What should I do while waiting for the water damage team to arrive?

If it is safe, shut off the main water supply for a burst pipe. Move valuables and electronics to higher ground, avoid standing water because of electrical hazards, do not use fans on sewage-contaminated water, and take photos of the damage for your insurance claim. Your safety comes first.

Can water damage wait until morning, or should I call at night?

Call immediately, even at night. Water spreads fast and mold can start within 24 to 48 hours, so every hour matters. Shield is staffed 24/7 and dispatches crews for night and weekend emergencies — waiting usually increases damage and cost.

What do I do if a pipe bursts in my NYC apartment?

Shut off the water at the main or apartment valve if you can, then call Shield immediately. In a multi-unit building, notify building management so they can isolate the riser. Move belongings away from the leak, place buckets or towels to limit spread, and avoid electrical outlets near the water. Our team handles extraction, drying, and coordination with the building.

Shield Guide

What to Do Immediately After Water Damage (NYC)

Updated 2026-06-17 · Shield Water Damage Restoration

In the first hour after water damage, your priorities are safety, stopping the source, and limiting spread: shut off water and electricity if safe, move valuables out of the water, contain the flow if you can, and call a 24/7 restoration company like Shield while you photograph everything for your insurer. Fast action in the first 60 minutes dramatically reduces damage, cost, and the risk of mold, which can begin within 24 to 48 hours.

1. Make sure it is safe before you do anything

Do not step into standing water near electrical outlets, panels, or appliances. If you can reach your breaker box safely, cut power to the affected area. If the water is from a contaminated source (sewage or ground water), do not wade in it — it is a health hazard.

In NYC apartment buildings, notify building management or the super immediately; they can isolate risers and shut off water to your line, and they need to know about any leak that may affect units below yours.

2. Stop the source of the water

For a burst pipe or appliance leak, shut off the main water valve or the fixture's local valve. For a roof or building leak you cannot control, containment is the best you can do until help arrives — use buckets, towels, and plastic sheeting.

3. Limit the spread and protect property

Move electronics, documents, art, and valuables to a dry area. Lift furniture onto blocks or foil pads to keep legs from soaking and staining floors. Remove area rugs and pull-up carpet edges if water is creeping in, but only if it is safe to do so.

4. Document everything for insurance

Take wide and close-up photos and video of the water, the source, and every damaged item before you move or clean anything. Keep damaged materials if you can — adjusters often want to see them. Save receipts for any emergency expenses.

5. Call a 24/7 restoration company right away

Call Shield at (646) 921-5667. We dispatch crews across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens 24/7 and aim to arrive within 60 minutes to start extraction and drying before mold can take hold.

Need help right now in NYC?

Shield answers 24/7 — 60-minute response across Brooklyn, Manhattan & Queens.

(646) 921-5667

What to Do Immediately After Water Damage (NYC)

1. Make sure it is safe before you do anything

2. Stop the source of the water

3. Limit the spread and protect property

4. Document everything for insurance

5. Call a 24/7 restoration company right away

Related questions

Related guides

How to Handle a Burst Pipe in an NYC Apartment or Home