What to do if your property has been flooded
Recovering from a flood can be challenging, but following these important steps will help you navigate the process and protect your safety:
Contact your insurance company
Get in touch with your insurer as soon as possible to report the flood and arrange for a loss adjuster to assess the damage.
Ensure safety before returning
Before entering your property, confirm with emergency services that it is safe to return. Floodwaters can hide dangers like contaminated water, structural issues, or electrical hazards.
Handle property clean-up safely
When cleaning your property, always use protective equipment such as gloves and masks. Follow safety guidelines from local authorities and waste management services when disposing of damaged items.
Renters: notify your landlord
If you're renting, inform your landlord and contact your contents insurance provider to discuss next steps.
Record and manage damage
Take photographs or videos of the damage and keep an inventory of all affected belongings. Document all communications with your insurance company and any repair or disposal actions.
For more in-depth information on flood recovery, including safety, waste disposal, and dealing with insurers, visit the National Flood Forum’s website.
Tell us about the impact of flooding
It’s important that we continue collecting information about the impacts of the flooding. You can help by providing information by completing this questionnaire. Find out more about this survey from the Environment Agency.