Phone answered 24/7 · Burnsville, MN and nearby communities

Call 24/7: (952) 522-6744
Minnesota River Dry-Out ProsWater Damage Help · Burnsville, MN

How to Protect Belongings Before a Flood Arrives

Last updated October 25, 2026

Call Now (952) 522-6744

The short answer

Prioritize What to Move

Start with the items that are hardest to replace or most valuable. Family photos, heirlooms, legal papers, and digital storage like hard drives or laptops should go to the highest level of your home. If you have time, make a quick list of the most important things so you don't waste minutes deciding.

Next, think about furniture and appliances. Upholstered sofas, mattresses, and wooden pieces can soak up water and warp. Move them upstairs or raise them on concrete blocks, bricks, or pallets. For large appliances like washers and dryers, unplug them and, if possible, disconnect the hoses to prevent water from entering the units.

Use Waterproof Storage

Waterproof containers are the right choice in a flood. Use heavy-duty plastic bins with gasketed lids for clothes, books, and small items. For documents, choose a fireproof and waterproof safe or a sealable plastic bag inside a bin. Place these containers on high shelves or upper floors, not on the ground.

If you have items that are too large to move, wrap them in plastic sheeting and seal the edges with tape. This is not a perfect barrier, but it can slow down water damage. For clothing and textiles, use vacuum-sealed bags that compress and protect against moisture. Keep a supply of these on hand if you live in a flood-prone area.

  • Store important papers in a waterproof safe.
  • Use plastic bins with tight-fitting lids.
  • Wrap large items in plastic sheeting.
  • Seal bags with clips or ties.
  • Place everything on high shelves or upper floors.
  • Keep a list of what you stored and where.

Disconnect Utilities Safely

Before water enters your home, turn off the main electrical breaker if it is safe to do so. Unplug all electronics and appliances to prevent short circuits and electrical hazards. Do not touch any electrical equipment if you are standing in water or if the floor is wet.

Also, shut off the main water valve to your home to reduce the risk of contaminated water backing up into your plumbing. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the gas valve at the meter and leave the house. In Burnsville, keep the location of these shutoff valves written down so you can act quickly.

Secure Loose Items Outdoors

Floodwaters can carry debris that damages your home and belongings. Move outdoor furniture, grills, potted plants, and tools inside or tie them down. If you have a shed or garage, store items on high shelves. Anything that can float, like trash cans, should be secured to prevent them from becoming projectiles.

Check your gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clear so water can flow away from your foundation. If you have time, install sandbags or other barriers around doorways and basement windows. These small steps can reduce the amount of water that enters your home and give your belongings a better chance of staying dry.

  • Bring in or tie down patio furniture.
  • Store tools and equipment on high shelves.
  • Secure trash cans and recycling bins.
  • Clear gutters and downspouts.
  • Place sandbags at doorways and window wells.
  • Move vehicles to higher ground if possible.

Document Your Belongings Early

Take photos or videos of your belongings and the condition of your home before the flood. This documentation can be helpful when you file a claim with your insurance company. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Keep this record in a waterproof bag or upload it to a cloud service.

If flooding is imminent, move your vehicle to higher ground and fill the gas tank. You may need to evacuate quickly. Prepare a go bag with essential items and important documents. Remember that floodwater can be contaminated with sewage and chemicals, so avoid contact and wear protective gear if you must enter the water.

Water damage does not wait

Phones are answered 24/7 for Burnsville and nearby communities.

Call Now (952) 522-6744

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I don't have time to move everything?

Focus on the most valuable and irreplaceable items first. Put them in plastic bins and move them to the highest point you can reach. Even elevating items by a few feet can make a difference. If water is rising fast, your safety is more important than any possession.

How can I protect items in the basement?

Move everything off the floor onto shelves or tables. Use plastic bins with lids instead of cardboard boxes. Store important documents in a waterproof safe. If you have a sump pump, ensure it is working. Consider installing a backwater valve to prevent sewer backup.

Should I turn off the electricity before a flood?

Yes, if you can do so safely. Shut off the main breaker before water enters your home. Do not stand in water when touching the breaker. If you are unsure how to do it, contact your utility company for guidance. Never touch electrical equipment in wet conditions.

Call Now (952) 522-6744