When an emergency restoration crew is on the way, it can be difficult to know what to do first. You may be dealing with standing water, a damaged roof, smoke and soot, broken windows, or another situation you’ve never experienced before. And while your first instinct may be to start cleaning up, your safety should always come first.
At Premier Restoration, we know how overwhelming those first few minutes can feel. That’s why our team is available 24/7 to respond to property emergencies throughout Anderson, Greenville, Belton, Easley, Greer, Simpsonville, Spartanburg, and surrounding Upstate South Carolina communities. While you wait for an emergency restoration crew to arrive, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property.
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Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Before worrying about the house, make sure the people inside are safe. If there is an active fire, significant structural damage, electrical hazard, or another immediate threat, leave the property and contact the appropriate emergency services.
Don’t enter areas that may be unsafe simply to retrieve belongings or inspect the damage. Your property can be restored. Your safety comes first.
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Stop the Source If It’s Safe to Do So
If you’re dealing with water damage and you can safely identify the source, stopping the flow of water can help limit additional damage.
For example, you may be able to:
- Shut off your home’s main water supply.
- Turn off the water supply to a leaking appliance.
- Stop using a plumbing fixture that’s overflowing.
However, don’t put yourself at risk to reach a shutoff valve. If you cannot safely access it, wait for professionals.
- Stay Away from Standing Water Near Electricity
This is especially important after a major water loss. If water has reached electrical outlets, appliances, wiring, or electrical panels, don’t attempt to walk through the water or unplug equipment.
Electrical hazards aren’t always visible. When in doubt, stay out of the affected area and let qualified professionals determine what is safe.
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Take Photos and Videos
If you can do so safely, document the damage before cleanup begins.
Take photos or videos of:
- Where the damage started
- Standing water
- Damaged walls and ceilings
- Flooring
- Furniture and belongings
- Appliances
- Roof or exterior damage
- Any other visibly affected areas
These photos can help you keep a record of what happened and may be useful when communicating with your insurance company.
You don’t need to figure out exactly how much everything will cost. Just document what you can safely see.
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Move Undamaged Belongings Out of Harm’s Way
If it’s safe to do so, move furniture, electronics, important documents, and other belongings away from the affected area. For example, if water is leaking from a ceiling, moving furniture away from the area may help prevent additional damage.
But don’t try to move heavy furniture through standing water or enter an unsafe part of the property just to save an item.
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Avoid DIY Cleanup That Could Make Things Worse
When damage happens, it’s understandable to want to grab a mop, shop vacuum, cleaning products, or fans and start working. But certain situations require professional equipment and assessment.
For example, improperly cleaning soot after a fire can spread residue or cause additional damage to surfaces. Likewise, visible standing water doesn’t always tell the whole story. Moisture can travel behind walls, underneath flooring, and into other areas of the property. The goal isn’t simply to make the damage look better. It’s to make sure the underlying problem is addressed.
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Don’t Turn on Equipment That May Have Been Damaged
Water can damage electrical appliances, HVAC equipment, outlets, and other systems. If an appliance or piece of equipment has been exposed to water, don’t assume it’s safe simply because it appears dry.
The same goes for HVAC systems after fire or smoke damage. Smoke and soot can travel through ductwork and may require professional evaluation and cleaning.
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Contact Your Insurance Company
If you believe the damage may be covered by your property insurance, contact your insurance carrier and ask about the claims process.
Keep in mind that coverage depends on your specific policy and the cause of the damage.
It can also be helpful to keep records of:
- Photos and videos
- Conversations with your insurance company
- Receipts for emergency expenses
- Lists of damaged belongings
- Restoration-related documentation
Premier Restoration can also work directly with insurance as part of the restoration process.
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Don’t Wait for the Damage to “Dry Out”
This is especially important with water damage. A room may look relatively dry while moisture remains trapped inside drywall, insulation, flooring, cabinets, or other materials.
The longer unwanted moisture remains, the greater the potential for additional damage and mold growth. That’s why fast water removal, moisture inspection, and structural drying are so important after a significant water loss.
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Make a List of What Happened
While everything is still fresh, write down what you know about the incident.
- When did you first notice the problem?
- Where did the water, smoke, or damage originate?
- Was anyone home when it happened?
- Did you notice anything unusual beforehand?
Even small details can be helpful when you’re explaining the situation to your insurance company or restoration team.
What Happens When Premier Restoration Arrives?
Once our team arrives, we’ll assess the situation and determine what needs to happen next.
Depending on the type and severity of the damage, restoration may include:
- Emergency water removal
- Structural drying
- Moisture inspection
- Decontamination and sanitization
- Smoke and soot cleanup
- Odor removal
- Storm cleanup
- Board-up and tarping
- Mold remediation
- Repairs
- Full reconstruction
And that’s an important part of how Premier Restoration works. We don’t just clean up the damage and leave.
When your property needs repairs or reconstruction, our team can continue through the rebuilding process so you’re not left coordinating multiple contractors on your own.
You Don’t Have to Figure Everything Out Alone
Property damage is stressful enough without trying to become an expert in restoration overnight. If you’ve experienced water, fire, storm, mold, or other property damage, focus first on keeping everyone safe. Document what you can, avoid unnecessary risks, and get professional help as quickly as possible.
At Premier Restoration, we’re available day or night to help homeowners and businesses throughout Anderson, Greenville, Belton, Easley, Greer, Simpsonville, Spartanburg, and surrounding Upstate South Carolina communities.
From the initial emergency response through repairs and complete reconstruction, we’re here to help bridge the gap between disaster and normality. When something goes wrong, you don’t have to know exactly what to do. That’s what we’re here for.