Finding water in your home is stressful. These steps help you stay safe, limit the damage and make your insurance claim easier.
Call (352) 555-01471. Stop the water
Turn off the fixture or appliance shut-off valve. If you cannot find it or the leak is in a wall or ceiling, turn off the main water valve. In many Ocala homes it is near the front of the house where the line comes from the meter, in the garage or next to the water heater. For a water heater, also turn off its power or gas.
2. Stay safe
- Do not walk into water near outlets, cords or appliances.
- Turn off power to wet rooms at the breaker only if you can reach the panel without standing in water.
- Stay out from under sagging ceilings.
- Keep children and pets away from dirty water, sewage or floodwater.
3. Protect your belongings
Move electronics, documents, photos and rugs to a dry place. Put foil or plastic under furniture legs on wet carpet. Hang up wet curtains.
4. Document everything
Take photos and video of the source, the water and every affected room before cleaning up. Write down the time you found it.
5. Remove what water you safely can
Mop and blot clean water from hard floors. Do not use a household vacuum on water. Leave contaminated water to professionals.
6. Call for professional drying
Surfaces that look dry can still be wet inside. Mold can start in 24 to 48 hours in Ocala’s humidity, so call for water extraction and structural drying right away.
7. Call your insurance company
Report the damage and ask about coverage and next steps. See our insurance claims guide.
What not to do
- Do not paint over stains or close up wet walls.
- Do not run fans across mold or sewage.
- Do not wait to see if it dries on its own.