What to Do Immediately After Water Damage in Your Long Island Home

If the water is from a burst pipe or appliance, shut off the water supply immediately. Your main shutoff is typically near the water meter, often in the basement or utility room. If it's from a roof leak, place buckets and put down towels — you can't stop rain, but you can contain it.

Call Greene Group Construction at (631) 532-7346 first. We respond in 60 minutes and our IICRC-certified team will document all damage with photos and moisture readings — the professional documentation that maximizes your insurance claim.

Walk through every affected area and photograph and video everything — floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, personal items. Open closets and cabinets. Do this before moving anything or beginning any cleanup.

If water is shallow and there's no electrical hazard, you can begin removing it with mops, wet vacs, or towels. Do not use standard household fans yet — improper air movement without dehumidification can spread moisture further into walls.

Place aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent staining on wet carpet. Move rugs and electronics to dry areas. If you have wet documents or photos, gently blot and move them to a dry area.

After documenting the damage and calling a restoration professional, call your insurer's claims line. Report the loss, get a claim number, and ask about emergency living expenses if the damage makes your home temporarily uninhabitable.