What To Do After A Flood: The Claim Sequence, Drying Times And Health Precautions

Still in danger? Call 999. For flood advice, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188, 24 hours a day. For help with your mental health, call NHS 111 or the Samaritans on 116123.

This page gathers official guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Health Security Agency and the Association of British Insurers. Flood Risk Checker does not give its own health or safety advice.

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What Should You Do First After Flood Water Goes Down?

First, confirm it is safe to return and that gas, electricity and water are checked before use. GOV.UK advises: "Check with the emergency services that it's safe to return to your property," and "Do not turn on your water, gas or electricity. Get your utilities company or a qualified engineer to check they are safe before turning them back on."

The first steps, in order:

1. Check it is safe to return with the emergency services.
2. Leave utilities off until your utilities company or a qualified engineer has checked them.
3. Photograph everything before moving it; see the list below.
4. Contact your insurer to start the claim.
5. Check for further warnings on live flood warnings.
6. If you rent, Your landlord is responsible for repairs to your home if you've got flood damage.
7. If you cannot stay, Contact your local council if you need emergency housing because of flooding.

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Is Flood Water In A Home Dangerous?

Flood water can be harmful to health. The UK Health Security Agency states: "Flooding can cause a range of health problems. There may be direct effects such as physical injury, or an increased risk of developing skin or gut infections through contact with contaminated food water. Longer-term effects can include mental health problems and chest problems due to exposure to mould and damp." It also notes that In England, most of the health burden linked to flooding comes from effects on people's mental health and wellbeing.

The UK Health Security Agency's precautions when cleaning up:

Food and water, from GOV.UK: not using tap water if you notice a change in the colour, taste or smell; not eating food that's touched flood water; throwing away food from a fridge if the electricity has been off for more than 4 hours; throwing away food from a freezer if the electricity has been off for more than 24 hours.

It is normal to find this hard. The UK Health Security Agency says it is normal to experience tiredness, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety during these circumstances, and advises: If you have concerns about your own or others' mental health, or your distress continues over an extended period of time, visit your GP or call NHS 111.

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How Do You Start An Insurance Claim After A Flood?

You start an insurance claim by contacting your insurer as soon as it is safe; GOV.UK says to Contact your insurance company to start your claim - they'll tell you what to do next. The ABI advises people to consider your personal safety first and contact your insurer immediately.

The claim sequence:

1. Photograph the damage and the water line before cleaning or moving anything.
2. Call your insurer and get a claim reference.
3. Ask what you can move and throw away before you do it.
4. Keep receipts for emergency costs.
5. Expect specialists. The ABI says insurers may use a loss adjuster to assess the damage and oversee the repair process, a surveyor to oversee major building works, specialist cleaning and drying companies, and professional builders and decorators.
6. Ask about Build Back Better if your insurer offers it (see below).
7. If you have no insurance, ask your council about emergency housing and whether grants or charities can help.

How flood cover and excesses work is in flood insurance.

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What Should You Photograph And Keep?

Photograph all damage and the height the water reached before you clean, and speak to your insurer before throwing damaged items away. GOV.UK's guidance before clearing up is to take photos of any damage and the flood water line; speak to your insurance company about what you can move and throw away.

What to record and keep:

• Photos and video of every room, the water line on walls, and damaged items.
• A list of damaged items, with approximate age and value.
• Samples where practical: the ABI notes for damaged carpets, keeping a small portion may be sufficient for your insurer or it may be possible to keep a record by taking pictures.
• Receipts for emergency repairs, accommodation and cleaning supplies.
• Correspondence with your insurer, loss adjuster and landlord.

You do not have to keep hazards: the ABI says insurers they will take a practical approach and will not expect you to keep anything that is a health hazard for inspection. For items polluted by sewage or chemicals, GOV.UK advises: Contact the environmental health department at your local council to get rid of things polluted by chemicals or sewage.

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How Long Does A Flooded House Take To Dry Out?

A badly flooded house can take many months to dry out and repair. The ABI says it If your home is badly damaged by flooding, it may take up to one year or longer for your home to be restored and become habitable again, and that during incidents of major flooding the majority of people that have to leave their homes return to them within six to nine months.

Why it takes so long, according to the ABI: mainly due to the time it takes to safely decontaminate and dry out a property after it has been flooded and to undertake any repair or restoration works.

The UK Health Security Agency's guidance on drying:

1. Heating, dehumidifiers and good ventilation can help to dry out your home.
2. Get gas or oil central heating checked by a qualified engineer before turning it on.
3. Keep the thermostat between 20°C and 22°C for steady drying.
4. Ventilate safely, and never use petrol or diesel generators indoors.
5. If you have air bricks to any underfloor spaces, ensure these are unblocked to boost cross ventilation.
6. Watch for mould: As your home continues to dry out, the mould should disappear. If it persists, please contact a specialist cleaner.

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Who Repairs A Flooded Home?

If you are insured, your insurer or loss adjuster arranges and oversees the repairs, using specialists for drying, building work and decorating. If you rent, your landlord is responsible for repairs to the home.

Flood Risk Checker does not recommend repair or restoration companies. The ABI, your insurer and the National Flood Forum are the places to ask.

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Can You Make The Repair More Flood Resilient?

Yes. On resilience work, the Environment Agency notes: "Cost of works may be less if performed after a flood and as part of restoration works." Some insurers can also pay towards it through Flood Re's Build Back Better, worth up to £10,000; asked whether customers receive the full amount, Flood Re says: "Not necessarily – each Insurer sets their own limit."

What Build Back Better can pay for: carrying out surveys to understand the flood risk and potential mitigation, the addition of flood resistance measures such as flood doors, and flood resilience measures such as the replacement of damaged parts of the home with more flood resilient materials such as hard floors.

Other routes:

• A Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant, if the government has opened one for the flood you were in; see property flood resilience grant.
• Measures and costs for flood doors, air bricks and resilient repairs, in property flood resilience.

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What Support Is Available After A Flood?

Support after a flood comes from your council, Floodline, the National Flood Forum and health services. GOV.UK says You may be able to get financial support from your local council after a flood, and councils can help with emergency housing.

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floodriskchecker.co.uk is an independent website. It is not an emergency service and is not run by, or affiliated with, the Environment Agency, Defra, SEPA, Natural Resources Wales or any government body. No affiliate links or restoration-company referrals appear on this page.

Sources (Verified 17 Sep 2026)