What should I do first after a water emergency?
Protect people first, isolate the water source only if safe, keep occupants away from hazardous areas, document the damage when safe and arrange the appropriate emergency help. Do not enter water near electrical equipment.
What counts as an emergency water damage situation?
Active or rapidly spreading water, standing water, contaminated water, water near electrical systems, major ceiling or wall saturation, storm or flood intrusion, widespread moisture, an unknown source or a recurring leak can all justify urgent assessment.
Do I need to leave the property?
Leave the affected area or property when there is a serious electrical, structural, gas, flood or contamination hazard, or when emergency officials or qualified professionals direct you to do so. This page does not determine whether a particular property is safe to occupy.
What if water is near electrical outlets?
Treat the area as an electrical hazard. Do not touch wet electrical equipment or enter standing water to reach it. Power isolation should only be attempted from a location that can be accessed safely; otherwise use a qualified electrician or appropriate emergency authority.
Can I use a household wet/dry vacuum?
Do not use ordinary household electrical equipment in wet or electrically hazardous areas. Whether any extraction equipment is appropriate depends on the equipment design, the water, the electrical conditions and the area being cleaned.
How quickly should standing water be removed?
Standing water should be addressed promptly because continued exposure can increase material damage and complicate drying. The safe method and urgency depend on the amount, source, contamination and hazards involved.
What happens after water extraction?
Extraction is followed by moisture assessment and, where needed, a structural drying plan that can include air movement, dehumidification, monitoring and follow-up measurements. Repairs are considered after the mitigation condition is understood.
Can hidden moisture remain after visible water is gone?
Yes. Moisture can remain in wall cavities, subfloors, insulation, cabinets and other concealed areas. That is why drying decisions should be based on the affected materials and measurements rather than appearance alone.
Does emergency restoration include drying?
Emergency response and drying are related but not identical. A water-loss response may progress from safety and extraction into structural drying and dehumidification when measured conditions show that additional drying is needed.
What if the water is contaminated?
Do not treat sewage or other contaminated water like a normal clean-water spill. Keep people out of the area and use an appropriate professional cleanup pathway. EPA recommends professional help for water damage caused by sewage or other contaminated water.
What if my roof is leaking during a storm?
Protect people first and avoid unsafe roof access. If safe temporary protection is possible within the appropriate service scope, emergency roof tarping can help limit further intrusion while permanent repairs are evaluated.
Should I contact my insurance company?
Review your policy and contact your insurer when appropriate. Flood coverage and standard property coverage can differ, and coverage decisions depend on the policy and loss circumstances.
What photos should I take?
When safe, photograph the source, standing water, affected rooms, walls, ceilings, flooring, visible damage and damaged contents. Avoid entering an unsafe area solely to take a photo.
How is emergency restoration different for a business?
Commercial losses may involve more complex access, contents, operational and continuity considerations. The restoration plan may need to separate affected areas while documenting work and protecting safe, usable space.
When is mold remediation needed?
Mold remediation becomes a distinct issue when mold is present and requires remediation. Promptly addressing the underlying moisture is essential. Florida regulates mold-related services through DBPR, including mold assessor and mold remediator license categories.
Does water damage always require reconstruction?
No. Some losses can be mitigated through extraction, drying, cleaning and restoration of affected materials. Reconstruction is considered when materials cannot be restored or when repairs are needed after mitigation.
What information should I provide when requesting emergency help?
Provide the property address, type of property, known source, when the loss started or was discovered, affected rooms, whether water is still active, whether sewage or floodwater is involved and whether anyone is currently exposed to a safety hazard.