The first 60 minutes after water damage strikes your Kearns home are the most critical. The decisions you make and the actions you take in that first hour can mean the difference between a manageable restoration and a catastrophic loss.
Here’s your minute by minute guide.
Minutes 1-5 — Assess and Call
Minute 1 — Don’t panic
Take one breath. Water damage is fixable. Your first job is to think clearly.
Minute 2 — Quick safety check
Before anything else answer these questions:
- Is anyone in immediate danger? If yes call 911 first.
- Is water near electrical outlets or your panel? If yes — stay out of that area.
- Does the water smell like sewage? If yes — don’t touch it without rubber boots and gloves.
Minute 3 — Call Best Option Restoration
📞 385-376-8300
Call us before you do anything else. While you’re taking the other steps in this guide our team is already on its way. We’ll be at your Kearns home within 60 minutes.
Minutes 4-5 — Call your insurance company
Report the damage immediately. Tell them:
- What happened
- When you discovered it
- That you’ve already called a professional restoration company
- That you’re taking steps to prevent further damage
Minutes 6-15 — Stop the Water
Find and shut off the water source if you can do so safely:
Burst pipe:
Your main water shutoff valve is usually in your basement utility area, crawl space, or near your water meter. Turn it clockwise to close.
Water heater failure:
Turn off the cold water supply valve at the top of the water heater — usually a lever or wheel valve.
Appliance leak:
Turn off the water supply valve behind the appliance — usually a small valve on the wall behind the washer, dishwasher, or refrigerator.
Can’t find the shutoff?
Tell us when you call. We can walk you through finding it over the phone.
If the water source is outside your control — flooding from storm drains, groundwater intrusion, or a neighbor’s plumbing — focus on protecting your belongings and wait for our team.
Minutes 16-25 — Electricity Safety
Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Take these steps immediately:
Turn off breakers for affected areas
Go to your electrical panel — in most Kearns homes it’s in the basement, garage, or utility room. Turn off the breakers for any rooms with standing water or water intrusion.
Don’t use electrical appliances in wet areas
Even if water looks shallow don’t use any electrical appliances, extension cords, or tools in affected areas until the electricity is confirmed off.
If your panel is in a flooded area
Do NOT touch your electrical panel if it’s in a flooded area. Call an electrician immediately. This is a life-safety emergency.
Minutes 26-35 — Document Everything
Before you move anything or start any cleanup — document the damage. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim.
Take photos of:
- All standing water — show the depth and extent
- The source of the water damage
- Every affected room from multiple angles
- Water stain lines on walls showing water height
- All damaged furniture, electronics, and belongings
- Any visible mold if present
Take video walkthroughs:
A video walkthrough narrating what you’re seeing is extremely valuable. Walk through every affected area describing what you see. Timestamps on your video establish when damage was discovered.
Don’t delete anything:
Keep all photos and videos. More documentation is always better than less.
Minutes 36-45 — Move Valuables
If it’s safe to enter affected areas — move these items to dry locations:
Priority items:
- Electronics and computers
- Important documents — tax records, insurance policies, passports
- Family photos and irreplaceable items
- Medications
- Jewelry and valuables
Protect furniture:
Place aluminum foil or plastic bags under furniture legs to prevent staining on wet carpet.
Don’t move items you can’t safely carry:
Don’t strain yourself moving heavy furniture. Focus on small valuable items.
Minutes 46-60 — Prepare for Our Arrival
Our team is almost there. Here’s how to prepare:
Clear a path:
Make sure we have clear access to the affected areas and your electrical panel.
Gather insurance information:
Have your homeowners insurance policy number and contact information ready.
Write down what happened:
A brief written timeline of what you noticed and when is helpful for the insurance claim.
Identify any special concerns:
Are there pets that need to be kept away from the work area? Elderly or disabled family members who need accommodation? Let us know when we arrive.
When We Arrive — What Happens Next
When Best Option Restoration arrives at your Kearns home within 60 minutes our team takes over. You’ve done the hard part. Now let us handle the rest.
We conduct a complete assessment, document everything professionally, begin extraction immediately, and manage your insurance claim from start to finish.
You focus on your family. We handle your home.
📞 Call or Text: 385-376-8300
Available 24/7 | On-Site in 60 Minutes | Free Estimates | Insurance Approved
Serving Kearns UT — ZIP code 84118 — and all of Salt Lake County