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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recovering-from-flooding-information-for-frontline-responders/flood-recovery-essential-information-for-frontline-responders

This guidance has been developed primarily for public health professionals and frontline responders to support their response to flooding emergencies and subsequent recovery. It contains essential information and advice to give to members of the public seeking help on how to deal with the aftermath of flooding and flood damage.

Flooding has become a more frequent occurrence in the UK. Floodwaters can contain pathogenic and non-pathogenic agents that may remain when the waters recede. As well as groundwater flooding, rivers overtopping or bursting their banks and coastal flooding, problems with sewers and farmland can lead to raw human or animal waste in floodwaters, which can be a health risk to affected populations if not cleaned-up properly.

After the waters recede, remediation and recovery needs to be undertaken to return the area back to normal, and the question remains ‘How can we clean-up effectively and efficiently?’

UKHSA, in partnership with the Environment Agency (EA), has published public guidance for flooding. This provides additional important health advice and basic precautions information on how to clean up and recover from flooding to assist local authorities and members of the public with cleaning up after the flood waters have receded.

Additions and amendments in this third version:

If insured, call your insurance company as soon as possible and follow its advice.

Take photographs before you start cleaning and ask your insurer before discarding items that cannot be cleaned (for example, mattresses and carpets).

Cleaning up in this situation can be hard physical work. Remember to rest regularly and not overdo it.

Wear rubber boots, overalls, preferably waterproof and waterproof gloves during the clean-up.

If you are scrubbing, hosing or pressure-washing, you may cause a lot of splashing and we suggest wearing a standard face mask, such as those sold by DIY stores. Eye protection such as goggles offer added protection and they can be reused after thorough washing.

Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after each clean-up session. Also wash clothes used for cleaning on a separate cycle from your other clothes.

Seek medical advice if ill.

Do not turn on electrics if they may have got wet [1]. Only turn them on when they have been checked by a qualified electrician.

Keep children and pets out of the affected area until clean-up has been completed.

Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas.

Do wash children’s hands frequently – particularly after playing outdoors and always before meals.

Do seek medical advice, as under normal circumstances, if infants are unwell with diarrhoea, fever or abdominal pain.

Do wash floodwater-contaminated toys with hot water and detergent before allowing them to be used. For soft toys, put them in a hot (60°C) machine wash, along with any other affected fabric items.

Recovery and decontamination of residential areas (for example, homes, gardens, schools and playing fields) will be required once the floodwaters have receded.

There are a range of different surface types that may need to be cleaned after a flood, the best approach to cleaning will depend on what the surface or type of material involved is (that is, wall or carpet). For example, natural weathering (and drying out) may bethe most appropriate approach for recreational areas as sunlight and natural UV radiation are effective at killing micro-organisms.

A text description of these flowcharts is below.

As identified in the decision tree, contaminated items that are beyond repair or disinfection should be removed from the property and placed in appropriate disposal bins (that is, council collection bins, skips) Objects/furnishings that could be considered for disposal include:

Take care when lifting heavy objects. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling contaminated material for disposal. Ensure, where possible, contaminated items are double bagged for disposal. Do not leave bags with contaminated food out in open areas as they will attract pests.

Wet vacuum cleaners are designed to collect residual water from both hard surfaces (floors) and some soft furnishings such as carpets. Water is collected in the vacuum and can be disposed of down foul water drains and sinks.

Where possible wear face masks and eye protection such as goggles as vacuums can produce water droplets. Do not plug in electrical equipment until it has been dried thoroughly and inspected by a qualified electrician. Do not use this as a method to remove floodwater from your home.

Dehumidifiers can be used to collect moisture from the air and can aid in drying out a property after floodwater has receded. Water is collected in the dehumidifier and can be disposed of down foul water drains and sinks.

Where possible wear face masks and eye protection when emptying the water collection tank. Do not plug in electrical equipment until it has been dried thoroughly and inspected by an appropriate specialist. Do not use this as a method to remove floodwater from your home.

