You
- Take care – flood water can mask hidden dangers e.g. sharp objects, uneven surfaces, raised drain covers and pollution.
- Look after yourself – phone 111 if you have any non-urgent health concerns. Keep in contact with friends and family for support.
- Accommodation – stay with friends/family or ask your local authority or insurance company to help you find alternative accommodation if your home has been damaged by flood water.
- Make a plan – being flooded is an extremely stressful and emotional time. Make a plan to keep things manageable.
- Stay healthy – wash your hands regularly with clean water and soap. If there is no clean water, use wet wipes or hand sanitising gel.
Your property
- Check your property – if you are returning to your property, make sure it is completely safe and stable before entering.
- Utilities – do not turn on gas or electrics if they have been in contact with flood water. Only turn them on when they have been checked by a qualified technician.
- Insurance – if damage has occurred, call your insurance company (if you own your property) or your landlord (if you rent your property) to inform them of your current situation and follow their advice on what to do next. Make sure you take photographs of any damaged items prior to disposal.
- Ventilate - if you are drying your property naturally, keep doors and windows open as much as possible. If you are using portable indoor heating appliances, ensure there is good ventilation. Do not use petrol or diesel generators or other similar fuel-driven equipment indoors - the exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide which can kill.
- Food - do not eat food that has touched flood water. Do not eat fresh food from a fridge or freezer if your electricity has been turned off for more than 4 hours.
- Water – follow the advice from Southern Water regarding the safety of the water supply.
- Dispose of contaminated materials - dispose of used sandbags at your local tip or contact the environmental health department to get rid of sandbags and other things polluted by chemicals or sewage.
