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4 Things to Do Before We Arrive

If water is actively spreading, these steps protect your home and your safety in the minutes before our Lake Forest team reaches you. Only do what's safe — when in doubt, wait for us.

1. 1

   Shut off the water

   Find your main shut-off valve — usually near the street or where the line enters the house — and turn it off to stop the source at once.

2. 2

   Cut the power if it's safe

   If water is near outlets or your electrical panel, switch off power at the breaker — but never stand in water to do it.

3. 3

   Move what you can

   Lift furniture, rugs, electronics, and valuables out of the water, and blot up standing water with towels to limit how far it spreads.

4. 4

   Document everything

   Photograph the water and the damage before any cleanup — clear photos make your insurance claim faster and stronger.

Not sure what to do? Call (201) 277-9344 and we'll walk you through it live while our crew heads your way. For a full checklist, read what to do in the first 24 hours after water damage, or learn about our water damage restoration process.