A pipe just burst. Here's the first hour.

Minutes 0 to 5: stop the water

Find your main water shutoff and close it. In most Central Minnesota homes it's in the basement where the water line comes through the foundation, near the meter. Turn the handle clockwise until it stops, or turn a lever a quarter turn so it sits crosswise to the pipe. If you can't find it or it won't budge, your city water department can shut it off at the curb.

Minutes 5 to 10: make it safe

• If water is near outlets, cords, appliances or the electrical panel, don't walk through it.
• Turn off breakers for the wet area only if you can reach the panel while standing somewhere dry.
• If a ceiling is sagging with water, keep everyone out from under it.

Minutes 10 to 20: document everything

Before you move or throw anything out, take photos and video of the water, the broken pipe if you can see it, and every damaged room and item. This is what your insurance adjuster will rely on.

Minutes 20 to 30: drain the lines and protect your stuff

• Open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain water left in the pipes.
• Move furniture, electronics, rugs and boxes out of wet areas.
• Put foil or wood blocks under furniture legs that can't be moved, so stains don't wick into carpet.

Minutes 30 to 60: get help moving

Call a plumber to fix the pipe and a restoration company to deal with the water. They're different jobs. The restoration crew extracts water, finds moisture hiding in walls and under floors with meters, and sets up commercial dehumidifiers and air movers. Mold can start growing in 24 to 48 hours, so drying needs to start today.

Then call your insurer

Sudden pipe breaks are usually covered under a standard homeowner's policy. Frozen pipes are typically covered only if the home was heated. Report the claim early and keep receipts for anything you spend preventing further damage.