After a Flood

• Safely throw away food which has been in contact with flood water - it could be contaminated. Contact your local authority Environmental Health department for advice
• Open doors and windows to ventilate your home
• Call your insurance company's (24 hour) Emergency Helpline as soon as possible. They will be able to provide information on dealing with your claim, and assist in getting things back to normal
• Keep a record of the flood damage (especially photographs or video footage), make notes of all phone calls to insurers and what was said, and retain correspondence with insurers after the flood
• Commission immediate emergency pumping/repair work, if necessary, to protect your property from further damage. Check with your insurance company beforehand that you can do this without further approval (remember to get receipts)
• Get advice where detailed, lengthy repairs are needed. Your insurer or loss adjuster can give advice on reputable contractors / tradesmen. Beware of bogus tradesmen and always check references
• Check with your insurer if you have to move into alternative accommodation as the cost is normally covered under a household policy, and make sure your insurance company knows where to contact you if you have to move out of your home.
  

• Find out where you can get help to clean up, look under 'Flood Damage' in Yellow Pages for suppliers of cleaning materials or equipment to dry out your property. It takes a house brick about one month per inch to dry out
• Don't attempt to dry out photos or papers - place them in a plastic bag, and if possible store them in the fridge
• The Citizens Advice Bureau and other organisations may be able to help if you feel under pressure, their number can be found in the phone book
  Don't think it can't happen again. Restock your supplies!
  

Remember these are extra measures you should take in addition to those listed on the Environment Agency website and in their booklets.