First steps after water or fire damage

The first hour

1. Stop the source. Close the main water shutoff for a plumbing leak. Stop using water if a drain is backing up. Put buckets under a ceiling leak from an ice dam.
2. Make the electrical side safe. Turn off breakers for wet areas if you can reach the panel from a dry spot; otherwise wait for the utility or an electrician.
3. Keep the heat on in winter. A cold house means more frozen pipes. If a pipe is frozen rather than burst, the Red Cross advises keeping the faucet open and using gentle heat, never an open flame (American Red Cross).
4. Photograph everything before moving anything: each room, the water line on walls, ceiling stains, the source and damaged belongings.
5. Move what you can off wet floors: rugs, electronics, documents, photos.
6. Call for help. A plumber for the leak, and a restoration provider for extraction and drying.

Call a restoration provider

The first day

• Call the insurer and write down the claim number and adjuster's name.
• Make temporary repairs that prevent more damage, such as tarping or extraction, and keep receipts. The South Dakota Division of Insurance says these are usually covered, and that you should photograph damage before making them (SD Division of Insurance).
• Hold off on permanent repairs until the insurer has inspected.
• Start drying. The EPA says water-damaged areas and items should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth (EPA).
• Keep damaged parts, such as a split pipe or failed supply hose, for the adjuster.
• Keep a log of calls, visits and expenses, including any hotel or meal costs if the house is not livable.

By type of damage

For heating while the house dries, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends keeping anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters (USFA).

Local contacts

Brookings Municipal Utilities notes that property owners own their private water and sewer service lines all the way to the main, so a break in that line is the owner's repair. For flood damage, the South Dakota Division of Insurance lists the National Flood Insurance Program at 800-427-4661 and FEMA disaster assistance at 800-621-3362 (SD Division of Insurance).

If you rent

Tell the landlord or property manager right away, in writing if you can, and take your own photos. The building owner's insurance covers the structure, while a renters policy, if you have one, covers your belongings and may help with temporary housing.

When the provider arrives

• Walk them through what happened and when it started.
• Ask for moisture readings and photos you can share with the adjuster.
• Ask what will be removed and why.
• Get a written estimate before work beyond emergency mitigation begins.

Call about the damage