Start with what happened
Use the closest match below to understand the immediate safety concern, the professionals who may be involved, and the next useful guide. You do not need to diagnose the property yourself.
First question: Can the source be stopped safely? Who may be involved: plumber, roofer, appliance technician, utility, restoration provider. Safety: do not enter water or reach wet electrical equipment. See which professional may be needed.
First question: Could electricity, contamination, or structural damage be present? Who may be involved: emergency services, utility, electrician, restoration provider. Safety: never operate electrical equipment while standing in water. Review immediate safety concerns.
First question: What precautions are needed before anyone enters? Who may be involved: contaminated-water restoration, plumbing, or sewer professionals. Safety: avoid contact and keep children and pets away. Review contamination and electrical risks.
First question: Has the property been cleared for reentry? Who may be involved: fire officials, structural professionals, utilities, restoration providers. Safety: do not reenter until authorities say it is safe. Review immediate safety concerns.
First question: Is the structure stable, and is water still entering? Who may be involved: roofer, structural professional, electrician, restoration provider. Safety: stay away from sagging ceilings, fallen materials, and downed lines. See which professional may be needed.
First question: Is the source stopped, and what became wet? Who may be involved: plumber, appliance technician, restoration provider, electrician. Safety: do not touch wet plugged-in equipment. Prepare for the first call.
First question: Is moisture still entering, and could the HVAC system spread contamination? Who may be involved: plumber, roofer, HVAC professional, restoration or remediation professional. Safety: do not disturb visible mold or run a suspect HVAC system. Review contamination and electrical risks.
First question: Could walls, floors, insulation, or other hidden materials still be wet? Who may be involved: restoration provider, moisture assessment, HVAC or repair professionals. Safety: a dry-looking surface does not prove everything behind it is dry. Understand what restoration may include.