Home / First-response guide

A calm sequence for a stressful discovery

Ann Arbor water damage guide: first protect the people, then the home.

Pause at hazards

Do not enter water near energized equipment, sagging ceilings, unstable materials, or contaminated areas. Restrict access for children and pets.

Control only what is safe

Use an accessible shutoff when you know the source and can reach it safely. Stop using fixtures during a backup. Do not climb onto a wet roof.

Create a visual record

Capture the likely source, whole rooms, affected materials, transitions, contents, and safe shutoff actions. Note when the water was discovered and what changed.

Describe the home, not just the puddle

Mention the level, nearby built-ins, floor type, wall finish, rooms below, and previous renovations if known. These details help frame the water path.

Ask for reasons

Ask what each proposed step is intended to accomplish and how progress will be understood. Coverage questions belong with the insurer and policy.