Coping After a Flood - Eye on Calderdale

Returning home after a flood

Once the floodwater has receded and it’s safe to return home, you may be faced with a distressing scene. Even a small amount of water can cause serious damage to your property and belongings - some items may need to be replaced entirely.

Always wear gloves when handling anything that has come into contact with floodwater. Floodwater often contains harmful bacteria and germs that can pose health risks.

Steps to take after you have been impacted by flooding

+ Step one: Contact your insurer

If you have insurance

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and follow their advice carefully. Keep notes of all conversations and save any emails or letters. Ask how soon a Loss Adjuster will visit and whether you should clean up or wait. A Loss Adjuster will check the damage, so don’t throw anything away or start repairs until they say it’s okay. To support your claim, take photos or videos, list damaged items, mark the highest flood level on your walls, and keep a small sample of damaged materials like carpet if needed.

If you don’t have insurance or need extra help

If you’re not insured, contact Calderdale Council or Citizens Advice. They may help with grants or put you in touch with support charities. Once any inspection is done, you can also ask the Council about collecting damaged items. Be careful leaving items outside, as people may think they’re being thrown away.

+ Step two: Stay safe with gas and electricity

Electricity safety

Do not switch your electricity back on straight away. A qualified electrician should check all systems and appliances first. Any electrical equipment that has been in contact with floodwater must be inspected. Never touch wet electrical items unless you are sure the power is off.

For more information, see:

Northern PowerGrid’s electrical safety leaflet.

Gas safety

Floodwater can damage gas systems. Even if your appliances seem to work, parts like flues or ventilation could be unsafe. Always have your gas appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer before using them again.

For more information, see:

Gas Safety help and advice.

+ Step three: Stay safe around floodwater

Health and contamination

Floodwater can contain sewage, animal waste, and other harmful substances. Avoid touching it, or anything it has covered, unless you are wearing protective clothing and gloves. Throw away any food that may have been in contact with floodwater, including tinned food. Find out more about how to stay safe and well.

Staying safe around floodwater

Be careful when walking through floodwater, as there may be hidden dangers like debris, open manholes, or slippery surfaces. Move slowly and carefully. Avoid enclosed spaces such as garages or cellars, as they may contain dangerous fumes until they have been properly cleaned and aired out.

+ Step Four: Water use and health

Using water safely

Boil all tap water before using it until Yorkshire Water says it is safe to drink. This includes any spring water used for drinking or preparing food.

Protecting your health

If there is a risk of chemical contamination, get advice from your local council before returning home. Keep children and pets away from flooded areas until they have been properly cleaned. Wash hands often, using bottled or cooled boiled water if needed, and clean children’s toys before they are used again.

+ Step five: Look after your health

Physical health

If you feel unwell, especially with flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor straight away.

Mental wellbeing

Flooding can be stressful and exhausting. Take care of your mental health as well as your physical health. Don’t rush to clean up — set realistic goals and take breaks when you need to.

+ Step six: Ventilate safely

Ventilation and mould

Open windows and doors to let fresh air into your home, but make sure your property stays secure. Flooding can cause mould, which can be harmful, especially for people with asthma, allergies, or weaker immune systems.

Using equipment safely

Never use petrol or diesel-powered generators, dehumidifiers, or pressure washers indoors unless there is proper ventilation, as they can give off dangerous fumes.

+ Step seven: Watch out for rogue traders

Choosing a trader

Be careful of people offering building or repair work after a flood. Always ask for a written quote that includes a proper business address and landline phone number.

Checking they’re trustworthy

Before agreeing to any work, check the trader is registered with the government’s Buy With Confidence scheme.