What to do first after water or fire damage

Water damage: the first hour

1. Stop the water. Turn off the main shutoff valve. It is often in the garage, near the water heater, or where the supply line enters the house. If that will not turn, use the shutoff at the meter box near the street. For a water heater leak, also turn off its gas valve or breaker.
2. Make it safe. Stay out of rooms where water is near outlets, cords or appliances. Turn off those circuits at the breaker only if you can reach the panel from a dry spot.
3. Document before moving things. Take wide photos of each room, close-ups of the source, and video walking through. Include ceilings, inside cabinets and the water line on walls.
4. Protect what you can. Move electronics, documents, photos and rugs off wet floors. Put foil or wood blocks under furniture legs on wet carpet.
5. Call for help. Call a restoration provider to start extraction and drying, and call a plumber if the leak needs repair. (702) 602-9113 connects with a provider that serves the area.
6. Call the insurer. Report the claim right away and write down the claim number and adjuster's name.

Call about water damage

Water damage: the first day

• Get standing water extracted and drying equipment running. The EPA's guidance is to dry water-damaged materials within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold.
• Ask the provider for moisture readings and the drying plan in writing.
• Keep damaged materials and contents until the adjuster has seen them or approved disposal.
• Keep every receipt: emergency services, supplies, hotels and meals.
• Run the air conditioning to help pull moisture out of the air, unless the water came from sewage or a flood.
• Check the provider's license with the Nevada State Contractors Board before signing for repairs.

Flash flood or outside water

• Never drive or walk through moving water. Six inches of fast water can knock an adult off their feet.
• Wait until power to flooded areas is off before going in.
• Treat all flood water and mud as contaminated. Wear boots, gloves and eye protection.
• Photograph the water line outside and inside before anything is removed.
• Call the flood insurer as well as the homeowners insurer, since homeowners policies exclude flood.
• See flash flood and storm damage for cleanup details.

Sewage backup

• Stop using all water in the house, including toilets, showers and appliances.
• Keep children and pets away from the area, and close doors to it.
• Do not touch sewage with bare skin or try to vacuum it up.
• Turn off the HVAC so it does not pull contaminated air through the house.
• Call a plumber for the line and a restoration provider for the cleanup. See sewage backup cleanup.

After a fire

• Re-enter only when the fire department says it is safe.
• Do not turn on the HVAC until it has been inspected, or it can spread soot through every room.
• Do not wipe soot or wash smoke-stained walls with water or household cleaners.
• Throw out food, medicine and cosmetics exposed to heat, smoke or firefighting water.
• Board up openings and tarp the roof to prevent further damage, and keep the receipts.
• Ask the insurer about additional living expenses. See fire and smoke damage.

Mold

• Find and fix the moisture source first.
• For areas under about 10 square feet on hard surfaces, the EPA says a homeowner can usually clean with detergent and water, gloves, goggles and an N-95 respirator.
• For larger areas, mold from sewage or flooding, or mold in the HVAC system, call a professional.
• Do not use bleach as a routine mold cleaner, and never mix bleach with ammonia products. See mold remediation.

Information to have ready when you call

• The address, including town and ZIP code.
• What happened and when: the source, and how long water or smoke has been present.
• Roughly how many rooms are affected and what flooring they have.
• Whether the water is clean, gray, or from sewage or outside.
• Whether power and water are on, and whether anyone is still living in the home.
• The insurance company name and claim number, if a claim has been opened.

The insurance guide covers what to expect from the claim process.