Once the floodwaters recede

Flooding and Public Health

When floodwater recedes it will leave a muddy deposit, which may have been contaminated with sewage, animal waste and other contaminants.  Harmful micro-organisms in flood water are very diluted and though previous experience with other floods has shown that they present a low risk, there are a few precautions to be aware of when dealing with flooding. If you follow the basic advice below you should not experience any additional health problems.

What are the likely hazards to me and my family?

• Stomach upsets - Human and animal faeces can contain a variety of harmful organisms.
• Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease)- following flooding in the UK it has not been commonly detected.
• Electrocution - Your local Electricity Board will be checking main supplies.

Before you start the clean up

Put your own safety first at all times!

• Avoid electrical shock, wear rubber boots. Keep electrical extension cables out of water. If you have any doubts about the safety of gas or electrical systems get professional advice.
• Make sure all electrical appliances are properly switched off before electricity is restored.
• If your fuse board or sockets have been submerged do not switch the power on until the system has been checked by an electrician.
• If your gas meter or any gas appliance has been submerged, contact the British Gas emergency freephone 0800 111 999 before switching the gas on or trying to light any appliance.
• Record details of any damage with photographs or video if possible.
• Contact your insurance company.
• Work out an action plan to: remove all  water, mud and other debris. Rinse away contamination inside the house. Remove the rinse water, disinfect and dry out your home and salvageable possessions.
• Assemble equipment and supplies: ensure you have gloves, masks and other protective gear, buckets, mops, squeegees, plastic bags, bleach, detergent and also containers for soaking bedding and clothing, and lines to hang them to dry. You may also need to hire extension cables, submersible pumps, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, dehumidifiers or space heaters.
• Valuable papers that have been damaged should be stored in a freezer until you have time to work on them.

Cleaning your home

• Use a domestic disinfectant making sure you follow the manufacturer's directions.
• Food preparation surfaces, storage cupboards, refrigerators, etc., should have a final wash down with food-safe disinfectants.
• Allow all cleansed areas to thoroughly dry, this will also help to destroy any germs left behind.
• Heating and good ventilation will help with the drying process.

Clothing and bedding

Clothing, bedding and other soft/fabric articles including children's toys should be washed at the highest temperature possible as indicated on the manufacturer's instructions. Other soft furnishings that cannot be put in the washing machine will have to be professionally cleaned - if this is not possible, dispose of the article.

Reoccupation of your home

It is recommended that you only move back into affected rooms once the cleaning has been carried out. Be aware that further work may have to be carried out on the advice of your insurance company.

Other useful tips

• Try and have some heating on at all times to help the property dry out.
• The use of a dehumidifier is highly recommended.
• Ensure your home is well ventilated. Leave windows open as much as possible.
• Ensure that airbricks to any underfloor spaces are unblocked to ensure a free flow of air.