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Who to Call First After a Home Disaster: A Priority List

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Safety First

After any disaster, your first call should be for immediate danger. If anyone is hurt, or if there is fire, gas smell, or downed power lines, call 911 right away. Do not enter a damaged home until emergency responders say it is safe.

If you can, shut off the main water valve or gas meter to stop further damage. Know where these shutoffs are before a disaster hits. If you live in Mesquite, keep your shutoff valve location written down and visible. Never turn gas back on yourself; a qualified professional must do that.

Your Insurance Company

The next call is to your insurance company. They need to know about the damage as soon as possible to start the claims process. Ask what documentation they require, such as photos, lists of damaged items, and receipts. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Take photos and videos of the damage before any cleanup begins, if it is safe. Keep a written list of everything affected. This helps your claim go more smoothly. Do not throw away damaged items until an adjuster has seen them, unless they are a health hazard.

  • Take photos and videos of all damage
  • List every damaged item with approximate value
  • Keep receipts for temporary repairs
  • Do not discard items until told to do so
  • Ask about additional living expenses if you must move out

Emergency Water Extraction

If water is involved, call the pros right after you have secured the scene and contacted your insurer. Standing water can soak into walls, floors, and belongings within hours. The sooner extraction begins, the less damage you are likely to face.

Emergency water extraction is the first step in drying out your home. Pros use pumps and wet vacuums to remove standing water. Then they set up drying equipment to reduce moisture. The longer water sits, the higher the risk of mold and structural issues.

Act quickly, but do not skip safety. If water is deep, if the electricity is on, or if you suspect sewage contamination, wait for the pros. They have the right equipment and training to handle hazardous situations.

  • Shut off electricity if water is near outlets or appliances
  • Wear rubber boots and gloves if you must enter
  • Do not use a regular vacuum to pick up water
  • Open windows to help air circulate if safe
  • Move rugs, furniture, and valuables to a dry area

Structural Drying and Inspection

After standing water is gone, the next step is structural drying and dehumidification. This is a separate service that removes moisture trapped inside walls, floors, and ceilings. Without thorough drying, hidden dampness can cause warping, rot, and mold growth.

A water damage inspection can identify all affected areas, including those you cannot see. Moisture mapping tools detect wet spots behind drywall and under flooring. This helps you know the full scope of the damage before you start repairs.

Ask the pros about what they find and what drying steps they recommend. They can also advise on whether drywall, insulation, or other materials need to be removed and replaced. Do not start rebuilding until the structure is completely dry.

Repairs and Restoration

Once the home is dry and the inspection is complete, you can focus on repairs. This may involve fixing drywall, flooring, electrical systems, or plumbing. You may need to hire a plumber, an electrician, or a general contractor for specific jobs.

If the disaster is severe, consider a disaster recovery plan for the future. This can help you prepare for the next event, whether it is a storm, a flood, or a burst pipe. A well-thought-out plan includes contact numbers, shutoff locations, and an inventory of your belongings.

Keep all receipts and records of repairs for your insurance claim. Once the work is done, test all systems to ensure everything is safe and functional. Your home should be dry, clean, and without hazards before you move back in.

Water damage does not wait

Phones are answered 24/7 for Mesquite and nearby communities.

Call Now (214) 983-0952

Frequently asked questions

Should I call a plumber or the water damage pros first?

Call a plumber if you have a burst pipe or a leak that must be stopped to prevent more water. Once the leak is stopped, call water damage pros for extraction and drying. For floodwater or storm damage, go straight to the pros.

What if I cannot reach my insurance company right away?

Leave a message and keep trying. In the meantime, take photos, list damaged items, and make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Save all receipts. You can also start the drying process with the pros, but check your policy first.

Can I clean up the water myself?

You can do small, safe tasks like moving furniture and opening windows. But for large amounts of water, sewage, or floodwater, leave it to the pros. They have equipment to extract water and dry structures thoroughly, reducing the risk of mold and structural damage.

Call Now (214) 983-0952