What To Do Before The Crew Arrives.

Shut off the water main (usually near the front curb or in a utility closet). For appliance leaks, close the shutoff valve behind the appliance. Do not enter a flooded room with active electricity — turn the breaker off first, or wait for the crew.

Move electronics, important documents, photo albums, and valuables to a dry area if you can do so safely. Don't lift heavy furniture alone from wet carpet — call us and we'll handle extraction properly.

Standard shop vacs handle only small amounts of clean water and aren't safe for Category 2 or 3 losses. Wait for professional extraction — starting cleanup without containment can spread contamination.

Document the damage as found. Photos are valuable for your records. We'll take our own professional documentation when we arrive — yours supplement it.

Don't re-enter the property until fire officials confirm it's safe. Structural, electrical, and air-quality hazards persist after flames are out.

Wiping soot with household cleaners can drive it deeper into porous surfaces and make professional cleaning more difficult. Leave smoke and soot cleanup to the restoration crew.

Ventilation helps reduce lingering fumes, but don't open windows if weather exposure could add water damage to the fire damage. We'll advise when you call.

Make a list of damaged contents as you remember them — we'll cross-reference with our own inventory. Don't throw anything out until we've documented it for your records.

Brushing, wiping, or fanning mold spreads spores throughout the home. Close the door to the affected area and call for professional assessment and containment.

Mold is a moisture problem. Look for recent leaks, standing water, or condensation issues — the source needs to be addressed or remediation is temporary. We'll help identify it at the assessment.

Running central air can spread spores through ductwork. If possible, turn off HVAC in the affected area until we've set up containment.

Mold thrives above 60% relative humidity. A dehumidifier in the affected area (door closed) can slow additional growth while you wait for professional remediation.

Plastic sheeting over broken windows or damaged roof sections reduces weather exposure. Don't climb on a damaged roof yourself — wait for the crew to tarp-up safely.

Cut power at the breaker to any flooded or damaged area. Shut off gas if you smell it — and don't re-enter until utility services confirm it's safe.

Photos from multiple angles, with time stamps if possible. Good documentation of the damage as found is valuable for your records.

Storm damage is rarely contained to one property. A quick check next door — especially for elderly neighbors — is worth more than an extra hour of early cleanup.