Water Damage First-Hour Checklist

Use this checklist to organize the first decisions after finding water: keep people clear of hazards, stop the source if it can be reached safely, and record the rooms affected. You can call while the list is incomplete. Leave any unsafe task to the appropriate responder.

Start with people and access, then review the source. Do not cross standing water to reach a breaker panel, walk beneath a sagging ceiling or touch wet electrical equipment. If a step cannot be completed safely, leave it unchecked. A household vacuum, a fan and towels are not substitutes for assessing contaminated water or moisture inside building materials.

Check a box when you have reviewed that item and taken any safe, relevant action. You may also mark an item after confirming that it does not apply. Record observations from a dry position, including the water source, the last known dry time and rooms affected. The list stays on your device and can be printed for your own notes. You can call before completing it; leave urgent hazards to the appropriate responders.