CRIME INFORMATION FOR ORLANDO, GAINESVILLE & OCALA

What to Do in the Event of Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage can happen fast and unexpectedly—whether it’s a burst pipe, a leaking appliance, or heavy Florida rainfall finding its way inside. No matter the cause, quick action is the key to minimizing damage and keeping your home safe.

At CPSS, we help homeowners protect their property with advanced tools like the Water Dragon leak detection, but even with the best protection in place, knowing what to do during an emergency is essential.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to handling water damage in the home:


1. Stay Safe and Turn Off the Water

Your first priority is safety.

  • Shut off your home’s main water supply to stop additional flooding.

  • Avoid standing water near electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring.

  • If electrical hazards are a concern, turn off the power at the breaker—but only if it’s safe to access.

If you have the CPSS Water Dragon, your system may already detect the leak —giving you precious time and preventing additional damage.


2. Identify the Source of the Leak

Locating the leak quickly can save time and reduce restoration costs.

Common sources include:

  • Burst or frozen pipes

  • Leaking washing machines or dishwashers

  • Water heater failures

  • Damaged roofs or windows

  • Clogged HVAC drain lines

If you can safely determine the source, make note of it—restoration teams will need this information.


3. Document Everything for Insurance

Take clear photos and videos of:

  • The affected area

  • Damage to floors, walls, or ceilings

  • Damaged furniture or possessions

  • Where the leak originated (if visible)

This documentation helps streamline insurance claims and ensures you receive accurate coverage.


4. Remove Standing Water

The faster you begin to remove water, the better.

  • Use towels, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much as possible.

  • If flooding is significant, contact a professional water restoration company immediately.

  • Move furniture and valuables to a dry, safe location.


5. Start Drying the Area Immediately

Water continues causing damage long after the initial leak. Begin drying right away.

  • Open windows and doors for ventilation.

  • Run fans and dehumidifiers.

  • Remove wet rugs, cushions, and bedding to prevent mold.

  • Peel back sections of carpet if water has soaked through.

Professional drying may be required for walls, insulation, or flooring—especially if the leak lasted more than a few hours.


6. Prevent Mold Growth

Mold can begin developing in 24–48 hours.

To prevent it:

  • Thoroughly dry affected materials.

  • Disinfect hard surfaces.

  • Monitor walls and cabinets for odors or discoloration.

If you suspect mold, call a qualified remediation specialist right away.


7. Contact Professionals for Repairs

Depending on the severity, you may need:

  • Plumbers

  • Water restoration experts

  • HVAC technicians

  • Roofers

  • Electricians

  • General contractors

Even small leaks can cause long-term structural issues—so when in doubt, get a professional evaluation.


8. Protect Your Home from Future Water Damage

Once things are under control, it’s time to safeguard your home from future emergencies.

This is where CPSS can help.

Install Water Dragon Leak Detection by CPSS

Water Dragon gives homeowners powerful, proactive protection:

  • 24/7 leak detection monitoring

  • Alerts directly to your CPSS Security App
  • Professional installation and support

  • Works across your entire home—including appliances, sinks, toilets, water heaters, and more.

Most water damage incidents can be dramatically reduced—or completely avoided—when leaks are detected early.


Stay Safe. Stay Protected. CPSS Can Help.

Water damage is stressful—but you don’t have to face it alone.

To learn more about Water Dragon leak protection or schedule an installation:

📞 Call CPSS at 800-949-1799
📩 Or request a consultation through CPSS.net

Protect your home before the next leak happens—trust CPSS to keep your property safe, dry, and secure.

Serving Orlando, Gainesville, Jacksonville and Surrounding Areas

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