Move people and belongings away from the affected area. Do not stand beneath a bulging ceiling or touch wet electrical fittings. If water is near electrics, use the consumer unit only if you can do so safely and seek qualified help. Outside, keep people away from loose tiles, slate or debris. Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof.
Record the leak while it is happening
Note the room, exact mark, time, rain intensity and wind direction if known. Photograph the inside from a safe position and take ground-level pictures of the relevant elevation. A ceiling mark can sit away from the entry point, so describe it as evidence rather than a diagnosis. Put a container under a drip only where the ceiling is stable and access is safe.
Separate making safe from the permanent repair
An urgent attendance may protect the opening or reduce water entry until daylight and suitable weather. Ask what the temporary action covers, how long it is expected to remain useful and when a fuller inspection can happen. Do not assume that a patch confirms the only cause.
Prepare for the survey
Gather the postcode, property type, roof age if known, previous invoices, guarantees and details of earlier work. Say whether the roof void can be reached and whether the property is attached, tenanted or managed. Ask the surveyor to record inspected areas, limitations, evidence, proposed repair and any alternative.