First 10 minutes
- Keep people and pets away. Treat water from drains, toilets, streets, creeks or floodwater as contaminated.
- Stop the source only if it is safe. Close the fixture valve or main water shutoff if you can reach it without stepping into water or approaching an electrical hazard. If the leak is on the utility side or involves water or wastewater infrastructure, contact GRU.
- Avoid electrical equipment. Do not operate switches, unplug devices or enter a wet room to reach the breaker panel. Gainesville Regional Utilities warns that standing water may be contaminated or energized.
- Move dry valuables. If the area is safe, move documents, electronics, rugs and furniture out of the water's path. Do not move contaminated items through clean rooms without containing them.
- Take wide and close photos. Record the source, affected rooms, water line, flooring, walls, furniture and damaged belongings before cleanup changes the scene.
Gainesville emergency and utility numbers
Verify current numbers and guidance on the official GRU emergency repairs page and Alachua County flood information page.
Find out whether water is still flowing
After all faucets, appliances and irrigation are off, GRU says its water meter can help identify a hidden leak: watch the meter's triangle or large sweeping hand for movement. Do not open a meter box located in standing water or where electrical hazards may be present. GRU also advises keeping the leak type, start date, repair date and proof of repair for a possible leak-adjustment request. See GRU's official leak detection instructions.
Document before removing damaged material
- Photograph each affected room from the doorway and then photograph individual damaged items.
- Record the apparent cause and the time the leak or flooding was discovered.
- Save plumber, utility, cleanup and temporary-repair receipts.
- Keep damaged items unless they create a safety or sanitation problem and your insurer tells you disposal documentation is sufficient.
- Ask any restoration provider for a written scope, equipment list, moisture records and itemized estimate.
Coverage depends on the cause and the specific policy. Read the Florida water-damage insurance guide before assuming a loss is covered or excluded.
Floodwater requires different precautions
Alachua County identifies tropical systems, summer thunderstorms, low-lying areas, Hogtown Creek, Paynes Prairie, the Kanapaha area, the Santa Fe River and several lake areas as local flood concerns. County and city guidance says to avoid floodwater because it may be contaminated and to stay away from electrical wires. Review the official Gainesville and Alachua County flood-risk guide.
For cleanup considerations after outside water enters a building, see the Gainesville flood cleanup guide. Standard homeowners coverage and flood coverage are different products; contact the appropriate insurer promptly and describe the source accurately.
Before hiring anyone
- Confirm the provider's legal business name and contact information.
- Request current insurance, applicable licensing and relevant technician certifications.
- Get the price basis and scope in writing, including demolition, drying equipment, monitoring and reconstruction.
- Do not sign an assignment or authorization you do not understand.
- Ask how moisture levels will be measured and documented before equipment is removed.