Make safety and source control the first assignment
Do not enter standing water to reach an electrical panel or operate wet equipment. If a shutoff cannot be reached safely, have the appropriate professional handle it. Tell the provider whether the water may involve sewage, flooding, or an unknown source.
Record the essentials from a safe location
- Discovery time, affected rooms or units, and who was notified.
- Known source and the time it was stopped, if confirmed.
- Photographs, urgent work authorizations, receipts, and the claim contact.
Arrange the next handoff
Ask the mitigation provider what areas were assessed, what remains inaccessible, and how drying or remediation decisions will be documented. Do not start fans in an unassessed contaminated area. In a multifamily property, notify management so adjoining units, shared systems, and resident access can be coordinated.