Insurance, protection, flood advice
Emergency services
It’s likely that emergency services will already know about the flood and be on the scene, so unless it is an emergency do not dial 999.
Do let the police know if you have to abandon your home and get their advice on making it as secure as possible before you leave.
Utilities
Gas and electricity supplies should remain switched off until a qualified professional has checked the system thoroughly. Wiring, appliances and pipe work should also be inspected for safety and efficiency. If you smell gas contact National Grid immediately on 0800 111 999. » more
Water supplies are not usually affected by flooding, but do run a tap to fill a bowl to clear silt. If you suspect contamination, contact your local water company and only use boiled or bottled water for drinking.
Floods can block drains and sewers, so check them by flushing toilets and running taps. Private sewage systems should be checked carefully for any health hazards as saturated ground can affect their function causing them to flood.
Food
Do not eat food that may have been contaminated by flood water and only use crockery, cutlery and work surfaces once they have been disinfected.
Flooded kitchen
Back to list
Vermin and pests
Flood water may encourage creatures such as snakes and rats to seek refuge in buildings. If you discover any such animals contact you local pest control department.
Back to list
Cleaning and disinfecting
Scrub surfaces with hot soapy water and heavy-duty detergent. Place all items like soft furnishings and food that have come into contact with flood water, into sealable heavy duty refuse sacks.
Don’t dispose of these items until asked to do so by your insurer, broker or a loss adjuster.
Back to list
Drying out
This is a specialist operation which should be discussed with your insurance company and the experts that they appoint. Do make sure though that you have removed any vent or air-brick covers.
Good ventilation is essential, keep windows and doors open on dry days. Be aware that drying out can take weeks, sometimes months to complete. Redecorating or repair cannot take place until this is complete.
Back to list
Health and safety advice
Floodwater may be contaminated by silt, sewage, oil or chemicals. Try to avoid coming into contact with it. Wear protective gear and wash your hands after any contact. Cover cuts with waterproof plasters.
- Don’t use damp electrical items – get them checked by a professional.
- Seek medical advice if diarrhoea, fever or abdominal pain affects anyone.
- Mould can be a health hazard for babies, people with allergies and the elderly (they should stay away during the clean-up).
Beware of fumes from petrol or diesel generators or gas heaters – they can kill.
Do not use indoors. Electric pumps should only run through a circuit breaker.
Back to list
If you have children
Don’t let them play in floodwater – they risk drowning and infections.
Contaminated toys will need disinfecting.
Back to list
If your garden floods
- Don’t let children or pets on to affected grass or paved areas until cleaned.
- Remove any toilet waste from affected areas by shovelling it into black bags, and sealing them. After the grass has grown and been cut once there should be no further risk as sunlight and soil will usually destroy harmful bacteria within a week.
Back to list
Water advice
Follow the advice of your local water company regarding the safety of the water supply.
If in doubt, boil all water intended for drinking, brushing teeth, washing food and cooking.
Take precautions for formula-fed infants. The preferred option is to use water from an emergency tanker, or bottled water brought to a ‘rolling boil’ and cooled. Unboiled water should not be used.
Back to list
Distraction burglaries and cold callers
- After a flood, beware of doorstep callers who may trick or steal. They may try to gain entry by asking to turn off your water or check the electricity.
- Always put the chain on when answering the door and make sure windows and other doors are locked (just in case an accomplice tries to enter elsewhere while you are talking).
- Check a caller’s ID and phone the company to check they are genuine if you have any doubts.
- Call a neighbour or 999 for assistance if you are worried.
Back to list
Rogue Traders
If callers offer to do work, the Association of British Insurers recommend that you should:
- Beware of tradesmen who can start the next day – reputable ones are usually busy
- Ask to be put in touch with past clients to see samples of work.
- Beware of someone who gives only a mobile phone number and no business address.
- Don’t pay in advance – pay in stages. Don’t make the final payment until you are happy with the work.
If you are suspicious of a business then check with Trading Standards for direct help on 08454 04 05 06 or go to their website » more
Back to list
Waste Disposal
What should you do with ruined furniture or building waste if a flood has affected your home?
Some flood waste may be taken away by the normal refuse collection, but normally it will need to be loaded into skips. Local councils may sometimes provide these. Otherwise contact a skip hire company (you will need a licence to put a skip on a public highway).
Waste taken to local tips will be classified as controlled waste and must be handled properly. Waste management firms can be found in the Yellow Pages or on the yell.com website. Don’t throw anything away without checking with your insurer fi rst if you are planning to claim for it – it is evidence!
Back to list
