Water damage is one of the common emergencies New Yorkers face. Whether it’s a pipe bursting in a Manhattan skyscraper, Brooklyn flooding, or storm damage in Queens, having the right response strategy may prevent thousands of dollars in repairs and mitigate risks of permanent damage to your belongings.
The First Hour is Critical
My apartment or business in NYC is slowly flooding, and now what? Here’s your emergency action plan:
Safety first
First and foremost, make sure that you turn off the electricity to the affected areas via your circuit breaker. Water and electricity can be a dangerous mix, especially in older NYC buildings. Take the necessary precautions.
Stop the source
Try your absolute best to locate the shut off valve if the issue is plumbing related. If you are in a multi apartment building, let your super know if you cannot find the valve.
Document everything
Take videos and photographs of the room before you do anything. Water Damage NYC insurance claims require a lot of evidence and supporting documents.
Remove valuables
Relocate furniture, electronics, and valuables that might get ruined by water. Consider priorities – NYC apartments often have limited space, so focus on irreplaceable items first.
Start water extraction
Get rid of sitting water. Use mops, towels, and vacuum everything possible. The less water there is, the less damage will be done to your property.
