Advice and support - after a flood
You should:
-
Check water quality is drinkable. Contact Scottish Water on
0845 600 8855 if you are unsure.
-
Wait for confirmation that it is safe to turn on electricity and
gas.
-
Get an electrician to check affected electrical products flood
before using them.
-
Wash hands thoroughly after contact with flood water or
silt.
-
Contact your insurance company, and make an inventory of all
damaged goods, including food.
-
Dispose of contaminated food in a black bag and put out with
normal refuse. Contact insurers before disposing of
anything.
-
Take extra care when preparing food.
-
Ensure surfaces are clean and disinfected and free from
contamination.
-
Keep food away from damaged areas that harbour germs.
-
Keep exposed food in a sealed container.
-
Make sure taps are clean before using them for the first
time.
-
Always wash your hands before preparing food.
-
Do not try to salvage damaged food.
- Food containers with screw tops or snap lids should be
discarded as they cannot be safely disinfected
-
If there is a bottle-fed baby in the house make sure their water
is boiled and do not use bottled water unless it is recommended by
a doctor or health visitor. Some bottled water is unsuitable
for babies.
-
If you swallow mud or contaminated water contact your doctor
immediately.
-
Replace any manhole covers that may have become dislodged if you
can do this safely without risk to yourself.
-
Keep children and pets away from floodwater. Ensure
affected areas have been thoroughly cleaned and dried out before
allowing children to play on them.
-
Check that paving has not become hazardous or dislodged
-
Is your ground floor timber? Do you need to pump out water
under the floor?
-
Is your home secure? Do not leave doors unlocked if you are
leaving your home empty.
- Beware of rogue traders trying to cash in on flood damage.
-
Ask tradesmen for identification. All gas, electricity,
Scottish Water, and Council staff carry identification.
- Clean and make safe any dangerous, contaminated and slippery
surfaces.
Flooding can be a very traumatic event. If you need
emotional or financial support there are a number of agencies you
can contact:
- The Samaritans will provide emotional support and can be called
on 01738 626 666.
- Contact your bank to try and arrange a holiday from mortgage
payments if required.People caring for an adult can contact the
Carers Centre on 01738 567 076.
- The British Insurers
Association provides help and advice on insurance matters.
