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What Should I Do First After Coming Home to a Flooded House?

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Safety First

Your safety is the top priority. If you have any doubt about the stability of the structure, do not enter. Floodwater can hide sharp objects, live wires, or sewage. Wear rubber boots and gloves if you must walk through water. Keep children and pets away from the affected areas until the water is gone.

Turn off the main power if the breaker panel is dry and accessible. If you cannot reach it safely, call an electrician. Also, shut off the gas supply if you smell gas or suspect a leak. If you feel unwell from fumes or anything else, see a doctor. Do not risk your health for belongings.

Document the Damage

Before you move or throw away anything, take photos and videos of the flooded rooms. Capture the water level, damaged items, and any visible structural issues. This record helps your insurance claim. Do not start cleanup until you have documented everything, as your insurer may want to see the original condition.

Make a list of damaged belongings, noting their approximate age and value. Keep receipts for any supplies you buy for temporary repairs. This paperwork supports your claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy for specific requirements and deadlines for reporting.

  • Take photos of each room from multiple angles
  • Record video of standing water and wet materials
  • List damaged items with age and value
  • Keep receipts for any purchases
  • Note the date and time of the flooding

Stop the Water Source

If the flooding comes from a burst pipe or an appliance leak, shut off the main water valve. Knowing where this valve is located ahead of time saves precious minutes. If you live in Burnsville, keep the shutoff valve location written down and share it with everyone in your household.

For flooding from outside, like a heavy rainstorm, you may not be able to stop the water. Focus on removing water safely. Move valuable items to higher floors or tables. If you have a sump pump, check that it is working. Do not wade into deep water to reach the valve if it is unsafe.

Begin Water Removal

Once the area is safe and documented, start removing standing water. Use a wet/dry vacuum, a sump pump, or a mop and buckets. The sooner you remove the water, the less damage it can cause. Open windows and doors to increase airflow and help drying.

If the water is more than a few inches deep or has been sitting for a while, consider calling local water damage pros. They have industrial pumps and extraction equipment. Acting quickly reduces the chance of mold growth. For severe flooding, professional help is often the right choice.

  • Use a wet/dry vacuum for small areas
  • Rent a sump pump for deeper water
  • Open windows and doors for ventilation
  • Remove wet carpets and padding
  • Move furniture to a dry area if possible

Dry and Ventilate

After removing the water, the drying process begins. Run fans, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners to pull moisture from the air and surfaces. Remove wet drywall, insulation, and other porous materials that cannot be saved. These materials can harbor mold and weaken the structure.

Structural drying may take days or weeks, depending on the extent of the flooding. In humid summer climates, drying can take longer. Professional drying services use specialized equipment. They can also assess hidden moisture in walls and subfloors. Do not rush the process; thorough drying prevents future problems.

Water damage does not wait

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

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Frequently asked questions

Should I turn off the electricity during a flood?

Yes, if you can do so safely. If the breaker panel is dry and reachable, turn off the main switch. If there is standing water near the panel, do not touch it. Call an electrician for help.

Can I save wet carpet and furniture?

Some items can be saved if dried quickly. Carpets and padding often need removal and disposal. Furniture may be salvageable if it is solid wood and dried slowly. When in doubt, discard items that have absorbed sewage or chemicals.

How long does it take to dry a flooded house?

Drying time varies. It depends on the amount of water, materials, and weather. With fans and dehumidifiers, it may take several days to weeks. Professional drying equipment can speed the process. Do not rebuild until everything is fully dry.

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