Reactive liquids such as household bleach and detergents can be used effectively to remove and kill micro-organisms that may be present following floodwater contamination of surfaces in buildings (that is, homes, schools or offices). Household cleaning products and domestic detergents are widely available and can be found in most supermarkets and hardware stores. Diluted bleach can be used to mop hard floors or can be sprayed onto surfaces and then wiped off. Bleach should be left on surfaces for the contact time stated on the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure disinfection is effective. Ensure bleach residues are wiped off of surfaces.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, disposable plastic apron such as those available from DIY stores) and ensure that manufacturer’s instructions are followed correctly. Only work in ventilated spaces and do not mix bleach with other cleaning products as this could result in the release of noxious fumes.

Pressure hosing involves the use of high-powered water spray to remove surface contamination. Where possible wastewater should be collected for disposal or directed down foul water drains. Ensure that the pressure hose is connected to a clean water supply.

Only use pressure hosing in outdoor environments. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, disposable plastic apron, face mask and rubber boots (facemasks are suggested to avoid inhalation of potentially contaminated water spray).

Steam cleaning techniques use machines to spray hot detergent solution(s) onto upholstered surfaces, carpets, tapestries etc, which is then vacuumed off before the fabric becomes saturated. Steam cleaning physically extracts contaminants from materials and surfaces. The steam is applied by hand-held wands or automated systems, and the contaminated wastewater is collected for disposal and should directed down foul water drains and sinks. Steam cleaners that use hot water are not suitable for silk, viscose or cotton velvet fabrics. Steam cleaning should be used on dry items.

Where possible wear face masks as steam cleaning may produce water droplets. Do not plug in electrical equipment until it has been dried thoroughly and inspected by a qualified electrician. Use appropriate protection to prevent burns from hot water and use as per manufacturer’s instructions.

High efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) vacuum cleaners contains a very fine filter (HEPA filter), which makes it useful for this activity as it filters out biological contaminants effectively. They can only be used on dry material.

It is advisable to wear face masks as vacuums may produce dust particles. Do not plug in electrical equipment until it has been dried thoroughly and inspected by a qualified electrician.

Gentle or specialist cleaning can remove contamination from smaller objects (for example, dry cleaning of a wedding dress or gentle cleaning of jewellery) can be done after they have dried out properly. Specialist cleaners should be advised that the item has been exposed to flooding.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, disposable plastic apron).

Hot washing involves the washing of fabrics at temperatures 60°C in a washing machine. This is not suitable for delicate items of clothing or for certain fibres.

Do not plug in electrical equipment until it has been dried thoroughly and inspected by a qualified electrician. Do not hand wash clothing at high temperatures as this may result in serious burns.

Natural weathering (and drying out) includes a variety of natural processes that under favourable conditions act without human intervention to reduce the level of contamination. This option may be the most appropriate approach for recreational areas as sunlight and natural UV radiation are effective at killing micro-organisms.

Garden debris, grass and vegetation removal involves removing residual contamination by cutting the grass or collecting leaves in gardens, allotments and other recreational areas.

Do not plug in electrical equipment until it has been dried thoroughly and inspected by a qualified electrician. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling contaminated material for disposal. Ensure, where possible, contaminated material is double bagged for disposal. Do not leave bags with contaminated food (garden or allotment produce) out in open areas as they will attract pests.

Infection problems arising from floods in this country are rare. Usually any harmful bugs in floodwater become very diluted and present a low risk, but there are a few precautions to be aware of when dealing with flooding which should prevent unnecessary additional health problems:

If you feel unwell this does not necessarily mean that you are suffering from any infection. If you are concerned, then call 111. A textphone service is also available if you are deaf or hard of hearing. The textphone number is 18001 111. Alternatively, you may wish to visit your family doctor.

Avoid contact with floodwater and wash your hands regularly. Swallowing floodwater or mud can cause diarrhoea, fever or abdominal pain. Mention the flood if you see your GP with abdominal complaints that started within 10 days of being exposed to floodwater or sewage contamination.

Remember that flooding is stressful. It is normal to feel anxious, upset and experience difficulty sleeping. Take care of yourself and your family and check on elderly and vulnerable friends and neighbours. Contact friends and family for support as it can take a long time for life to return to normal.

