Do's and Dont's In the Event of Water Loss

Safety First.  Do not endanger yourself even if the water has gone down.  Keep children and pets away.  Protect your family from stress, fatigue, and water-related health hazards.  The following precautions will help reduce the hazards, insuring a safe recovery process.

Determine the Structural Stability

Take a look at the ceiling and support walls.  Do not enter if the ceiling is sagging due to water buildup or if walls have collapsed.  If you cannot be certain it is safe to enter, call a water damage professional for a comprehensive assessment.  If the building is determined safe, walk in carefully and inspect indoor stability.  Do not enter any deep standing water or water that is still fast flowing.  If your property is determined unsafe and occupancy is not an option while repairs are being made, make arrangements for temporary alternate lodging.  Keep all records of expenses incurred as a result.  Most insurance policies will cover additional living expenses. 

Turn Off Power Supply

Assume all power lines are active and functioning.  Disable the main circuit breaker panel even if the neighborhood power grid is down.  Do not remove water using regular household vacuums.  Avoid using any electrical appliances especially while standing on wet carpets or floors.  If you choose to use a generator for temporary electricity supply, do not run it in an enclosed area to prevent the carbon monoxide produced by the engine.  Be sure to let the engine cool off before refueling.  Avoid using extension cords.

Turn Off Water Supply

Turn off the main water supply valve.  Once located, turn it clockwise to shut off the water.  You may need to use pliers or an adjustable wrench.  The main water valve is usually located in the basement, near the water meter, or outside the building.  If you cannot complete this task yourself, contact a plumber immediately.  Do not use any water supplies until you can be certain they are safe.  Use bottled water or boiled water for washing, drinking or cooking.

Turn Off Gas Supply

Check for the odor of natural gas and shut off the gas supply lines.  The main gas valve is usually located on the gas supply pipe, near the meter.

Beware of Potential Health Hazards

Keep children and animals away from the effected area due to potential health hazards and risks.  For safety reasons, keep aware of rodents that may have taken shelter due to conditions. 

What You Can Do to Reduce the Loss

If the structure and scene are determined safe to enter, open as many doors and windows as possible to increase air flow.  You may also use fans to circulate the air.  Turn on Air Conditioner in summer or heat in winter, temperature should remain between 72-76 degrees.  If furniture cannot be moved from carpeted areas, place plastic below the legs to prevent mold, mildew and rusting of the carpet.  Remove items stacked on wood furniture to allow air flow to assist the wood from warping.  Remove art and valuable papers as quickly as possible and store in a safe dry environment.  Make an itemized list of any personal belongings which have been destroyed and disposed of for insurance records.  Take pictures for documentation, whenever possible.

How to Contact Us

AllFlood's  24-hr dispatchers are ready at

1-800-454-4049 for a rapid response .