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After a Flood

Immediately after a flood

What to do after a flood

Safe to return?

  • If you’ve had to leave your home, check with the emergency services that it’s safe before you return.
  • Don’t walk or drive through flood water to return to your home.
  • Your home may also need a safety inspection by the utility companies before you can turn the water, gas and electricity back on.
  • Check your property for visible signs of structural damage. If you are unsure, contact your insurer for advice or appoint a RICS accredited building surveyor.
  • When you return to your property, wear protective clothing and footwear. Flood water can contain sewage and other contamination sources. There is also likely to be debris present that can cause injury.
  • Ensure that you have a phone on you so that you can communicate with family or the emergency services if necessary.
  • Assess if it is safe and practical for you to continue living in your property if it has been affected by flooding.

Insurance

  • Get in contact with your insurance company as soon as possible and follow their advice carefully.
  • If you haven’t got insurance, the National Flood Forum can offer help and support on 01299 403055.
  • Before you start cleaning, take detailed photographs to document damage and record the flood water height. Ask your insurer before discarding items that cannot be cleaned, like mattresses and carpets.

Useful Resources

Flood Recovery Guide

The know your flood risk flood recovery guide provides advice and guidance to help you through the initial stages of recovery after a flood event. This document includes information on claiming on your insurance, Health and Wellbeing, Utilities, what to do if you aren’t insured and making a plan.
Flood Recovery Guide

Responding to Floods – What You
Need To Know

This resource from the Association of British Insurers explains how your insurance company will respond in a situation where your property has been flooded in the days, weeks and months following the event.
Responding to Floods

Find your local

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For help and guidance on local flood risk management and to access support, please get in touch with your local council.
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