If you can, use the usual local telephone numbers for your health services.

Where local health services are affected by flooding check the website or press for details.

Make sure your family take their medicines and attend scheduled medical appointments.

Flooding can have profound effects on people’s mental health and well-being that may continue over extended periods of time. Distress is a common reaction for people following a flood. However, distress is usually temporary – most people are resilient andcope with being flooded despite being distressed by it. Only a minority of people are atrisk of going on to develop further mental health problems. If a person’s symptoms persist, they should visit their GP who can help to identify further sources of support.

Most people’s need for support is met by persons close to them. Good social support can protect against the negative psychosocial impacts of being flooded.

While experiencing a flood is the primary cause of stress for people who are affected, it is important to remember that the stress and strain associated with dealing with cleaning up and recovery may also be a problem [3]. This is particularly the case if recovery and rebuilding is managed poorly by responding agencies and private companies. The period after an emergency response has ended and when people must rely on the private sector for continued recovery has been called the ‘recovery gap’.

Some examples of the stressors that occur during this time are:

The most appropriate approach for managing people who have been affected by flooding is based on ‘psychological first aid’. Psychological first aid is not an intervention but is a set of principles and actions that can be performed by anyone. It consists of humane, supportive responses for fellow humans who are suffering and need support. The World Health Organization’s Psychological first aid: guide for field workers provides guidance on how to conduct psychological first aid. The key features are:

It is not suggested that people who are affected, and responders, are offered single session stress debriefing [4], which is sometimes referred to as counselling.

Psychological first aid is a more appropriate response in the early stages of recovery.

However, a small minority of people are at risk of developing further mental health problems and they may require specialist mental healthcare. A number of studies have noted increases in the incidence of common conditions such as substance misuse, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder following flooding. The difference between a person experiencing distress and one who develops further mental health problems depends on a number of factors including the severity and duration of the flood, a person’s pre-existing problems, and the overall impact of the flood on each person’s life.

Flooding can lead to situations in which health, including mental health, can be put at risk, resulting in an increased burden on healthcare services and other agencies in the UK.

Emergency responders: Emergency responders should be mindful of recovery gaps. They should consider the consequences of flooding on mental health, and work with agencies responsible for managing the environments in which people live to support measures which mitigate the effects of flooding on communities.

Social care services: Agencies that are responsible for social care should recognise the vital importance of social cohesion of communities and families before disasters occur and should support its restoration as soon as possible afterwards. Restoring communications and keeping families together are key to reducing suffering and promoting recovery from flooding.

Healthcare voluntary sector services: All healthcare services and providers should be aware of the distress that flooding may cause for people who are affected. A minority of people who are affected by flooding may develop mental health problems in the medium-to-long term following flooding or may experience exacerbation of pre-existing mental health conditions.

All agencies should be mindful that some people may have been flooded more than once and there may be cumulative effects of these experiences. Understanding the length of time people have been flooded and how long they have been displaced from their homes will be important in providing support and care. Provision of practical information on the process of insurance claims, loss adjusting, alternative accommodation, building repairs and suggestions for reliable local service providers such as builders can all contribute to reducing the stress of recovery.

Anyone with concerns for their health or mental health should contact their GP for advice, or NHS 111. If you want to check that your scheduled appointment is unaffected (for example, GP, outpatient, inpatient at local hospital), use the usual local telephone numbers for your health services. In more severe circumstances, local NHS services may be issuing updates and NHS Choices is also a good source of local health service information: www.nhs.uk/service-search.

For further advice about the other health impacts of flooding see the UKHSA website at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency. The latest alerts and general flooding advice are provided by the EA and Floodline (0345 988 1188 or 0845 988 1188).

This information on flooding and mental health is also available.

Microbes and water-borne infectious diseases can be transmitted in floodwater [5] and contaminate food, food storage and food preparation areas. Furthermore, disruption to power supplies to fridges and freezers due to flooding can result in spoiling of perishable foods.

The Food Standards Agency advises people not to eat any food that has been touched or covered by floodwater or sewage. Don’t be tempted to try to salvage food that has come into contact with floodwater including tins as they may be damaged or contaminated.

