quickly enough to prevent swelling and mold growth. A moisture meter shows where it went. Keep a log of what was done and when, keep damaged items until they are listed, and avoid repainting or covering stains until readings show the area is dry.

If the water came from a toilet, a drain or the ground, or you smell sewage, treat it as contaminated. Keep children out, wear gloves, and do not try to save soaked carpet or pad.

Common questions

Should I run fans right away?

Fans help once the water is off and the power is safe. Do not use them in rooms with sewage, and do not run anything plugged into a wet outlet.

General information for Englewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.