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Flood Emergency Checklist for Homeowners

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Safety First Steps

When floodwater enters your home, your first job is keeping everyone safe. Turn off the electricity at the main breaker if you can do so without standing in water. If you cannot reach the panel safely, leave the power on and avoid the water. Also shut off the gas if you smell gas or suspect a leak, then leave the house and call the gas company.

Do not walk through moving water, even shallow water, because it can knock you off your feet. Wear rubber boots and gloves if you must enter a flooded area. Keep children and pets away from the water, as it may contain sewage, chemicals, or debris. If you feel unwell or have any open wounds, see a doctor as soon as possible.

  • Turn off power at the breaker if safe
  • Shut off gas if you smell it
  • Avoid standing water and moving water
  • Wear protective boots and gloves
  • Keep kids and pets out of floodwater
  • See a doctor if you feel unwell

Protect Your Belongings

Move furniture, rugs, electronics, and important documents to a higher floor or on top of tables and counters. Lift items off the floor with blocks or bricks if you cannot move them. This reduces how much water they soak up and makes the cleanup easier later. Remove curtains and drapes and take them to a dry area.

Take photos and videos of the floodwater level, damaged items, and the condition of your rooms. This documentation helps with your insurance claim, but remember that policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Keep a written list of everything you moved or that got wet, and store it in a dry place.

  • Move furniture and electronics to higher ground
  • Lift items off the floor with blocks
  • Remove curtains and drapes
  • Take photos and videos of damage
  • List all wet or moved items
  • Store documents in a dry bag

Stop the Water Source

If the flood comes from a burst pipe or a failed sump pump, shut off the main water valve to stop more water from entering. Know where your shutoff valve is located before an emergency, and keep a wrench near it. If you live in Burnsville, write down the valve location and share it with your household.

If the flooding is from heavy rain or rising groundwater, you may not be able to stop the source. In that case, focus on moving valuables and protecting yourself. You can try to block doorways with towels or sandbags, but do not risk your safety. Local water damage pros can help with extraction once the water recedes.

Dry Out Your Home

After the water stops rising, start drying your home as soon as it is safe. Open windows and doors if the outside air is drier than inside. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners to pull moisture out of the air. Remove soaked carpets, padding, and drywall because they hold water and can grow mold quickly.

Do not use electrical appliances that got wet until a professional checks them. The pros use industrial fans and dehumidifiers to dry out walls, floors, and structural spaces. Drying can take several days, and it is important to keep air moving to prevent mold growth. If you notice a musty smell, mold may already be forming.

Call the Pros for Help

Flood cleanup involves more than mopping up. The pros have equipment to extract water from carpets, under floors, and inside walls. They can also dry out the structure and check for hidden moisture. If the flood is severe, call the pros early, because the sooner drying starts, the less damage you are likely to have.

Before you call, take your photos and list of damaged items. The pros will assess the situation and explain what the work usually involves. They can also help with emergency tarping if your roof is damaged, or sump pump repair if that caused the flood. The cost depends on the extent of the water, the size of the area, and how long drying takes.

Talk to someone now

Call (952) 522-6744 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.

Call Now (952) 522-6744

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first during a flood?

First, make sure everyone is safe. Turn off electricity and gas if you can do it safely, then move valuable items to higher ground. Do not walk through floodwater. After that, document the damage with photos and call the pros to start cleanup.

How long does flood cleanup take?

Cleanup time depends on how much water entered and how fast drying starts. Simple drying might take a few days, but if walls or floors are soaked, it can take longer. The pros use industrial equipment to speed up the process, but each situation is different.

Will my insurance cover flood damage?

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Standard homeowners policies often exclude flood damage from rising water, but they may cover water from burst pipes. Check your policy and talk to your insurance company as soon as possible. Take photos and keep a list of damaged items.

Call Now (952) 522-6744