Do not eat any produce grown on an allotment or garden that has been flooded, unless it has been cooked. So, ‘ready to eat’ produce such as lettuce or strawberries that were in the allotment or garden when it flooded should be thrown away. It is OK to eat produce that is to be cooked, even if it has been contaminated by floodwater, because cooking will kill any harmful germs that might be present. It is also fine to eat produce that is growing above the water and not contaminated with floodwater, for example, fruit on trees.

If you have a catering business and have been affected by flooding, ask for advice from the environmental health service at your local authority.

If your power has been cut off and your fridge has not been working for up to four hours and has remained unopened, the food inside will be safe. If your fridge has not been working for more than four hours, it is advisable to throw away the food inside.

If your freezer has not been working throw away any food that has started to get soft, including food that is intended to be eaten from frozen (for example, ice cream). Depending upon how full the freezer is, produce can remain frozen and safe for 24 hours or more if the freezer door is left unopened. However, remember the maxim ‘when in doubt throw it out’.

Always wash your hands before with warm clean water and soap and dry them especially after going to the toilet, before eating or preparing food and after being in contact with floodwater (including sewage or other items that have been in floodwater).

Use cold water to wash if warm is not available. If there is no clean water, use disposable soapy, wet wipes to [carefully clean all parts of your hands and dry them.

Remember that water conducts electricity, do not turn on gas or electrical appliances if they may have got wet [6]. Only turn them on when they have been checked by a qualified gas engineer or electrician respectively.

Clean and disinfect all work surfaces, plates, pans, cutlery, plastic/ceramic chopping boards etc. before using them with food. If you have a working dishwasher and mains water supply, this is a more efficient way to clean and sanitise smaller items. Discard wooden chopping boards and wooden spoons if contaminated by floodwater.

Thoroughly clean the inside of your fridge and food cupboards if they have been

Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash or prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or baby formula.

Put flood-damaged food in black plastic refuse sacks, double bagged if possible, seal and put out when your next refuse collection is due.

Remember to check with insurers before disposal because food may be insured. Do not be tempted to try to salvage damaged food - including tins as they may be damaged or contaminated.

If you have a catering business and have been affected by flooding, ask for advice from the environmental health service at your local authority.

The mains water supply and distribution network are not normally affected by flooding (and has not been during the recent flooding), so it is safe to use the water in the usual way. For private supplies such as a well or spring see below.

Water companies have a duty to take all necessary steps to protect public health. For example, should a water treatment works become flooded, alternative supplies will be made available, such as by bottled water or bowser, but in the meantime, consumers may be advised to boil water before drinking or temporarily stop using water for domestic purposes.

If you notice a change in water quality, such as the water becoming discoloured or a change in taste or smell, or if you are unsure, ring your local water company. While waiting for an answer, and if water is urgently required, boil all water intended for drinking or use bottled water [7].

The quality of tap water is the responsibility of your local water company, supervised by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

If there is evidence that the tap water may be contaminated, the water company will issue advice to boil the water.

If your water is a private supply such as a well or spring, then check that it has not been affected by the floodwater. If a private well or spring has been covered by floodwater, proceed with caution and ring your local authority for advice. While waiting for an answer or if in doubt, assume that the water is unsafe to drink and source an alternative supply.

Boiling water kills pathogenic bacteria, viruses and parasites but does not remove harmful chemicals, which is why sourcing an alternative supply is suggested.

Boiling water is one of the most effective ways of sanitising and killing waterborne microbes [8] and is suggested in situations where microbial contamination of drinking water could threaten public health [9].

There are three kinds of water notices for different circumstances: Boil tap water before use; Do not drink your tap water; Do not use your tap water.

If you have been advised to boil your water before use, this will be for drinking and food preparation. All water for these purposes should be brought to a boil and then allowed to cool before using. Remember that boiling water can carry a risk of scalding accidents. It is advisable to use a kettle rather than pots and pans. If you must use open containers such as pots and pans, then special care should be taken when young children or vulnerable people are involved. Keep panhandles turned inwards when boiling water in pans so that children cannot reach them. Once boiled water begins to cool it is vulnerable to recontamination from hands and kitchen utensils, so it is important that boiled water is used as soon as possible [10].

