Water losses can occur in a variety of ways. Despite the cause of the damage, it's important to remember that it needs to be taken care of immediately as it can be just as dangerous as other types of damage. Standing water can easily become contaminated and mold can grow without you even knowing. Taking these issues seriously can prevent harm and further damage.
Flood damage: Even if the damage was caused by a flood, always refer to it as water damage because that is what's covered under most insurance policies. If you claim to have flood damage, the insurance company could deny coverage.
Call a professional who will help you through the restoration process. It's almost impossible to take care of water damage on your own because it often extends into unknown places. Calling a public adjuster will make dealing with the damage easier.
Take as many photos and videos as possible. This will be helpful in determining exactly what has been damaged and provides evidence for the insurance company.
Do whatever you can to prevent the water from further damaging your property. It's important to protect anything not initially damaged as it will make the claims process easier.