07 May 2026
What to do after your property has flooded
3 minutes
For many homeowners across the UK, flooding remains a real consideration.
A flood brings with it risk and emotional stress; you need to look after yourself and those around you as you focus on clean-up and repair. If you’re unfortunate enough to have been flooded, then here are some tips to help you stay safe and start the clean-up process.
Your local area
If flood waters are starting to recede and you must walk or drive somewhere, then remember the following dangers still exist:
- Additional flooding or flash floods can occur – use local alerts and warning systems to get ongoing information and expert advice. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur
- Avoid floodwaters – water may be contaminated by oil, petrol, or raw sewage.
- Stay away from other damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or a relief organisation
- Stay on firm ground – standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines
- Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car
- Flood debris may hide animals or broken bottles, manhole covers may be missing, and it’s also slippery, so take extra care
- Roads may be closed because they are damaged or still flooded, so take note of barricades and take another route if you come across one
- Areas usually familiar to you make look different as floodwaters often erode roads and walkways.
Entering your property after a flood
- Find out from emergency services if it’s safe to re-enter your property
- Switch off your power supply at the consumer unit. Flood water from an external source can be contaminated with harmful chemicals or sewage and may compromise your electrical supply and appliances.
- Service damaged septic tanks and anything else containing raw sewage as soon as possible – damaged sewer systems are serious health hazards
- • Check with your local water supply company to find out whether the tap water supply is safe to drink
- When you enter the property wear protective clothing and be careful – there may be contamination and hidden damage, particularly in the foundations
- Dispose of items which have been contaminated by flood water and which cannot be cleaned or made safe but take photographs first. This will assist with any insurance claim.
- Clean and disinfect any items which are wet and can be saved
- Once the flood water has receded and it is safe to do so, use dehumidifiers to help the drying out process – these should be provided by your insurer. Take an electricity reading as the significant running costs of the dehumidifiers can often form part of your insurance claim.
- Keep a manageable schedule – make a list and do jobs one at a time.
Repairing your property
The damage to your home from a flood can be extensive – and it may take longer than you think to get your home back to normal. You may need:
- Specialist cleaning and drying companies to salvage your personal belongings and dry out your home, including specialist drying equipment
- A surveyor to plan and oversee any major structural works
- Professional builders to carry out the repairs or rebuild
- Decorators to add the final touches.
Your flood insurance
- Notify your insurance company as soon as possible, the sooner you report the matter the sooner the clean-up process can get underway
- Remember to take photos of all items you are disposing of – your insurer may request photographic evidence to assist with the claims process
- Check the alternative accommodation provision in your insurance policy. You may need to move out of your home whilst it’s made habitable.
Using a broker for your flood insurance
A specialist insurance broker, such as Howden, can support you in arranging flood insurance that reflects your individual circumstances. This typically involves taking the time to understand your property, its location and construction, and any preventative or resilience measures you have put in place.
In the event of a flood, your broker can act as a point of contact between you and your insurer, helping to guide you through the claims process, explain next steps and support ongoing communication. This can help reduce complexity at what is often a challenging time.
Using a broker can provide access to market insight, specialist knowledge and ongoing support, helping you make informed decisions about your insurance cover.
To speak to us about your home insurance, call 020 8256 4901 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk