Guide
The first 48 hours after water damage
Most of what saves a room happens in the first two days. The list is short.
Hour zero to the first few hours
Stop the water
Close the valve at the fixture, or the main if you cannot find the fixture's own.
Mind electricity
If water is near outlets, power down only from a dry position. Otherwise stay clear.
Take photos and video
Wide shots, then close-ups of the source and each wet surface.
Call your insurer
Report the loss. Ask what they require before and after temporary repairs.
Call a contractor
A referral call connects you with an independent firm. Ask for the license number.
While you wait
Lift what you can
Move small furniture and rugs to dry ground. Put foil or blocks under furniture legs that stay.
Open cabinets
Remove drawers from wet cabinets so air can reach the inside.
Ventilate carefully
Run fans and open windows if the outside air is drier than inside.
Skip the household vacuum
Standard vacuums are not built for water and can shock you.
The second day
By the second day, wet drywall can bubble and baseboards can swell. The California Department of Insurance warns that delayed cleanup can lead to mold and that you should keep receipts for protection costs.
Do not start permanent repairs before the insurer's adjuster has seen the damage. Temporary protection is fine.
Water is still moving, or the room is already wet?
Call the number and describe what happened. You are connected with an independent restoration contractor who serves your ZIP. Calling early helps, because wet drywall and flooring get harder to save each day.