Returning home after a flood

If your house or garden has been flooded, please read the following advice before returning home:

Safety first - you must make your own decision as to whether it is safe for you and your family to return home.

  • Check with your gas, electricity and water supplier whether it is safe to return home and whether your supplies have been reconnected.
  • Gas safety -- when you return home, make sure that all appliances were turned off. If water has covered appliances or you have any concerns you will need to contact a local CORGI registered installer before turning the supply back on. If at any time you smell gas call 0800 111 999.
  • Electrical safety — if your electricity meter EDF's main fuse has been flooded, you must ring 0800 783 8866 for essential free information before turning the supply back on. If your property has been flooded but the water has not reached your electricity meter or EDF's main fuse, it is vital that you contact an accredited electrical contractor to test your internal wiring before turning the supply back on.
  • Useful contacts: Three Valleys Water - 0845 601 4240.

Clearing up

  • Contact your insurance company before disposing of any damaged items
  • Use the skips, where provided, to then dispose of anything that cannot be salvaged
  • Allow your garden to drain fully or water to clear from your home and then hose down with water.

If your house or garden has been flooded with water contaminated with sewage, please also follow the advice below:

  • Clean garden equipment and children's play equipment with household cleaning products or diluted bleach
  • Disinfectants do not need to be used on areas such as patios because of the high volume of water which will have diluted any pollutants
  • Indoors, wash down with water to remove any film or debris and clean with household cleaning products
  • Do not use strong chemicals such as caustic soda or industrial cleaners as these could pollute rivers and streams.

For further advice about clearing up after a flood, contact the Council's Environmental Health Service on 01483 743353.

To report any problems with the main public foul and most surface water drainage systems contact Thames Water Utility on 0845 920 0800.