What to Do After Indoor Flooding

Water is spreading through your home right now. Panic wastes the minutes that matter — this checklist doesn't. Follow these eight steps in order to protect people first, limit damage second, and set up professionals for success third.

Step 1 — Protect people first

Before anything else: stay out of standing water until you know it's safe. Water and electricity are a lethal combination — if water is near outlets, appliances, or your breaker panel, don't wade in.

• Turn off power to affected areas at the breaker only if the panel is dry and safely reachable.
• Keep children and pets completely away from flooded areas.
• If water may be contaminated (sewage backup, floodwater from outside), treat it as hazardous — don't touch it without protection.
• Watch for slippery floors, floating debris, and compromised flooring.

Step 2 — Stop the source (if safe)

Every minute of active flow multiplies the damage. If you can safely reach it:

• Fixture leak: turn the valve behind the toilet, sink, or appliance.
• Pipe burst: shut the main water valve — usually near the street, in the garage, or by the water heater. Every homeowner should know where this is before an emergency.
• Appliance: unplug it (if dry) and shut its supply valves.
• Stormwater: you can't stop the storm — place towels at entry points and move valuables instead.

Step 3 — Save what matters most

Water damage is triaged like an emergency room — irreplaceable items first:

• Electronics, laptops, and chargers — move to dry rooms immediately.
• Important documents, passports, and medications.
• Lift furniture legs onto aluminum foil, wood blocks, or plastic — wet wood stains carpet and carpet dyes stain wood.
• Roll up area rugs and move them to a dry area.

Step 4 — Document everything

Your insurance claim lives or dies on documentation. Before moving or cleaning anything significant:

• Photograph water lines on walls, every affected room, and damaged belongings.
• Video a slow walkthrough narrating what you see.
• Photograph the source if visible (burst pipe, failed hose).
• Save receipts for any emergency purchases.

Step 5 — Call for professional extraction

This is the step most people delay — and the delay is what turns a manageable loss into a disaster. Professional extraction equipment removes water 50+ times faster than consumer wet-vacs, and technicians find the hidden moisture you'll miss.

When you call, have ready: the water source, which rooms are affected, whether water is still spreading, and whether it's clean or potentially contaminated.

Vero Beach 24/7: +1 (380) 237-1358

Step 6 — Remove what you safely can

While waiting for professionals, only if the water is clean and shallow:

• Mop or wet-vac standing water.
• Hang wet fabrics and prop up cushions for airflow.
• Don't use your household vacuum — it's an electrocution risk and will be destroyed.
• Don't pull up carpet yourself — improper handling causes more damage.

Step 7 — Start air moving

• Open windows if outdoor humidity allows (in Florida, AC usually beats open windows).
• Run ceiling fans and portable fans pointed at wet areas.
• Turn your AC down a few degrees — air conditioning is a dehumidifier.
• Don't turn on HVAC if ducts may be contaminated or the air handler is wet.

Step 8 — Contact your insurance company

Report the claim as soon as the immediate crisis is managed — most policies require prompt notification. Have your documentation ready and ask:

• What's my deductible, and does this loss exceed it?
• What documentation do you need from me and the restoration company?
• Do I need approval before authorizing demolition or material removal?

Our insurance guide walks through the full claims process.