Emergency First-Hour Checklist

This checklist covers the most important first steps after water, fire, smoke, sewage, storm, or similar property damage. It is designed to help you think clearly, protect people first, and avoid common mistakes in the first hour.

You can use it to note what is damaged, what rooms are affected, what is unsafe, and what you need to tell a restoration pro. It also reminds you to keep the focus on safety, not on trying to clean everything yourself right away.

The checklist is simple and practical. It includes reminders to:

- check for immediate danger and leave if needed
- call 911 if there is fire, gas, live electricity near water, or anyone is in danger
- shut off water only if it is safe to do so
- avoid touching sewage, smoke residue, or contaminated water
- take a few photos for your own records if it is safe
- move people, pets, and valuables out of harm’s way
- write down the type of damage and where it is happening
- contact a certified restoration pro for next steps

In the middle of a disaster, it is easy to forget basic steps. A short checklist gives you a calm order to follow, especially if you are tired, scared, or helping a family member.

It can also save time when you request help. Steady Restore is a free matching service, not a restoration contractor, and the checklist helps you share the basic details that matter so you can be connected with certified, insured restoration pros faster.

Print it, save it on your phone, or keep it with your emergency papers. If English is not your strongest language, you can still use it as a simple guide because the steps are short and direct.

If you need help finding a restoration pro after you finish the first steps, you can use get matched to share general contact details, your city, your language, and the type of damage. Help can often be found in your own language.