Emergency Water Damage Response Guide

When Water Damage Strikes: Your Emergency Action Plan

Water damage emergencies can happen at any time — a burst pipe at 2 AM, a flash flood during a summer storm, or a failed water heater while you're at work. Having a clear action plan can mean the difference between minor repairs and catastrophic structural damage.

Immediate Safety Steps (First 5 Minutes)

1. Ensure personal safety — Do not enter standing water if there's any chance of electrical contact. If water is near outlets, appliances, or your breaker panel, stay out until power is confirmed off.
2. Turn off electricity — If you can safely reach your breaker panel without walking through water, shut off power to affected areas. If in doubt, call your utility company.
3. Stop the water source — For pipe bursts, locate and turn your main water shut-off valve (typically near the water meter or where the main line enters your home). For appliance failures, shut off the specific supply line.
4. Call for professional help — Contact Flood Doctor at (703) 285-1100 immediately. Our 24/7 emergency team deploys within 60 minutes.

While Waiting for Help (First 30 Minutes)

Once the immediate dangers are addressed, take these steps to minimize further damage:

• Document everything — Use your phone to take photos and videos of all water damage, including water levels, damaged belongings, and the source of the water. This documentation is critical for insurance claims.
• Remove valuables — Move electronics, important documents, photos, and irreplaceable items to dry areas. Prioritize items that are most sensitive to water.
• Begin basic water removal — If water is shallow, use towels and mops to absorb what you can. A wet/dry vacuum (Shop-Vac) is extremely effective for standing water.
• Increase air circulation — Open windows and doors to promote airflow if weather permits. Do NOT use your HVAC system if ductwork may be contaminated.

The first 24-48 hours after water damage are the most critical. Mold can begin growing within 24 hours in warm, humid conditions. Every minute of delayed response increases the scope and cost of restoration.

Understanding Water Categories

Not all water damage is the same. The IICRC classifies water damage into three categories that determine cleanup procedures:

• Category 1 (Clean Water) — From broken supply lines, faucets, or rain. Safe for DIY initial cleanup but still requires professional drying.
• Category 2 (Gray Water) — From dishwashers, washing machines, or toilet overflow (urine only). Contains contaminants. Professional cleanup required.
• Category 3 (Black Water) — From sewage backups, flooding from rivers/streams, or standing water that has become contaminated. Highly dangerous. Do NOT attempt DIY cleanup. Requires professional remediation with proper PPE and protocols.

What NOT to Do During a Water Emergency

• Do NOT use a regular household vacuum on water — it's an electrocution risk
• Do NOT enter rooms with sagging ceilings — the ceiling may collapse
• Do NOT turn on ceiling fans or light fixtures in rooms with water damage
• Do NOT ignore "small" leaks — they often indicate larger hidden problems
• Do NOT wait to call for help hoping it will "dry out on its own"

After the Emergency Team Arrives

When Flood Doctor's emergency team arrives, here's what happens:

1. Damage assessment — Using moisture meters, thermal imaging, and hygrometers to map the full extent of water penetration
2. Water extraction — Industrial-grade pumps and truck-mounted extractors remove standing water rapidly
3. Structural drying setup — Placement of commercial dehumidifiers, air movers, and air scrubbers
4. Content protection — Inventorying and protecting salvageable belongings
5. Insurance coordination — We document everything and work directly with your insurance adjuster

Emergency Contacts

Flood Doctor 24/7 Emergency Line: (703) 285-1100

Loudoun County Emergency: 911

Dominion Energy (power outage): 1-866-366-4357

Loudoun Water (water main): (571) 291-7880