Guide
The first 24 to 48 hours after water damage
Water gets harder to deal with each day it stays in the structure. This is the order that makes sense for most homes.
Connects you with an independent restoration contractor.
In order
Make the area safe
If water is near outlets, appliances or a breaker panel, do not stand in it. Turn off power to the wet area from a dry location. If you cannot reach the panel dry, call the electric provider.
Stop the source
Close the fixture valve or the main shut-off. If the water is coming from the roof or outside, keep contents away from it and cover what you can.
Take photos and video
Do this before anything moves. The Texas Department of Insurance says to record the damage before repairs and to keep damaged items until the adjuster has seen them.
Call your insurer
Tell the company as soon as you can. TDI says hidden water damage generally has to be reported within days of when you first see it.
Call the restoration line
One call connects you with an independent contractor. Ask about licensing, insurance and what the first visit includes.
Protect what you can
Lift furniture off wet floors. Remove small items from the wet area. Do not throw away damaged belongings yet.
Keep receipts
Any temporary repair, tarp or emergency purchase may be part of the claim.
What not to do
Skip the household vacuum on standing water, and keep ceiling fans off under a wet ceiling. Hold off on permanent repairs until the insurer has seen the damage.
The Texas Department of Insurance says an insurer may deny a claim if you do not protect the property, so doing nothing is also a mistake.
Water is still moving. Call now.
One call connects you with an independent restoration contractor who serves the Kyle area. Then you decide what happens next.