General Advice During and After Flooding

During Flooding

• Keep yourself and any children and older people warm and dry;
• Put spare clothes in a safe, dry place;
• Put medicines in a safe, dry, accessible place;
• Flood water may contain faecal matter so do not use it;
• Advise your insurance company;
• Take photographs; and
• 'During a Flood - Practical advice on what to do to stay safe in a flood (this is an external hyperlink).  This leaflet is available online or is issued free from Floodline 0845 988 1188.

Food Safety

• Move all food including cans into high cupboards or even upstairs;
• Wash all fresh food with safe water before eating;
• Do not eat any food that has come into contact with flood water;
• Only make up food for babies with boiled or bottled water; and
• Do not refreeze foods that have thawed out.

Sanitation and Hygiene

Always wash hands with soap and water:

• Before preparing or eating food;
• After toilet use;
• After cleaning up flood water; and
• After handling anything contaminated by flood or sewage.

Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas or with contaminated toys.

Inform your doctor that you have been in a flood area if you become ill, especially with flu-like symptoms, as this could be a related illness, for example Weil's Disease.

Cleaning Up

• Wear rubber boots and gloves during the clean up;
• Open doors and windows to ventilate your home;
• Watch out for broken glass or nails;
• Walls, floors and most surfaces should be cleaned with mild disinfectant (one cup bleach to 5 gallons water);
• Remove and destroy all contaminated material that cannot be cleaned;
• Steam carpets clean;
• Clean any areas where children play;
• Wash taps and run for a few minutes before use;
• Contact gas, electricity and water companies to check supplies before turning back on;
• Ensure electrical items have dried out before use; and
• Check references, get recommendations or insurance company advice before employing traders
• 'After a Flood - Practical advice on recovering from a flood' (this is an external hyperlink).  This leaflet is available online or is issued free from Floodline 0845 988 1188.

General Insurance Advice

• Contact insurance company, broker or agent as soon as possible for advice on procedure and claim;
• Reasonable costs of temporary emergency repairs may be paid by the insurer, but keep receipts;
• Household buildings and contents policies may cover damage by flood;
• Damage to cars may be covered by comprehensive motor policies;
• Reasonable costs of alternative accommodation may be met up to stated limits;
• Try to salvage belongings, without putting yourself at risk; and
• Household policies will usually cover damage to outbuildings, garages and sheds but not to gates, hedges, garden plants, containers or ornaments.

For further information please visit the Environment Agency website (this is an external hyperlink) which includes information on what to do before, during and after a flood.