Water Damage
Emergency Checklist
What to do in the first 60 minutes after water damage. Follow this checklist to protect your home, your health, and your insurance claim.
Your First 7 Days — Timeline
Every minute matters. Here's exactly what happens — and what you should be doing — at each stage.
- Shut off water supply
- Turn off electricity to affected areas
- Get everyone out of flooded areas
- Call 1-719-238-5064 for emergency response
- Call your insurance company
- Photograph and video all damage
- Move valuables to dry areas
- Begin documenting damaged items
- Restoration crew arrives (Absolute Water Damage)
- Professional extraction begins
- Thermal imaging assessment
- Drying equipment deployed
- Insurance adjuster visits
- Daily moisture monitoring
- Antimicrobial treatment applied
- Scope of restoration determined
- Structure reaches drying goals
- Equipment removed
- Final moisture documentation
- Restoration/rebuild begins
Do This Immediately
Shut off the main water supply valve
Stops water flow immediately — every second counts
Turn off electricity to affected areas at the breaker
Water + electricity = electrocution risk
Call a water damage restoration company (24/7)
Mold starts in 24–48 hours — time is critical
Call your insurance company to open a claim
Most policies require prompt notification
Photograph and video ALL damage before touching anything
Evidence disappears once cleanup starts
Move valuables, electronics, and important documents to dry area
Prevent additional losses while safe to do so
Remove standing water with mop/towels if safe and minimal
Reduces damage while waiting for professionals
Open windows and doors if weather permits
Increases airflow to begin drying process
Never Do This
Do NOT use a regular vacuum to remove water
Creates electrocution hazard and damages the vacuum
Do NOT turn on ceiling fans if ceiling is wet
Wet ceiling fans can fall and cause injury
Do NOT use electrical appliances in wet areas
Serious electrocution risk
Do NOT enter rooms with sagging ceilings
Ceiling can collapse under water weight
Do NOT lift tacked-down carpet without professional help
Can cause additional damage and void insurance coverage
Do NOT use a hair dryer or space heater to dry walls
Creates fire risk and doesn't dry structural materials
Do NOT throw away damaged items before insurance adjuster sees them
Destroys evidence needed for your claim
Do NOT wait to call — even if damage seems minor
Hidden moisture causes mold within 24–48 hours
Checklist by Damage Type
Different water damage sources require different immediate actions. Find your situation below.
Burst or Frozen Pipe
- 1Shut off main water supply immediately
- 2Locate and photograph the burst pipe
- 3Call a plumber AND a restoration company
- 4Do not attempt to thaw frozen pipes with open flame
- 5Document all water-affected areas with photos
Appliance Failure (Water Heater, Washer, Dishwasher)
- 1Unplug or turn off the appliance
- 2Shut off the appliance supply valve (not the main)
- 3Photograph the appliance and all water damage
- 4Do not use the appliance until inspected
- 5Call restoration company for extraction and drying
Sewage Backup
- 1Do NOT enter the affected area without protective gear
- 2Do NOT use any drains or toilets in the home
- 3Call a restoration company immediately — Category 3 biohazard
- 4Keep children and pets away from affected areas
- 5Do NOT attempt DIY cleanup — health risk
Roof Leak / Storm Damage
- 1Place buckets to catch active dripping
- 2Move furniture and valuables away from affected area
- 3Do NOT go on the roof during a storm
- 4Photograph all ceiling damage and water intrusion points
- 5Call restoration company for water extraction and drying
Basement Flooding
- 1Do NOT enter a flooded basement if water is near electrical outlets
- 2Turn off electricity to the basement at the breaker panel
- 3Do not use sump pump if it's submerged in water
- 4Call restoration company for professional extraction
- 5Document water level and all affected items
Dealing With Water Damage Right Now?
Stop reading — call us. We respond 24/7 throughout Colorado Springs and a 50-mile radius. The faster we arrive, the less damage you'll have.
Call Now: 1-719-238-5064