Stay safe and well after the flood

There are a number of things you can do to keep safe and healthy after the floods.

Electricity:

The electricity should remain off until the system has been checked by a qualified electrician to make sure it is free of trapped water or moisture. All electrical appliances exposed to floodwater should also be checked.
If any of the Yorkshire Electricity equipment has been submerged, please contact the emergency call centre on 0800 375 675 to report the circumstances and to seek their advice.

Gas:

Water and mud may enter gas systems during the flood. Even if the appliances light and appear to be working normally, the flue or ventilation system could be compromised. All appliances in properties which have been flooded should be inspected by a CORGI registered engineer. You can contact a CORGI engineer by looking in YELLOW PAGES or via the CORGI helpline: 0800 371782.
If you smell gas in your home call Transco immediately on 0800 111 999

Water:

Mains supply water should not be affected by flooding and your company will advise you if your drinking water requires treatment prior to use. However, be vigilant and run taps to make sure. If you suspect the mains supply water is contaminated contact Yorkshire Water on 0845 1242424.

Food and drink:

You should not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash or prepare food or make ice.
Instead you should use boiled water, which has then been allowed to cool, to wash food which is to be eaten raw, while food preparation surfaces, dishes and other utensils can be cleaned with hot tap water and detergent.
For drinking you must boil the water first or drink bottled water. However if there is a bottle-fed baby in the house boil their water as some bottled water is unsuitable for babies, as it has too many salts for their kidneys to manage.
You should ensure all surfaces are clean and disinfected and free from contamination, that damaged articles and food have been discarded and that the taps have been cleaned before use.
Damaged articles and food should be discarded and all other food kept away from flood damaged areas. Any food that has been damaged or you suspect has been exposed, including food in tins, should be discarded as it may be contaminated with sewage and chemicals left from the floodwater.
Check to see if any food has an unusual odour, colour or texture, including food from a fridge or freezer and get rid of anything that does not seem right.
Food containers with screw tops or snap lids should be discarded, as they cannot be safely disinfected.
Do not eat garden or allotment vegetables that have been contaminated with floodwater - leave in the ground for two weeks and then use them after thorough and careful washing and cooking.

Other health issues:

Ensure you and your family wash thoroughly with soap and hot water if they come into contact with floodwater or silt, and cover any cuts with plasters.
If you or a family member accidentally swallows mud or contaminated water and you become ill contact your doctor and state that your house was flooded.
While the property is drying out vacuum any dust or dirt.
Launder clothing and bedding, including children’s soft toys, at 60°C or above and discard items that cannot be cleaned by putting them out for collection, but remember to keep evidence of these for your insurer.
Do not allow young children to play on timber floors, damaged tiled floors, in floodwater or areas that have been contaminated, until they have been dry cleaned, mended or exposed to sunlight for several days. This includes grassed and paved areas outside of the home.