"The flooding was so bad it ruined everything. I don't know if I can bring myself to go back there. It doesn't feel like my home anymore."

Every year flood damage costs millions of pounds. It will take a long time before you can get your life back to normal following a flood.

Health and safety

•Do open your doors and windows to ventilate your home. It takes a brick about an inch a month to dry out. Do take care to ensure your house is secure. Remember to unblock airbricks and doorways.

•Do wash your hands with disinfectant if you come into contact with the water directly. Watch out for any broken glass or nails while you're clearing up.

•Do check in Yellow Pages under Flood Damage for suppliers of cleaning materials or equipment to dry out your property.

•Do wash taps and run them for a few minutes before use. Mains tap water should not be contaminated but check with your local water company if you're concerned.

•Don't attempt to operate any damaged electrical goods until they have been checked by a certified electrical engineer. Floodwater conducts electricity.

•Don't attempt to operate any gas appliances until a certified gas engineer has checked them. Be careful with naked flames. Gas pockets, oil and other contaminants can build up in and around floodwater

•Don't eat food that has come into contact with the water - floodwater contains sewage and other contaminants.

•Don't walk through fast flowing water in the home or outside - floodwater can be fast moving. Just six inches of water can knock you off your feet. Be careful of holes and dips when moving around. Use a stick to gauge depth.

Insurance

•Do telephone your insurance company's 24 hour Emergency Helpline as soon as possible. They will be able to provide information on dealing with your claim, and assistance in getting things back to normal.

•Do commission immediate emergency pumping / repair work to protect the property from further damage. This can be undertaken without insurer approval (remember to get receipts).

•Do get advice where detailed, lengthy repairs are needed. Your insurer or loss adjuster can give advice on reputable contractors / tradesmen. Be aware of bogus tradesmen.

•Do check with your insurer if you have to move into alternative accommodation as the cost is normally covered under a household policy.

•Do make sure your insurance company knows where to contact you if you have to move out of your home

•Do make notes to assist your insurer in dealing with your claim, including:

• time of flood warning
• time the flood waters entered your home
• the maximum depth of the flood (this can be marked on a wall)
• how long the flood water was in your home
• presence of any contaminants (e.g. oil, sewage, etc)
• what damage was done to building (walls, floors, etc) and contents (carpets, sofas, electrical goods). If possible, take pictures of what was damaged ·

•Do try to keep an inventory of correspondence after the flood (e.g. letters to Local Authority, builders, your insurer, Loss Adjuster, etc)

Insurance information from the Association of British Insurers - for more information check their website

Restoring your property

•Do check the external walls and roof of your home for structural damage to make sure it is safe to enter. If necessary, contact your Local Authority for advice

•Do leave all the internal / external doors and windows open in the house where possible. This will help walls and floors to dry out.

•Do take up sections of damaged floorboards, carpet, wall tiles, wet furnishings - clean off mud and contaminants, wash with disinfectant and leave them to dry outside if possible

•Do contact your local authority for more information on how to deal with saltwater floods. Seawater damage from flooding causes additional problems in the form of corrosion.

•Do contact English Heritage for advice on repairs to listed buildings (Tel: 01793 414910)

•Don't attempt to dry out paper or photographs. Place them in a plastic bag and if possible place them in the fridge.

•Don't panic if you feel you can't cope. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau and other organisations may be able to help if you feel under pressure - check their number in the Phone Book.

•Don't think it can't happen again. Restock your supplies

Restoration Information provided by the Building Research Establishment, Good Building Guide 11 'Repairing Flood Damage'. Four factsheets available, price £14.50 from http://www.brebookshop.com/. Tel: 01923 6642000. Email: construction@bre.co.uk

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