Clearing up after floods

Electricity: Electricity and water don't mx. Turn of the electricity supply. If your consumer unit (fuse box)  has been flooded, don't switch the power back on until the system has been checked by a qualified electrician. Before you switch the electricity back on, make sure all appliances are switched off. Keep all apliances and cables out of water.

Wear rubber-soled shoes or boots to avoid the danger of electrical shock.

Gas: If your gas meter or a gas appliance has been under water, contact British Gas before switching on any appliance. Even if appliances appear to be working normally, flues may have become blocked by mud. Get all appliances checked by a CORGI registered operatie.

Flood Water: Flood water is likely to be contaminated. Don't let children play in it. When cleaning, wear strong rubber gloves. Cover any cuts and grazes with waterproof dressings.

Food: Any food that has come into contact with floodwater must be thrown out. Throw away any frozen food that has defrosted. (You may be able to claim on the insurance for these losses. ) All food storage areas and crockery need to be washed down with hot water and disinfectant. Be especially careful to disinfect and rinse all cooking areas and equipment - including sinks, taps -- and your hands!

Drinking water: Don't drink tap water unless you have been told it is safe.

2) Gather information for Insurance Claims

Inspect your property thoroughly and make a record of all damage. Photographs or video cameras can give the best information.

Be aware that some problems may take a while to show, so keep checking your home for changes. Keep in touch with your insurance company.

Also contact your local council. If you are a tenant, your landlord, about what help they may be able to offer.

2) Remove water and clean surfaces

Don't attempt to live in a home that contains standing water.

When most of the water has drained away, remove the dregs. Rinse away all the dirty water, silt and dirt. Hose down the outside walls.

Remove all soft furnishings that are wet. All bedding, curtains, clothes, etc. should be washed on the hottest temperature allowed on the label.  Some items may need dry-cleaning. Many may be beyond saving and will have to be thrown away.

Wash down all hard surfaces using hot water and disinfectant or soap, and allow to dry.

Any portable electrical appliances that have been in contact with floodwater should also be checked by a qualified electrician.

Kitchens:
Kitchen units are comonly made of chipboard or mdf. If they have been submerged, they will need to be replaced. Any surfaces used for food preparation should be thoroughly scrubbed with a disinfectant that is food-safe and then rinsed.

Appliances that have been flooded must be checked by a qualified electrician before they can be re-used.

3) Dry out the building

Moisture needs to escape - leave the windows open as wide as you can to let the wet air out. Use fans to help circulate the air. If you can, turn on the heating and leave it on. Dehumidifiers can help.

If you have covered any air bricks, remove such coverings to help air circulate.

Vinyl wallpapers and similar non-breathable wall-coverings can stop moisture from evaporating and may need to be removed.

Be aware that it can take months to dry out a building properly. Although it may be hard to resist, don't redecorate for at least months after the walls have dried.

Remove floor coverings such as carpets or vinyl flooring that have been immersed to allow the floor to dry. Contact your local council about arranging for skips

If mould or mildew appears, wash the surfaces down with disinfectant. Mould can cause allergic/respiratory reactions, so wear a face-mask.

Clean and oil all hinges and locks to prevent them from corroding.