Water from the hot tap is not suitable for drinking, whether in flood circumstances or not.

If the water company has advised that the domestic supply is unsafe for drinking, then it is also inadvisable to use this for bathing infants as they may ingest some during bathing [11]. In this situation, bottled water, is a safe alternative or you can use baby wipes for hand cleansing and washing infants.

Avoid putting contact lenses into water, boiled or otherwise treated as this can lead to eye infections [12].

During flooding, both as a result of groundwater, surface water and overtopping of rivers, sewage systems may become inundated by floodwater and this floodwater may become contaminated by pathogenic organisms. However, infection problems arising from floods in the UK are rare. Despite the rarity of such events it is important to be aware of the small risk.

Raw or partially treated sewage may attract domestic animals, vermin and pests which can create an unpleasant environment (odour and sight), but also could be a risk to public health [13].

The EA and UKHSA work together. This may include risk assessment of whether significant pollution has been produced by industry or from sewagetreatment works and/or additional monitoring of watercourses. EA monitoring information is shared with UKHSA as required.

It is important to re-emphasise that washing your hands is the most important way to get rid of harmful bugs. Using warm, clean water and soap, rinsing and drying hands after going to the toilet, before eating or preparing food, after being in contact with floodwater, sewage or with items that have been in the water is the most effective way of preventing infection. Use cold water to wash if warm is not available. If there is no clean water, use disposable soapy, wet wipes or sanitising gel to carefully clean all parts of your hands and dry them.

The following options may be available to householders whose toilets cannot be used:

If you live in a flood-affected area and floodwaters have affected your property and have a septic tank system (also known as an onsite wastewater system), this may also be affected.

Wastewater from your home contains sewage from your toilet and grey-water from your bathroom, kitchen and laundry. Wastewater can contain human disease-causing micro- organisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. Diseases can be transmitted to humans from wastewater if appropriate measures are not taken although this is very rare if safe hygiene measures are followed. The safe disposal of wastewater is an essential part of protecting your health and the health of others. Ensure children and pets are kept away from wastewater affected areas.

The advice in the EA note, ‘Dealing with Septic tanks during flooding’, sets. out advice for members of the public and operators responsible for dealing with septic tanks during flooding, with suggestions for what immediate action can be taken if the septic tank is waterlogged and will not drain. In addition it sets out other options for action in the short and longer term. It also highlights sources of further information.

Septic tank systems typically comprise a concrete, plastic or fiberglass tank. In a functioning system, the solids in the wastewater settle in a primary tank, the wastewater is then discharged through pipes into soil in a designated area on your property often called a soak away or drainage field.

Failed systems are not easy to identify, however, some simple indications may include:

For septic tanks affected by floodwater – suggested immediate, short and long-term actions are:

While there is general flooding in your area:

If your septic tank system becomes covered with water:

if sewage has backed up into the house clean the area and disinfect the floor. Use a household bleach based detergent (according to manufacturer’s instructions) to disinfect the area thoroughly32 have your septic tank professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage. Only trained specialists should clean or repair septic tanks because tanks may contain dangerous gases [14]

consider connecting to the public foul sewer if possible. Your local sewerage undertaker will be able to provide details on applications for this connection

Further information on wastewater treatment systems is available on the British Water website. The EA website also has advice on the treatment and disposal of sewage where no foul sewer is available.

and some have deliberately been sited on land in the floodplain that cannot be used for development.

Normal soil on playing fields and pitches will contain bacteria and fungi, some of which are usually associated with sewage, therefore testing the soil for contamination will not add any useful information when determining the risk to public health. Although the risks cannot be completely eliminated, and some pathogens may survive in low numbers in soil for some weeks, these do not generally pose a significant threat to health. The risks of infection therefore remains low, and people using these pitches are routinely advised to take basic hygiene precautions (including washing hands after playing, before eating or drinking, thoroughly washing any cuts incurred on the field with clean water, covering cuts before playing and keeping their tetanus immunisation up-to-date). Any additional micro-organisms deposited by the floods could be expected to decay rapidly as the pitch dries out in sunlight.

