https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/1/not_assigned/1552/chatbot_test Flooding updates | Central Bedfordshire Council

Flooding updates

What to do after flooding

Key contacts:

  • Vulnerable residents who need assistance - CBC Flood Helpline 0300 300 8500
  • Practical help cleaning up from volunteers - CBC Flood Helpline 0300 300 8500
  • Homelessness 0300 300 4370 – call if you have been made homeless or need housing advice
  • Housing Repairs - call 0800 047 0263 if you are a Council house tenant and have damage to your property
  • Highways 0300 300 8049 – call to report an urgent problem with the road, gully, drain, or fallen trees. Please note this line may be extremely busy at times. If there is a danger to life or injury, contact The Fire and Rescue Service on 999
  • Urgent Adult Social Care – call 0300 300 8123

Let us know you’ve been flooded

So that we have all the information about residents who experienced flooding, please let us know if you, or someone you know, have been flooded. Email us as much detail as you can at floodrisk@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk. If you cannot email, call 0300 300 8500.

The Environment Agency is also collecting information to assist in planning future flood management. Please complete the Environment Agency Survey.

Practical steps after flooding

Experiencing a flood can be overwhelming, but following these steps will help you navigate the recovery process and protect your safety.

  1. Ensure safety before returning to your property - Before entering your property, confirm with emergency services that it is safe to return. Flood waters can hide dangers like contaminated water, structural issues, or electrical hazards. Contact a qualified electrician or gas engineer to check the safety of electricity and gas before use
  2. Contact your insurance company - Get in touch with your insurer as soon as possible to report the flood and follow their advice. Most insurers have a 24-hour helpline. Do not throw away damaged goods until your insurer has authorized you to do so
  3. Handle property clean-up safely - When cleaning your property, always wear protective gloves and clothing, especially when handling any remaining flood water or items that have come into contact with flood water. Use masks as necessary and follow guidelines from local authorities and waste management services when disposing of damaged items. AMYA UK, one of the charities who support our communities during emergencies, are happy to assist with any task required to help anyone in need. Whether it is assistance in cleaning up, moving heavy items, or general support, they are happy to help. AMYA UK is one of the UK's largest Muslim youth organisations with volunteers spread across the UK dedicated to supporting relief efforts wherever needed. They are one of the many fantastic groups who work as part of our BLEVEC Emergency Response Teams. To get help, call the CBC Flood Helpline on 0300 300 8500 and we will work with AMYA UK to pass on your request
  4. Record and manage damage - Take detailed photographs or videos of all damage and create an inventory of affected belongings. Keep documentation of all communications with your insurance company, repair professionals, and disposal actions
  5. Dispose of contaminated food - Dispose of any food that has been in contact with flood water, including tinned, defrosted, and packaged goods
  6. Ventilate your property - After ensuring it is safe to enter, ventilate your property to help dry it out, but keep security in mind during this process
  7. Watch for fraudulent contractors - During challenging times, unscrupulous builders and traders may offer their services. Ensure that any contractor provides a written quotation on letter-headed paper with a landline contact number and address

Further information

For more in-depth information on flood recovery, including safety, waste disposal, and dealing with insurers, visit the National Flood Forum’s website.

Emotional support

Experiencing flooding can be highly stressful and upsetting, and it's important to look after your wellbeing as well as your physical health. If you need emotional support or someone to talk to, there are various agencies you can call:

  • Samaritans: Whatever you’re going through, they are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Telephone: 116 123.
  • MIND BLMK: A local mental health charity with a holistic approach to promoting mental wellbeing. Telephone: 0300 330 0648. Email: hq@mind-blmk.org.uk
  • Shout: A free, confidential, text support service for anyone in the UK struggling to cope. It's open 24/7. Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (24/7).

Be prepared

If your house has flooded at least once, then it could happen again in severe weather. Take action to help protect your property for the future. You can prepare for flooding by reading all sorts of advice on the GOV.UK website - prepare for flooding.

Support with home insurance from FloodRe

FloodRe was established to address the challenges faced by homeowners in high-risk flood areas, where obtaining affordable insurance can be difficult. The program works with insurers to help them offer more competitive rates for flood cover, ensuring homeowners can protect their properties from flood risks without facing high premiums. Visit the FloodRe website for more information.