Be prepared in the event of flooding

If you get advance flood warning:

Sand bags, if available, can be packed carefully across doorways etc to reduce the amount of water getting into your home.
Move valuable items, including carpets, furniture, documents and electrical goods, upstairs or place as high as possible above ground level. Move foodstuffs so that they are less likely to be contaminated by flood water.
Frail or elderly neighbours may not be aware of the flood warning, please let them know.

If water gets into your house

If water comes into contact with electricity it can be deadly! Turn off the electricity at the trip switch or fuse box. Do not switch on any electrical appliances until a competent electrician has examined each one and declared them safe for use.
Water will put out gas pilot lights and this will automatically cut off the gas supply. If in doubt, turn off the gas at the gas meter and contact your gas supplier for further advice before using the appliance again.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and list all damaged items with photographs, if possible.
Drinking water supplies may be affected by flood - seek advice from your local water supply company. If water pressure in your tap is low, or intermittent, or discoloured etc, water should be boiled before using it for human consumption - alternatively bottled water can be used. These precautions apply to water used for drinks, food preparation, ice-making and teeth cleaning. Use only boiled or bottled water for making up baby foods and refilling baby bottle sterilising units. Crockery, cutlery and food utensils should be washed in clean water and detergent and dried thoroughly.
Flooding will interfere with the mains sewage system. Anglian Water will let you know when your lavatories will be functional again. Septic tanks should only be emptied when the flood water level has dropped sufficiently to avoid immediate refilling from the surrounding land.
If you have reason to believe that the flood has affected the structural safety of your buildings, do not enter but check first with the Councils Building Control section.

When the flood water level goes down

Remove all flood water and silt deposits from your home. Do not forget hidden spaces like beneath the floorboards.
Remove all wet floor coverings to dry out. Wear rubber gloves and cover cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressings.
Dry out your home by opening all the downstairs windows and doors and allowing the air to circulate. In cold weather, keep upstairs windows and doors closed to retain some heat. Obviously security may be a problem if the house is left open and unattended.
Furniture should be removed from against the wall and propped up on bricks etc to assist in the drying process. It is advisable not to dispose of water damaged articles until you have contacted your insurance company and received clear advice.
Open and empty all water soaked cupboards and drawers so that they may dry out more quickly.
As soon as is practicable, wash all flood soaked floors, walls, fixtures and fittings, furnishings etc with hot water and detergent. Food safe disinfectants or bleach may be used for cleaning food preparation areas, storage cupboards, refrigerators and water taps etc (eg see manufacturer's label for instructions) - or alternatively, use hot water and detergent.
Flood damaged clothing, bedding and other fabric items should be laundered on as hot a wash cycle as the fabric will stand. Dry cleaning may be a suitable alternative, or disposal.
Beware of "cowboy" builders and con-men offering to repair damage "on the cheap". Always ask to see an identity card and, if in doubt, check with their employers by telephone.

Remember to protect your own health

Basic personal hygiene is most importance in these emergency conditions. Careful hand washing with clean water, soap and thorough hand drying is essential - especially after using the lavatory, handling flood water or contaminated materials and before touching or eating food.
"Ready-to-eat" foods which have, or may have, been contaminated with flood water should not be eaten and should be promptly discarded into black bin liners, or equivalent.
Sealed tinned foods are likely to be safe to eat if washed down thoroughly with detergent and clean water before being opened. Garden vegetables contaminated by flood water should be carefully washed with clean water and cooked thoroughly.
Certain "higher risk" foods which have not been in contact with flood water, such as cooked meat, milk, cream and eggs, should be consumed as soon as possible or kept cool in storage - as they will soon 'go off' and may cause food poisoning.

Keep an eye on your neighbours

All flood victims will be in more or less the same difficult situation. Some may not be able to cope as well as others. It is vital that, as far as possible, everyone works together to help out the more frail and vulnerable members of the community.
Simple things can make all the difference, like providing cups of tea, looking after children or the elderly, helping with security, letting friends and relatives know you are alright etc.

Some useful sources of advice and assistance


Company	Telephone Number
Eastern Energy (electricity)	0800 7838838
Gas Emergency	0800 111999
Environment Agency - 24 hour floodcall	0645 881188
Environment Agency - Emergency hotline	0800 80 70 60
Cambridgeshire County Council Highways	0345 045 5222
- Whittlesford Highways	01223 833717
- Witchford	01353 667826
Anglian Water - 24 hour emergencies	0345 145 145
Cambridge Water Company	01223 403000
South Cambridgeshire District Council	03450 450 500