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Westminster water damage guide: what to do when you find water.

1. Protect people first

Stay away from wet electrical components, sagging ceilings, unstable materials, and contaminated water. Keep children and pets out of the affected area.

2. Stop the source when safe

Use an accessible fixture or supply shutoff only when you can do so safely. For roof entry, backups, or unclear sources, avoid creating additional risk.

3. Limit additional spread

Stop using fixtures involved in a backup. Move unaffected contents only when safe. Do not carry contaminated water through clean rooms.

4. Document conditions

Photograph the likely source, wide room views, affected materials, transitions, contents, and safe shutoff actions. Keep notes about discovery time and changes.

5. Make a useful call

Share source, time, rooms, levels, material types, visible spread, odor, and safety concerns. Ask what the proposed next step is intended to accomplish.