Disclosure: This guide is for general information only. If anyone is in danger, call emergency services right away.
Quick Answer
If something goes wrong at home, your first job is to stop the damage.
Shut off water if there is a leak.
Shut off power if you smell burning or see sparking.
Leave the house if you smell gas.
Then document what happened and call the right professional.
Before You Start (2 Minutes)
1) Make sure everyone is safe
Get kids and pets away from the problem area.
If you feel unsafe, leave immediately.
2) Grab three items
A phone with flashlight.
A towel or bucket.
A photo ID and a charged power bank if you have one.
3) Locate these three “controls”
Main water shutoff (often near the water meter).
Electrical panel (breaker box).
Gas shutoff (outside meter, if you have gas).
Step 1: If Water Is Leaking (0–5 Minutes)
If water is actively flowing
Turn off the nearest shutoff valve first.
Under-sink valves are usually small knobs behind the cabinet.
If you can’t find the local valve
Shut off the main water supply at the meter.
Turn it clockwise until it stops.
Contain the water fast
Move valuables off the floor.
Use towels to block door gaps.
Use a bucket under the drip point.
Do not do this
Do not keep running faucets “to reduce pressure.”
Do not ignore water near outlets or power strips.
Step 2: If You Smell Gas (Immediate)
Treat it as an emergency
Do not use lights, switches, or phones inside the house.
Do not start your car in a garage attached to the home.
Leave now
Get everyone outside.
Move a safe distance away.
Then call
Call your gas utility emergency line or emergency services from outside.
Only return when professionals say it is safe.
Step 3: If You Smell Burning or See Sparks (0–5 Minutes)
If the source is a specific outlet or device
Unplug it only if you can do so safely.
If it is hot, sparking, or smoking, do not touch it.
Turn off power
Flip the breaker for that room or circuit.
If you are unsure, turn off the main breaker.
If there is visible fire or heavy smoke
Leave immediately and call emergency services.
Close doors behind you if possible.
Step 4: If a Toilet or Sink Is Overflowing (0–3 Minutes)
Stop the toilet first
Remove the tank lid and lift the float to stop filling.
Turn the toilet shutoff valve clockwise (behind the toilet).
If it still rises
Use a plunger only after the water stops.
If water backs up from multiple drains, stop and call a plumber.
Step 5: If the Basement Is Flooding (0–10 Minutes)
Your first decision is safety
If water is near the electrical panel, do not go down there.
Turn off power from a safe location if possible.
If safe to enter
Check if a sump pump exists and whether it is running.
Look for a hose burst, water heater leak, or wall seepage.
Reduce damage
Move boxes and storage items up and away.
Start ventilation if power is safe and you can open windows.
Step 6: If the HVAC Stops in Extreme Heat or Cold (0–15 Minutes)
Quick checks that often fix it
Check the thermostat mode (cool/heat) and temperature setting.
Check the breaker (HVAC trips are common).
Replace a dirty filter if you have one ready.
Prevent secondary damage
If the AC coil is frozen, turn cooling off and run the fan only.
This avoids water damage when it melts.
Know when to stop
If you hear loud buzzing, smell burning, or see ice forming, stop the system.
Call a licensed HVAC technician.
Step 7: Document Everything for Insurance (5 Minutes)
Take wide photos of the room and close-ups of damage.
Record the time you first noticed the issue.
Write down what you shut off and what you moved.
Step 8: Who to Call (Fast Decision Guide)
Call emergency services now if:
You smell gas.
There is fire, heavy smoke, or visible sparking.
Someone is injured.
Call a professional soon if:
Water damage is spreading.
Sewer smells or sewage backup appears.
A breaker keeps tripping after reset.
Mold smell appears after a leak.
Common Mistakes That Make Damage Worse
Waiting “to see if it stops.”
Leaving wet drywall or carpet for days.
Running fans without stopping the leak source.
Paying a contractor before you have a written scope of work.
FAQ
How long before water damage becomes a mold risk?
Moisture left behind can become a mold risk within days.
Drying quickly is always safer than waiting.
Should I use a wet/dry vacuum for flooding?
Only if the area is safe and power is not at risk.
Never use electrical equipment in standing water.
Is it okay to turn the breaker back on after it trips?
You can reset once.
If it trips again, stop and get it checked.
What should I do first: call a pro or call insurance?
Stop the damage first.
Then document.
Then call the appropriate pro and your insurer if needed.
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