What to Do in the First Hour of Water Damage

1. Safety before property

If water is near electrical outlets, panels, or appliances, do not walk through it. Turn off power to the affected area at the breaker if you can do so from a dry spot. If sewage is involved, keep everyone — especially kids and pets — out of the area entirely.

If you smell gas or a carbon-monoxide alarm sounds at any point, leave and call emergency services. No belonging is worth that risk.

2. Stop the water

For plumbing leaks, the main shutoff is usually near the street meter, in the basement or crawlspace where the line enters, or in the garage. Turn it clockwise. For a single appliance, use its own supply valve. For well systems (common in Otis Orchards), switch off the pump breaker as well.

For roof or outside water you cannot stop the source — move to protecting contents and call. Note the time you discovered the loss; insurers ask.

3. Protect what water has not reached

Move furniture, electronics, documents, and rugs out of wet and soon-to-be-wet areas. Put aluminum foil or plastic under furniture legs you cannot move. Pin up draperies and lift items off basement floors. Mop or blot clean water on hard floors — but do not spend an hour mopping while water is still spreading underneath flooring.

4. Document before you disturb

Photograph and video every affected room, the source if visible, and water lines on walls. Capture serial plates of failed appliances. This five-minute step is the backbone of your insurance claim — see our documenting guide for the full method.

5. Call, then notify insurance

Call (509) 219-3080 to get connected with a local restoration company — extraction and drying started today prevent the mold and subfloor damage that arrive next week. Then open your insurance claim and keep every receipt. Do not sign anything you do not understand, and do not throw away damaged materials until your adjuster agrees.