Flood Advice

During a flood always avoid contact with floodwater - it may be contaminated with sewage.

Don't try to walk or drive through floodwater - six inches of fast flowing water can knock you over and two feet of water can float your car. Manhole covers may have come off and there may be other hazards you can’t see. If possible weigh down the covers to prevent them floating away and leaving a hazardous hole.

If possible put sandbags or flood boards in front of doors - but make sure your property is ventilated. This will help in drying your property after the flood.

Plug all sinks and weigh them down with something heavy.

Unplug all electrical items and store them upstairs or as high up as possible and then turn off gas, electricity and water supplies at the mains. Alternately, for larger pieces of furniture such as fridge/freezers try to raise them using bricks.

Moving furniture away from walls will also help to dry the property when the flood has ended.

After the flood your insurance company's emergency helpline is your first port of call. They will be able to provide information on dealing with your claim, and assistance in getting things back to normal.

Keep a record of the flood damage (especially photographs or video footage) and retain correspondence with insurers after the flood.

Check with your insurer if you have to move into alternative accommodation as the cost is normally covered under a household policy.

Have your power supplies checked before you turn them back on to make sure they have dried out. Wash taps and run them for a few minutes before use.

Don’t attempt to dry out photos or papers - place them in a plastic bag, and if possible store them in the fridge.

Throw away food which may have been in contact with floodwater - it could be contaminated.

For more information about what to do after a flood read the Environment Agency’s help guide.

If you are worried about flooding in our area phone the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit their website for up to date information.

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/flood/floodwarning/?lang=_e

The above information was provided by the Environment Agency. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/?lang=_e