ADVICE TO OCCUPANTS OF FLOODED PROPERTY

The following advice has been produced for occupants affected by floodwater.

Insurance

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible with full details of the damage you have suffered. It may be some time before an assessor is able to visit your property so make careful note of damage and, if possible, take photographs. If you must carry out remedial work immediately, for example, to make the property secure, keep all receipts.

Beware of cowboys and con-men

Beware of cowboys and con-men posing as workmen from the utilities offering special deals for cash. Check their identity and, if in doubt, call the utility concerned to check their credentials or contact the local Police.

Property safety

If you are in doubt as to the structural safety of your property DO NOT ENTER it, call the Building Control Office on 03450 450 500 for further advice.

Water safety

Do not drink, clean your teeth or cook with your water supply until either Cambridge Water Company or, if you have a private water supply, the Environmental Health Officers have pronounced it fit for human consumption again. Your full system needs to be flushed through to remove any possible contamination. Advice on how to carry this out can be obtained from Cambridge Water Company on 01223 403000.

Removal of damaged property contents

The Council will remove, free of charge, any damaged items of property the owner wishes to dispose of. Call 08450 450 063 and ask for special collections.

Open ground floor windows and doors to allow air to circulate. Move furniture away from walls, leave cupboards and drawers open. Remember that security is paramount during drying out.

Gas safety

DO NOT use naked flames or smoke;
TURN OFF the gas supply at the meter, open doors and windows to get rid of the gas.
DO NOT operate electric switches. Contact British Gas for assistance on 0800 111 9999.
Electrical safety - DO NOT switch on power until you have had your electrical supply and any affected appliances checked by the Electricity Company. THIS SERVICE IS FREE so beware of cowboys and con-men offering a service for a fee. Contact Eastern Energy on 0800 7838838 for assistance.

Sewage System

Any mains sewage failures will be reinstated by Anglian Water as soon as possible; they will inform you when you will be able to use the toilets on your property again. Septic tanks will need to be emptied when the water level has dropped enough to allow the normal drainage system to function. Paying to empty the septic tank too soon will only mean it acts as a sump for the local area.