After a flood
When can I start to clean and repair my home?
You should be sure that the flood is over. It is possible that
water levels may rise and fall for a short period after the rain
has ended.
Do not attempt any cleaning and repairs until you are sure the
flooding period has ended. Check with the TV and radio for reports,
or contact the Met Office (tel: 0870 900 0100) for information.
What basic tools should I have to hand?
- a camera or video camera to record flood damage
- basic tools such as spanners, screwdrivers, a hammer and
nails
- cleaning tools such as brushes, scrubbing brushes, mops and
buckets
- detergents and disinfectants
- protective clothing such as rubber boots, gloves and waterproof
clothing
- heaters and fans are very useful
- heavy duty bin bags
What evidence will I need for insurance purposes?
Know the details of your insurance policy. It is essential that
you know what your insurance company will pay for. This may include
assistance with temporary accommodation, drying apparatus and
electricity and gas inspections.
- take lots of photographs, or video, of the damage to your home
and property
- mark walls to show water levels
What essential safety precautions should I take?
- wear protective clothing, in particular avoid contact with skin
and eyes - flood water may be contaminated
- any cuts and grazes should be immediately washed and covered
with waterproof plasters - get a tetanus jab if needed
- do not attempt to move heavy objects, as they may not be
stable
- do not enter any deep water or water that is fast flowing
How should I deal with mains services? How do I restore
them?
You should not reconnect your electricity or gas supply until
they have been checked by qualified technicians. Temporary
electricity can be supplied by generators available from hire
shops. Ensure there is adequate ventilation to use a generator.
- If you smell gas in your home call TRANSCO immediately on 0800
111999
Mains supply water services should not be affected by flooding.
However, run a tap for a short while and ensure that no silt has
entered the system. If you suspect it has then call Thames Water on
0845 9200 800
What steps should I follow in drying out my home?
Step 1
Remove standing water – the fire service can provide a pumping
out service or you can hire or buy a pump from a shop. Make sure
you receive proper guidance on the operation of the equipment. Do
not heat your home to more than 4°C until all standing water is
removed
Step 2
Dry the property – the best way is through your central heating
system, providing this has been passed as safe by a qualified
technician. Set the thermostat to 22°C or above and ensure the home
is well ventilated.
While it is important to ventilate your home it is essential to
make sure your property is secure. Do not leave doors and windows
open when no one is present.
How do I dispose of waste?
Your normal waste disposal will continue and be able to take
away a lot of the waste. However, clearly there will be a greater
volume of waste and also some large damaged items. Call streetline
on 020 7314 3001 to arrange for additional waste collection.
How do I choose a builder to carry out repair work?
Check your insurance policy first to see what stipulations they
make with respect of building work. Get several quotes.
- ask for references and confirmation of membership of trade
bodies
- beware of builders touting door-to-door
- do not pay cash in advance
- get signed receipts for all work carried out
How will I know if I my property has suffered from structural
damage?
You should make regular checks on your property following a
flood, as structural damage is not always immediately apparent
Check for changes in the line of the roof ridge; ‘buckling’ of
walls, identified by horizontal cracks in the walls; vertical or
diagonal cracks may indicate that walls or footings have ‘settled’;
bulging sections of the property; deep scouring leading to exposed
foundations; or any new cracks bigger than 5mm above doors and
windows
Contact a professional structural engineer or surveyor if you
find any of the above
Who can I contact for help?
The Environment Agency
website has lots of information about dealing with
floods. Call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
- the Fire and Rescue service, though primarily there to help
save life, they may be able to assist with water pumping after the
flood
- your insurance company. Remember to keep your documents
somewhere safe and handy. They will help you with your entitlements
to help under the cover you have and may well be able to help with
providing builders if they are needed
- your Council - our streetline (tel: 020 7341 3001) will help
you dispose of waste
- your landlord - if you have a landlord, whether a private
landlord, the Tenant Management Organisation or a housing
association, it is a good idea to contact them before a flood
occurs in order to clarify roles and responsibilities in the event
of a flood (get this in writing to avoid disputes later)
- the police can help you with advice about securing your
property after a flood
I’m a tenant or lessee of a housing trust or the Tenant
Management Organisation (TMO) – where do I stand?
In the first instance you should contact your landlord and
explain your concerns – this includes emergency measures to remove
flood water and, in extreme circumstances, the need for evacuation.
You can find the telephone numbers of the TMO and housing
associations in the
A-Z of services.
Emergencies can happen at any time and it is possible that you
will need assistance from the Council outside of normal office
hours. You can call the Council at any time on 020 7341 3008 for
advice and help.
Normally any structural damage caused by flooding will be
covered by your landlord’s property insurance. However, you are
responsible for your contents, such as furnishings, carpets and
electrical appliances. You must take out contents insurance in
advance to protect your belongings in the case of a flood and you
will need to contact your insurance company for advice on making a
claim.