Where sports fields and pitches have been flooded, gross contamination (litter, rubbish etc carried in by the flood) should be removed. Wear protective clothing – waterproof boots, plastic apron and gloves – while cleaning up. Cover any open cuts with waterproof plasters. Wash your hands with soap and water after being in contact with floodwater or items that have been contaminated and always wash your hands before eating or preparing food. Following this, the appropriate action to return the pitch to a good playing condition should be carried out according to professional advice.

Following a flood some people consider using outdoor equipment such as petrol or diesel-powered tools, camping stoves and generators inside for drying, heating, cooking, and power supply.

However petrol or diesel generators and other fuel driven equipment (including fuel- driven DIY equipment) should never be brought indoors or other enclosed spaces. It is advisable to place equipment outdoors 20 feet or at a safe distance from air entering the building, with the exhaust facing away from windows or doors (air intakes) so the exhaust gas is not drawn indoors. The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide which can quickly build up to poisonous levels without good ventilation which involves keeping doors and windows open whenever possible.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when fossil fuels such as gas, petrol, diesel, coal, coke, oil and other fuels such as wood and charcoal burn without enough air. Incorrectly installed, poorly maintained or poorly ventilated heating and cooking devices are the main sources. Exposure to high indoor levels can be fatal, while exposure to lower levels can result in symptoms that resemble flu, viral infections or food poisoning.

Headache, tiredness, difficulty in thinking clearly and feeling sick are the most common symptoms. Drowsiness, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pains may also be experienced. Prolonged exposure to low levels of CO over a long period of time can cause harm to health, often leading to lasting neurological damage in victims.

It is important to have all appliances which use fossil fuels (and wood) installed and serviced at least annually by a suitably qualified, reputable and registered engineer, and that they are operated according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Do not turn on appliances which use fossil fuels (and wood) if they may have got wet until checked by a qualified engineer.

Carbon monoxide monitors can be placed in the area where potential sources of CO exist. These monitors should be equipped with audible alarms to warn people when CO concentrations are too high. However, these alarms should not be seen as an alternative to following the above guidance or the use of caution.

Car batteries are usually the lead-acid type which contain 35% sulphuric acid. They may be covered by floodwaters and their safe handling in recovery is important; older batteries may leak acid, so it is advisable to use rubber gloves when handling them. Car batteries are normally disposed of via civic amenity sites.

Floodwater may have displaced containers of hazardous chemicals such as cleaning products, garden pesticides and domestic heating oil from their normal storage places in the home. Wear rubber gloves to handle any of this packaging. Further information, particularly on domestic heating oil spills, is available at UKHSA.

Oil films may be seen floating on the floodwaters both inside buildings and surrounding areas. It is suggested that these films should not be disturbed and exposure to them should be avoided as skin exposure may cause a variety of skin conditions.

Floodwaters should be allowed to subside and any remaining oil contamination in accessible areas in domestic settings can be removed by using a detergent solution and washing the surface down after initial cleaning has been carried out. In inaccessible areas such as under floorboards it may present an odour problem but is not necessarily a health hazard. Further advice should be sought from environmental health staff if the odour persists or if you are particularly concerned about it for other reasons. Oil pollution and other contaminants can also be reported to the EA pollution incident freephone number 0800 80 70 60 (24h service)

Petrol films may be seen floating on the floodwaters both inside buildings and surrounding areas. It is suggested that these films should not be disturbed and exposure to them should be avoided as skin exposure may cause a variety of skin conditions and the vapour may be irritating to eyes and lungs. Floodwaters should be allowed to subside and on contact with the ground, the petrol should evaporate.

Additionally, normal practice is to remind people not to smoke or have fire sources such as matches in the vicinity of petrol films.

Avoid enclosed areas that may be chemically contaminated, such as garages and cellars where concentrations of fumes may build up once the flood waters have receded. Before entering, ensure such confined areas have good ventilation, with doors and windows open, and do not allow children and animals to enter.

Do not turn on gas or electrics if they may have got wet. Only turn them on when they have been checked by a qualified gas engineer or electrician respectively.

