What Should a Property Manager Do in the First Hour After Water Damage?
Water damage can happen quickly and without warning. Knowing what to do in the first hour of crisis can make a major difference in protecting your building, your tenants, and your property.
When a pipe bursts, your sprinkler system fails, or water begins entering a building; it can be difficult to know what to do or where to start. As a property manager, your priority should be safety, followed by stopping the source, documenting the damage, and getting professional help on site as quickly as possible
Here are the four steps you should take within the first hour after water damage occurs:
1. Ensure safety
In any emergency, safety should be your number one priority. Floodwater can create immediate risks including electrical hazards, structural instability, and contaminated water. No one should be allowed into flooded areas until those hazards have been assessed.
To help keep everyone safe:
- Turn off electricity to affected areas ONLY if it is safe to do so from the breaker panel.
- If you manage an apartment building, evacuate anyone living in affected areas or units when necessary.
- Rope off or secure affected areas to prevent unauthorized entry
- Call 911 if there are injuries, suspected gas leaks, or immediate structural collapse concerns
- Contact your utility provider if you suspect electrical damage to the building's main systems.
When in doubt, keep people away from the affected area and wait for qualified professionals to assess the situation.
2. Stop the source
Once everyone is safe, the next priority is stopping the water if possible.
Shut off the building's main water supply or the specific emergency line feeding the leak. If you're unsure where the shutoff is located or whether it is safe to access, contact your building maintenance team or a professional.
The sooner the source is stopped, the sooner additional damage can be prevented.
3. Document everything
Before cleanup begins, document the condition of the property as thoroughly as possible.
Use your phone or camera to take photos of
- Affected rooms and units
- Walls, ceilings, and flooring
- Visible water or standing water
- Damaged furniture, equipment, or building materials
- The apparent source of the water (if identifiable)
Detailed documentation can help with insurance claims, communication with tenants and owners, and the restoration process.
4. Call your restoration team
Once immediate safety concerns are addressed, and the water source has been controlled, call your emergency restoration team as soon as possible.
Water Damage can continue to affect building materials and create additional problems even after visible water is gone. A professional restoration team can assess the extent of the damage, identify areas that need immediate attention, and begin the appropriate mitigation process.
For property managers who need a reliable team when water damage happens, Sid Grinker is ready to respond when you need us. Our team can help assess the damage and determine the next steps towards getting your property back to normal.
Be Prepared Before Water Damage Happens
The best time to figure out what to do during a water emergency is before one happens.
Property managers should know where the building's water shutoffs, electrical panels, and emergency contacts are located. It is also helpful to have a trusted restoration company saved in your emergency contacts, so you aren't searching for help while dealing with an active emergency.
When water damage happens, knowing who to call can make the first hour a lot easier. Keep Sid Grinker Restoration in your emergency contacts so our team is ready when you need us.
Sources
U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Water Damage and Mold Resources
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Flood Safety
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Floodwater Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Flood Cleanup Safety