Flooding advice and information

Do

• Make sure the property is safe before you enter
• Switch off the electricity supply at the fuse box, if it is safe to do so. If there is evidence of water inside the fuse box or if there are signs of arcing or overheating, seek professional advice
• Unplug damaged electrical appliances and move all portable ones away from the area affected by flooding
• Arrange for other services, such as gas, to be switched off. Electricity and gas supplies should not be turned back on until you have had professional advice that it is safe to do so. The main switch normally cuts off all the power to the circuit breakers / fuses
• Use a registered electrician to assess the condition and damage to electrical wiring, equipment and appliances that have been affected by the flood
• Remember to take care of your own wellbeing and don't try to tackle everything at once.
• Flooding health guidance and advice for the public (UK Health Security Agency website) helps with preventing and recovering from flood. Includes advice on:
  • contaminated flood water
  • the danger posed by carbon monoxide fumes from the indoor use of generators to dry out buildings
  • mental health following flooding
  • mould and health.
• Follow this guidance on cleaning up after a flood and remember to protect yourself and your family.

Don't

• Don't use candles to guide you when entering the property
• Don't assume the electricity in a flooded property is off
• Don't touch any electrical appliances, cable or equipment if you are standing in flood water or if they are sitting in water
• Don't use any mains powered electrical appliances in areas affected by flooding until advised by a registered electrician that it is safe to do so
• Don't go near any exposed wiring. It may still be live
• Don't start to clean up or carry out repairs until you are sure it is safe to do so