Emergency shelter for disabled people

If you are disabled, it is the responsibility of your local social services to arrange suitable temporary accommodation for you. You need to contact the nearest flood shelter which should inform your local social services that you need help.

Gas and electricity supply

• Do not attempt to reconnect the electricity yourself.
• Make sure the wiring system has been thoroughly checked by a qualified electrician before the electricity supply is reconnected.
• Turn off the gas supply to appliances that have been flooded and get the system checked by a CORGI registered engineer before use. You can contact CORGI on 0800 915 0480.

Going back to your home

• When you go back into your home, make sure you wear protective clothing, sturdy boots, waterproof gloves and face masks, when handling waterlogged items.
• Do not try to move heavy objects. They could be unstable and may suddenly shift and trap you.
• Do not enter any deep standing water or water that is still fast flowing.
• Take photographs of the damage to your home and your possessions for your insurance company so they can see what has happened. Do this before you start cleaning up at all.
• If your home needs repairs and/or improvements, our free information sheet Home Repairs and Improvements may contain useful information.
• If your home needs building repairs, make sure that you get several quotes from different companies. Beware of bogus callers. For more information, see our free information sheet Buying Goods or Services at Home
• If you need financial help to repair your home, our free information sheet Financial Help from Benevolent Societies may be able to help.

Checking your insurance

If you are insured, check the insurance policy. Find out exactly what your insurance will pay for. You may be entitled to assistance with temporary accommodation, drying equipment, and electricity and gas inspections.

Useful contacts

• Contact your local council for advice and information. You can get its number by looking in your phone book.
• The Environment Agency produces a guide called After a Flood. You can obtain a copy by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188.
• Flood Forum can provide information and advice over the phone on what to do to prepare for a flood and what to do once you’ve been flooded. Its number is 01299 403055. It also produces factsheets on flooding, which you can get by calling the above number or by visiting its website at www.floodforum.org.uk