You are 2,000 km from home and water is coming under the door. What now?

What to do when there is an emergency at home while you are far away: access, neighbours, insurance, technicians and documentation.

A neighbour calls: water is coming from under your front door. You are in London, Paris, Mexico or somewhere else. The first problem is not technical. It is logistical: someone needs to get inside.

Step 1: get access as quickly as possible

If a spare key is already in Barcelona, the situation changes. If not, you start looking for family, sending someone to collect another copy, calling a locksmith or trying to solve remotely something that requires a person on site.

Step 2: stop the problem before diagnosing it by WhatsApp

With a possible leak, the priority is to see what is happening and, if appropriate, shut off the water or take an immediate step that limits damage. Diagnosis can follow.

Step 3: document

Photos, arrival time, the condition of affected areas and actions taken can be useful later. A previous history of the home is even better.

Step 4: coordinate the right professional

Once the immediate problem is contained, you may need a plumber, electrician, insurer or another professional. Someone will still need to open the door, explain, wait and check.

Step 5: contact the insurer when appropriate

Each policy has different cover, procedures and document requirements. It is worth checking yours before there is an emergency and keeping the important details accessible while travelling.

Real prevention is having an access plan

Cameras, sensors and alarms can help. But when something physical happens, the question eventually becomes the same: who can get in?

What to prepare

• Insurer contact details and policy number.
• Location of the water stopcock and electrical panel.
• Clear rules about who may access the home.
• Details of trusted tradespeople, if you have them.
• A spare key available in Barcelona.
• A local contact you can call while away.

Clau24 was created for exactly this gap: to be the local contact that holds your keys and can help coordinate what happens when you are not there.