Sandbags tend to retain contaminants such as sewage and oils when they come into contact with floodwater. Ensure you wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling. If sandbags are contaminated by floodwater you should take them to your localcivic amenity site and inform the staff that they have been contaminated. Where this is not possible you should seek advice from your local authority as to whether any other options are available to dispose of the sandbags. Do not place full sandbags or the sand in your household waste. Do not allow children to play with the sand or place it in sand pits due to the risks from possible contamination.

If in doubt, contact your local authority environmental health department for advice and the location of your nearest civic amenity site.

The EA’s sandbag disposal advice states:

Unused sandbags are not regarded as waste. Bags are best stored empty and dry. Used sandbags, that have come into contact with floodwater, are regarded as waste. Local authorities should be familiar with disposal options. For uncontaminated sand the likely disposal route will be through normal inert waste routes (usually inert waste landfill). For uncontaminated bags, made of compostable material, such as hessian, they can go for composting.

Those made of non-compostable materials such as polypropylene, should be recycled if possible, or disposed by incineration or landfill. Sand and bags contaminated with hazardous substances, such as oil, are likely to need disposing of as hazardous waste.

If sandbags need to be stored temporarily while awaiting disposal it is best to lay them out so they can dry rather than stacking them. It is highly unlikely there is any risk of microbial infection during the drying out process, but it is best to choose an area away from pets and children, preferably in direct sunlight to hasten the weathering process.

Stay with friends or family or ask your local authority to help you find alternative accommodation if your home has been damaged by floodwater.

Only return to your home when essential repairs and cleaning have been completed.

If you have gas or oil central heating and it has been checked by an engineer, turn it on. Keep the thermostat between 20 to 22 degrees centigrade for steady drying.

If you are drying your property naturally, keep doors and windows open as much as possible. If using dehumidifiers, close external doors and windows. If dehumidifiers are powered by generator, make sure the generator is outside at a safe distance from building air intakes.

Ensure that if you have air bricks under any floor spaces that these are unblocked to give cross-ventilation to these areas. As floorboards and walls continue to dry out, any loose material and dust resulting from this should be vacuumed up on a regular basis.

Mould and fungal spores are common, and we are constantly exposed to these sporesas part of normal everyday living. The main key to controlling mould is to control the moisture levels in the environment. Hence after flooding:

Most people will not encounter any health problems as we are constantly exposed to mould and fungal spores as part of normal everyday living. However, if you believe that you have extensive fungal growth in your property and that your health might be affected, you should consult your GP. It is important to note that there is medical evidence linking prolonged exposure to high levels of mould with exacerbation of asthma and eye/nose irritation in some individuals.

Infections in pets during and after periods of flooding in this country are very rare and usually any harmful bacteria in floodwater become very diluted and present a low risk. However, swallowing floodwater, mud or, most importantly, rubbish/foreign materials that have been brought into the garden by the flood waters, can cause stomach upsets or diarrhoea. There area few precautions to be aware of which should prevent health problems:

Other practical information about reoccupying your flood damaged property and restoring it to a home can be found on the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) website and latest government flood support schemes can be found on the government website.

Rats can move into homes due to flooding of their nests, but they are generally wary of humans. If normal waste collection services are disrupted for any reason, the build-up of waste may attract rats and other pests.

Store your rubbish in hard bins, or if this is not possible, try to keep rubbish bags in a place away from your home.

If you handle rubbish bags that you think rats may have contaminated with urine or droppings, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Avoid approaching or cornering rats. If you are bitten by a rat then seek medical advice and be sure to mention the exposure to rats.

If you have to pick up a dead rat, wear gloves and dispose of the rat in a plastic bag. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards.

Flood clean-up may involve renovation, removal, demolition or salvage of flood damaged structures and materials. Such materials may contain asbestos.

Contact your local authority as they will be able to advise on the best method for disposal, as materials such as sprayed asbestos coatings, asbestos insulation, asbestos lagging and asbestos insulating board should only be removed and disposed of by a licensed contractor.

Specialised licensed asbestos removal companies will be able to undertake specialist removal, these will be listed in your local telephone directory.

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

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