Put people before property
Keep away from standing water near electricity, sagging ceilings and suspected sewage. If there is immediate danger, use the appropriate emergency service. Do not enter a hazardous room to turn off power, collect belongings or take a better photo. Follow official local emergency guidance.
Describe the source without guessing
If safe from a dry location, note where the water appears and whether it is still entering. Record a plumbing event, outdoor entry or unknown source as such. Clear-looking water is not proof that it is uncontaminated. A correct description helps the assessor choose appropriate precautions.
Keep a simple event record
Write down when the water was discovered, the rooms affected and any actions already taken. Take photographs only where safe. Keep repair notes and receipts together. Ask the insurer about documentation requirements; avoid assuming a restoration company can determine policy coverage.
Prepare a useful quote conversation
Give the exact address, property type, affected rooms, source status and access restrictions. Ask what the initial visit includes, whether there is a charge, and who can authorize work. Request a written scope for extraction, drying, monitoring and repairs.
Understand the next milestone
Ask what must happen before drying starts and what evidence will establish completion. A tidy floor or repaired pipe may leave wet materials behind. Know who is responsible for source correction, equipment monitoring and finish repairs.
Official resources
General information for preparing questions. Decisions about safety, work scope, insurance or legal rights require the appropriate qualified source for your circumstances.