Immediate action guide
Water/Fire/Mold Restoration Emergency Action Steps
What to do right now before a water/fire/mold restoration arrives, with clear lines for 911, utility, and contractor calls.
First rule
If there is fire, smoke, shock, collapse risk, gas odor, carbon monoxide alarm, injury, trapped people, or any uncertainty about safety, leave the area and call 911. Use these steps only when you can act from a safe position.
E1
Basement Flood
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the basement stairs, standing water, outlets, appliances, and floor drain.
- Do not enter standing water; shut power off only from a dry, safe panel location.
- Stop upstream water sources if reachable and block children and pets from the stairs.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call restoration and the right trade source: plumber, roofer, utility, or sump pro.
Do not do this
- - Do not touch wet electrical devices, outlets, cords, panels, or switches.
- - Do not use a household vacuum on flood water.
E2
Smoke or Fire Residue
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from rooms with soot, smoke odor, char, or fire-extinguisher residue.
- Leave damaged rooms closed until the fire department or insurer confirms entry is allowed.
- Avoid running HVAC, fans, or vacuums that can move residue through the home.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call restoration after emergency responders clear the scene and utilities are made safe.
Do not do this
- - Do not wash soot-covered walls or electronics before documentation and professional guidance.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E3
Suspected Mold After Leak
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the damp wall, ceiling, cabinet, carpet, or HVAC return.
- Stop the moisture source first and keep the area closed if odor or visible growth is present.
- Avoid disturbing materials; place a dehumidifier only if wiring and flooring are dry.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call restoration and describe leak age, materials affected, and whether HVAC moved air through it.
Do not do this
- - Do not scrape, sand, bleach large areas, or aim fans at suspected growth.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E4
Sewage Contamination
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the sewage-affected floor, drain, bathroom, laundry, or basement.
- Stop using plumbing fixtures and keep the contaminated area closed.
- Block foot traffic and do not carry wet items through clean spaces.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call restoration and a plumber or sewer contractor; report every fixture affected.
Do not do this
- - Do not mop with household tools or use carpet fans on contaminated water.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E5
Storm Water Intrusion
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the window well, door threshold, roof leak, wall base, or floor seam.
- Keep clear of bowing walls, sagging ceilings, and water near electrical devices.
- Use towels, buckets, and temporary ground-level drainage only where safe.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call restoration and the source trade once the storm has passed or responders allow access.
Do not do this
- - Do not climb a ladder, roof, tree, fence, or damaged structure during the emergency.
- - Do not touch wet electrical devices, outlets, cords, panels, or switches.