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What to do if…
water is leaking in around a window or door during a storm

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Move away from the leaking window or door if water is near electricity or severe wind is affecting the opening. From a dry, safe area, keep people and pets away, shut off power only if you can reach the breaker safely without stepping into water, and contain the leak only when it is safe to do so.

Do not do these things

  • Do not touch outlets, plugs, cords, power strips, appliances, or electrical panels that are wet or in the wet area.
  • Do not turn power on or off while standing in water.
  • Do not step into standing water to reach the breaker panel.
  • Do not go outside to seal the window or door while there are high winds, lightning, floodwater, or poor visibility.
  • Do not use space heaters, hair dryers, corded fans, or extension cords near wet flooring.
  • Do not walk or drive through floodwater to get supplies.

What to do now

  1. Move people and pets away from the leaking opening.

    • Keep everyone away from wet outlets, cords, appliances, and the breaker-panel area.
    • If high winds or severe weather are affecting the home, move to a safer interior area away from windows.

  2. Make electricity safer from a dry location.

    • If electrical equipment or circuits have gotten wet, or water is in or near them, turn off power at the main breaker only if you can reach it safely from a dry area.
    • If you would need to step into water, or the panel area is wet, do not approach it. Leave the affected area and call an electrician.
    • Keep away from downed power lines and contact the power company to report them.
    • Do not turn affected circuits or equipment back on until they have been checked by a qualified electrician.

  3. Contain the water only if the area is safe.

    • From a dry surface and away from electrical hazards, place a bucket or other container under a drip or stream.
    • Use towels to slow water spreading across a dry, safely reachable floor.
    • If useful, attach a plastic sheet or trash bag inside the frame as a temporary splash guard directing water into a container. Do not do this near wet electrical equipment or in a way that blocks an exit.

  4. Move nearby items only when you can do so safely.

    • From a dry, safely reachable area, move documents, medications, keys, and unplugged electronics away from the leak.
    • Do not touch a plug, cord, device, or appliance that is wet or inside the wet area.

  5. Reduce soaking without taking extra risks.

    • Lift curtains or blinds away from a wet sill if you can reach them safely.
    • Place towels where water is spreading and replace them only when it is safe and necessary.

  6. Avoid contact if floodwater or ground water may be involved.

    • Keep children and pets away from puddles.
    • Avoid splashes to your eyes and mouth.
    • Wash your hands with soap and clean water after contact with floodwater or items contaminated by it.

  7. Leave the affected area and call 911 for immediate danger.

    • Call 911 for fire, electric shock, sparking, rapidly rising water, or signs of structural danger.
    • Follow official evacuation instructions if they are issued.

What can wait

  • You do not need to identify the exact cause while the storm is active.
  • You do not need to start major cleanup, remove damaged materials, or plan repairs now.
  • Detailed repair and insurance decisions can wait until the immediate safety issue is stable. Take photos later if you can do so safely.

Important reassurance

You do not need to solve the whole leak during the storm. Keeping people away from electrical hazards and slowing the water only when it is safe are useful first steps.

Scope note

These are first steps during the storm. Later decisions may need help from an electrician, repair professional, property manager, insurer, or other appropriate specialist.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, or other professional advice. Use emergency services for immediate danger and get appropriate professional help before restoring power or making repairs when water may have affected electrical systems, gas or propane equipment, or structural elements.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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