Listen for local warning… Local councils usually provide slips and extra rubbish collections for items you can throw away. Always make your own record of flood damage: If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible. By continuing to browse or by clicking “Continue,” you agree to the storing of first- and third-party cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Avoid moving water. Turn off the electricity. When contractors are called to help with the The guidance document provides advice on the They will confirm what repairs and replacements are needed and which elements are covered by your policy. Avoid Moving Water. Home 7 Signs a Tree May Be About to Fall, Bedbugs: How to Avoid Bringing Them Home from Your Vacation, "Have fun, but be safe, while using Pokémon Go on your mobile device", "Could Germ From Cat Poop Trigger Rage Disorder in People? Moving water only 6 inches deep can literally sweep you off your feet, according to the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA). If you believe you have been scammed, you can report it to Action Fraud. If your insurance company covers you for loss of perishable good, make a list of all the foods you throw away. and ballasts, motors, and electronic products. Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment is available Keep doors and windows open to dry out your property or use a dehumidifier with the windows and doors closed. Repairs. Turn2us is a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially, Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), use sites like Trustmark to find registered tradespeople, National Flood Forum Blue Pages for flood protection products, farmers should consider moving livestock and equipment away from areas likely to flood, avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water, move family, pets and valuables to a safe place, turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it is safe to do so, stay in a safe place with a means of escape, you’re at risk of flooding due to small watercourses, because they flood extremely quickly and we can't give enough time to take preventative action, you're at risk of flooding due to surface water, groundwater or sewage flooding, our monitoring network or forecasts do not cover that location, Tune into your local radio station for updates, take care as there may be hidden dangers in floodwater, such as sharp objects, raised manhole covers and pollution, flood water might have caused structural damage to your property, How long it will be before the loss adjuster visits, If you are to clean your property or if they will get a company to do it for you, If they will help pay for repairs that will reduce potential flood damage and therefore reduce costs if it happens again. Tags disaster recovery disasters emergencies emergency plans emergency preparedness floods. • Check if util­ity sup­plies have been af­fected. Please help us distribute this resource by sending to your Texas After the bleach has been added, run water from an outside hose into the well casing until you smell chlorine coming from the hose. DO NOT touch sources of electricity when standing in flood … Dispose of used sandbags at your local tip. Once the roads are open and safe to drive on, buy about 50 pounds of dry ice to keep the freezer as cold as possible for the next two days, advises the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). always check identification - legitimate callers will be happy to wait outside your property while you call their organisation to verify their identification, check trade body approval or certification, don't not feel pressured to commit on the day. Coping with a natural disaster can cause an incredible amount of emotional distress, but take it one step at a time. Things to Remember After the Flood. If your car is a borderline case, or you don't have confidence in your or your mechanic's attempts to dry it out and repair it, consider pushing your insurance company to declare the car a total loss. If you do not have insurance, your local council should be able to provide information on hardship grants or charities that may be able to help you. There will be plenty more to do in the coming days and weeks, and you may need the help of contractors. It may be electrically charged from downed power lines. Warnings cover smaller, community-level areas where we expect to see flooding of properties from rivers or the sea. For more information on what you need to do to your home after a flood, please refer to the Canadian Mortgage and … You may be told to boil it before drinking or rely on bottled water. Remove all photographs, damaged books and heirlooms from the house and place them away from harm. You should take pet food and remember to put cats and small animals in a pet carrier or secure box. We issue three types of warnings to help you prepare for flooding and take action: Alerts cover large areas where flooding is possible from rivers or the sea. Even if the floodwaters have receded, they may have weakened the road and it could collapse, according to FEMA. Updated. for download If your home is uninhabitable, you may need food, supplies, and accommodation contact your local emergency services for immediate help. Start preparing for a flood before it happens. Don’t rush back into your home. A Georgia State University graduate, she has over 6 years of editorial experience and has written for The Guardian, The Atlantic, The Billfold, among other outlets. Muriel Vega is a writer with a passion for budget travel and staying safe while abroad. It also suggests rinsing any muddy photos or papers (not books) in a bucket of cold, clean water before drying. That's What I Thought, How to Keep Your Food Safe During a Power Outage, The Verification Code Scam: Don't Fall for It, 3 Things You Should Never Put in Your Safe-Deposit Box — and 6 Things You Should, 13 Health Symptoms Dog Owners Should Never Ignore, 8 Signs You May Have a Problem with Your Electrical Wiring, Timber! Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organization. damage assessment, it is important they understand what electrical products can Find out how we forecast floods and issue warnings. • Do not go sight­see­ing. Flood Cleanup and Expert Guidance ServiceMaster Restore® is by your side with our genuine commitment to get you safely and effectively from crisis to resolution after a flood. Instead, call an electrician to turn it off, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Don’t turn on the power or plug in any appliances until an electrician tells you it’s safe, advises UL. If you require specific advice your local authority’s trading standards department and local police force will be able to help you. Include any food touched by flood water and anything in your fridge or freezer ruined by loss of power. • Do not en­ter flood­wa­ters. This way, according to FEMA, you can make the decision of when to turn it back on based on when your home dries out.