Identify where the water came from
Water from an indoor supply-line failure is different from sewage, outdoor floodwater or water that has picked up contaminants. Source and exposure determine how materials should be handled.
Remove water, then control moisture
Bulk water removal is followed by drying of the materials and cavities that became wet. Skipping the drying phase can leave moisture trapped beneath surfaces.
Contents and finishes may need separate decisions
Furniture, rugs, drywall, insulation, flooring and built-in materials respond differently to saturation. Some may be dried; others may be more practical or safer to remove.
Avoid treating contaminated flooding like a mop-up job
When water contains sewage or outdoor contaminants, unnecessary contact should be avoided. Porous materials may require different handling than they would after a clean-water leak.
Talk through the situation by phone
Describe the source of the water, the affected area and whether the water is still entering the property.