Water damage can be stressful — but how you prepare before your restoration team arrives can make a huge difference in the speed, effectiveness, and cost of the restoration process. Getting ready not only helps the professionals work more efficiently, it protects your belongings, strengthens your insurance claim, and speeds up recovery. Below is a step‑by‑step guide on what to do while you wait for the water damage restoration experts.

1. Prioritize Safety First

Safety is your number one concern after water damage occurs.

Turn Off Electricity (If Safe)

If water has reached electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring, turn off the power at the breaker box — but only if it's safe to do so from a dry location. Electrical hazards are a leading risk after water damage.

Avoid Standing Water

Do not walk through or touch standing water if you suspect electrical current or contamination, especially during Flood Cleanup, particularly with flood or sewage backups.

Wear Protective Gear

If you must enter affected areas, wear waterproof boots, gloves, and eye protection to reduce exposure to contaminants and hazards.

2. Find and Stop the Source of Water

Identifying where the water is coming from can slow further damage.

• Shut off the main water supply if the leak is from internal plumbing.
• Turn off individual supply lines to appliances like washing machines or dishwashers.
• Use temporary barriers (like towels or buckets) to divert minor leaks until help arrives.

Stopping the source of water helps limit the spread and reduces the amount of restoration needed.

3. Document the Damage for Insurance

Before restoration begins, thorough documentation is critical for your insurance claim.

Take Photos and Videos

Capture:

• Entire affected rooms
• Close‑ups of stains, warped floors, and ceilings
• Damaged belongings
• Visible water and source areas

Video walkthroughs with narration can add context and clarity to your claim.

Store Records Securely

Save your photos/videos on your phone and upload backups to cloud storage so you won't lose them if your device is damaged.

4. Remove or Protect Valuables

Restoration pros will work more efficiently if valuables are protected or removed:

Move Valuable Items

Relocate electronics, important documents, jewelry, and sentimental items to a dry, secure area away from the damaged zone.

Elevate Furniture

For heavier items that can't be moved, place aluminum foil, wood blocks, or plastic under legs to prevent further water absorption.

Bag and Label Wet Items

Group soaked textiles or personal items into labeled plastic containers to make later evaluation easier.

5. Clear Access for Technicians

Make it easy for the restoration team to get in and work efficiently:

• Open doors to affected rooms
• Move obstacles from hallways and entryways
• Provide a clear path for equipment such as pumps, dehumidifiers, and air movers

Clear access helps the team begin right away without delays.

6. Improve Airflow (Only if Safe)

Increasing airflow can help reduce humidity and slow mold growth before professionals arrive, but only if there's no standing water and electricity is safe to use:

• Open windows and doors for cross‑ventilation
• Place fans in dry areas to promote circulation
• Use household dehumidifiers if available

Do not use electrical equipment in standing water or if outlets are wet.

7. Communicate With Your Restoration Company

Good communication ensures the team arrives prepared and understands your priorities.

Provide Key Details

When calling the restoration company, share:

• How the water damage happened
• Areas affected and visible damage
• Any steps you've already taken
• Whether you've shut off utilities

Ask What They Need From You

Restoration pros may ask about pets, access times, or unique household features like crawlspaces or basements to bring appropriate equipment and personnel.

8. Contact Your Insurance Provider Early

Reporting the incident to your insurer as soon as possible helps streamline your claim:

Give them:

• Photos/videos of damage
• Details about when and how it began
• Any temporary measures you took

Early reporting avoids delays and shows you took the situation seriously — often required by many insurance policies.

9. Understand What Professionals Will Do First

When the water damage restoration team arrives, their first priorities typically include:

Inspection and Water Classification

Technicians assess the extent of the damage and classify the water type (clean, gray, or black).

Moisture Mapping and Assessment

They use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find hidden water behind walls or floors.

Emergency Water Extraction

Powerful pumps and industrial vacuums remove standing water. Early water removal minimizes structural damage and mold risk.

Being prepared makes these first steps much smoother and faster.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a water damage restoration visit isn't just about clearing space — it's about protecting your property, helping your insurance claim, and enabling professionals to do their job quickly and effectively. From ensuring safety and documenting damage to moving valuables and improving access, these early steps set the foundation for a successful restoration process.