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What Is the First Call to Make After Serious Home Damage?

Last updated October 26, 2026

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The short answer

Start with Safety and Your Insurer

Before you pick up the phone, make sure everyone is out of harm's way. If there is standing water near electrical outlets, or if the ceiling is sagging, do not enter the room. Turn off the main water valve if you can do so safely, and shut off electricity at the breaker only if the panel is dry and reachable.

Once the immediate danger is handled, call your insurance company. Report the damage as soon as you can, even if you are not sure about coverage. Ask what documentation they need and whether you should wait for an adjuster before starting cleanup. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Then Call Local Water Damage Pros

After you have filed the initial report with your insurer, your next call should be to the pros. They can assess the situation, stop the source of water if it is not already off, and begin the drying process. The sooner you act, the less chance of mold and structural issues taking hold.

When you speak with the pros, have your insurance claim number ready if you have one. Describe what happened, what areas are wet, and whether the water is clean, gray, or black. This helps them bring the right equipment and plan the steps. If you live in Chapel Hill, keep your shutoff valve location written down for emergencies.

  • Turn off water and electricity if safe
  • Take photos of the damage for your records
  • Move valuables and furniture to dry areas
  • Do not use fans if water may contain sewage
  • Keep receipts for any temporary repairs you make
  • Write down the date and time of the incident

What to Do While You Wait

While you wait for the pros to come, do what you can to prevent further damage without risking your safety. Move rugs, books, and electronics to higher ground. Prop up furniture legs with blocks or foil to keep them out of standing water. Open windows if the weather allows to improve airflow, but do not use electrical appliances near wet areas.

Document everything. Take clear photos of the water level, affected walls and floors, and any items that are damaged. Write down a list of what was in each room. This information is useful for your insurance claim and helps the pros understand the full scope of the work needed.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Water damage does not wait. Within hours, moisture can seep into drywall, wood, and insulation, leading to swelling, warping, and weakening. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours, especially in a humid subtropical climate like Chapel Hill's. The longer water sits, the more complex and costly the cleanup becomes.

That is why the first call after safety is so important. Reporting to your insurer and contacting the pros in the same hour gives you the right chance to limit damage. You do not need to wait for an adjuster to start drying, but check your policy for any requirements about documentation or approval before making major changes.

What the Pros Will Typically Do

Once the pros are on site, they usually begin by assessing the extent of the water intrusion. They use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find hidden pockets of water behind walls and under floors. Then they set up industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and sometimes specialized drying mats to pull moisture out of materials.

Depending on the source of the water, they may also clean and sanitize affected surfaces. If materials like drywall or insulation are too damaged, they remove and replace them. The work usually involves several steps: water removal, drying, cleaning, and then repairs. Each situation is different, so the pros will explain what they find and what the next steps look like.

  • Water extraction with pumps and vacuums
  • Drying with high-capacity dehumidifiers
  • Moisture monitoring over several days
  • Cleaning and disinfecting affected areas
  • Removing unsalvageable materials
  • Repairing or rebuilding damaged structures

Water damage does not wait

Call (919) 525-3233 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.

Call Now (919) 525-3233

Frequently asked questions

Should I call my insurance company before the pros?

Yes, call your insurer first to report the damage and start the claims process. Then call the pros to stop the water and begin drying. Your insurer may have specific steps you need to follow, and having a claim number helps when you talk to the pros.

What if I cannot reach my insurance company right away?

If you cannot reach your insurer, still call the pros to mitigate the damage. Document everything with photos and notes. You can file the claim later, but acting quickly to dry the property is crucial. Check your policy for any deadlines or requirements.

Is it safe to start cleaning up before the pros come?

You can move small items and mop up minor puddles if it is safe, but avoid electrical hazards and contaminated water. Do not use household vacuums for large amounts of water. The pros have the right equipment to handle serious flooding and will know how to proceed safely.

Call Now (919) 525-3233