If your home is damaged by flooding it can be a very traumatic experience. Depending on the level of damage caused there can be a lot of things you need to consider before you can return to your home and start living as normal in your property. 

• Contact your insurers as soon as possible. Don’t throw damaged items away until your insurers have inspected them. 
• Make sure the property is safe before you enter and start to clear up. 
• Arrange for services, such as gas and electricity, to be turned off. The electricity and gas supplies should remain off until you are sure it is safe to turn them back on. 
• Remember, items that have been in contact with floodwater may be contaminated and contain sewage, therefore make sure that anything that has been in contact with the water is safely cleaned. 
• Open your doors and windows to ventilate your home. 
• Throw away any food that has been in contact with flood water. 
• Contact your water company if tap water is discoloured or tastes bad. 
• Be prepared, have a torch at hand when entering the property and do not use candles. 
• Do not go near any exposed wiring, as it may still be live. Do not attempt any electrical repairs or connection of temporary supplies yourself – always use a registered electrician. 
• Do not use any mains powered electrical appliances in the areas affected by the flood until advised that it is safe to do so. 
• Get advice on repair work only from reputable companies with your insurance company’s approval. 
• If safe to use them, make sure heaters are kept well away from soft furnishings to prevent fires. 
• Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if diesel or petrol generators are used indoors. 

For advice on electrical safety www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk