The immediate goal is to protect people and interiors without creating a fall hazard. Stay off wet, icy, steep, or storm-damaged roofs.
SAFE FIRST STEPS
What you can do now
Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the wet area and place a stable container beneath active drips.
Photograph the stain, ceiling, wall, floor, and nearby windows or fixtures before the area changes.
Look for bulging drywall or a sagging ceiling and keep people away from that area.
If safe from inside, note whether the leak lines up with a chimney, skylight, valley, vent, exterior wall, or roof penetration.
Check the attic only if access is safe and dry; use a flashlight and avoid stepping between framing members.
After the rain stops, mark the edge of the stain lightly so you can tell whether the wet area continues to grow.
A note on safety
These are general property care suggestions, not a substitute for licensed or emergency service. If there is an immediate risk to people, the building, or utility lines, contact the appropriate emergency service first.
