Emergency: the first 48 hours after property damage
Pick the page that matches what happened. Each one walks you through the first hour, the first 24 hours and the next 24–48 hours in order. The rule that matters most: if anyone is hurt, you smell gas, the structure may collapse or power lines are down, leave and call 911 or your utility. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or you are standing in water (Ready.gov).
Water
- Water damage: what to do in the first 48 hoursBurst pipe or leak? Shut off the water main, stay clear of wet electrics, photograph everything, call your insurer and dry out within 24 to 48 hours.
- Flood: what to do in the first 48 hoursAfter a flood, go home only when officials say it is safe. Avoid floodwater, keep generators outside, photograph damage, then file a claim and apply to FEMA.
- Sewage backup: what to do in the first 48 hoursSewage backing up into your home? Stop using water, keep people and pets out, call your sewer utility or a plumber, photograph damage and call your insurer.
Fire and storm
- House fire: what to do in the first 48 hoursAfter a house fire, stay out until the fire department says it is safe, leave utilities off, call your insurer, photograph damage and contact the Red Cross.
- Storm, hurricane or tornado: what to do in the first 48 hoursAfter a hurricane, tornado or storm: avoid downed lines, leave if you smell gas, photograph damage, tarp the roof safely and turn away storm chasers.
Mold and biohazard
- I just found mold: what to do in the first 48 hoursFound mold? Stop the water, protect your lungs, measure the patch and dry everything within 24 to 48 hours. EPA and CDC steps for the first two days.
- Biohazard, trauma or unattended death: what to do firstAfter a death, crime or serious injury at home, call 911 first, leave the scene as it is, and let trained cleaners handle it. Victim compensation may help.
After the first 48 hours
- Insurance claims for property damage: coverage, filing, and denialsHow property damage claims work: document first, report promptly, read your declarations page, and know your options if a claim is denied.
- What property damage repair costs: dated, sourced price guidesWhat mold remediation, water damage, sewage, fire, biohazard cleanup and public adjusters cost, with every published source and its date side by side.
- Hire a restoration pro: licenses, certifications, quotes, red flagsHow to hire a restoration or mold company: check state licenses, ask about IICRC certification, compare written quotes, and spot scams before you sign.
Which emergency page do you need?
Choose by what happened:
- A leak, burst pipe or overflowing appliance: water damage
- Water that came in from outside: flood
- A drain, toilet or sewer line backing up: sewage backup
- A house fire or heavy smoke: fire
- Hurricane, wind, hail or a fallen tree: storm
- You just found mold: mold
- A death, crime scene or other bodily fluids: biohazard
The same order every time
Every page follows the same sequence, because it works for almost every kind of damage.
- Safety. Get people out of danger. Ready.gov’s guidance: return home only when authorities say it is safe, and run generators only outdoors and away from windows.
- Stop the damage. Shut off water, tarp an opening, or close off a room, if you can do it safely.
- Document. Take photos and video before you clean, move or throw anything away.
- Call your insurer. Report the loss and ask what they need from you.
- Bring in pros for anything beyond a small, clean job.
Water is the clock behind most of these pages. EPA says water-damaged areas should be dried within 24–48 hours to prevent mold. When the immediate danger has passed, move on to the insurance claims hub, our cost guides and how to hire a pro.
Sources
- Floods, Ready.gov (FEMA) (October 17, 2024)
- A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (February 18, 2026)