Flood help and advice

What to do in a flood

• Never put yourself in any danger
• If you are at immediate risk of flooding, call the fire service on 999. Find contacts for non-emergency situations
• Do not walk, cycle, or drive through flood water:
  • There could be hidden dangers like sharp objects and raised manhole covers
  • The water could be polluted
  • If you get stuck, you add to the burden on the emergency services. You may put other lives at risk
• Block any air bricks in your property to prevent flood water coming in
• Move pets and valuable items upstairs or to a place of safety
• Check on elderly and vulnerable friends, family and neighbours and offer help if possible
• Turn off your electricity and gas supply
  • Do not touch any electrical appliances, cables or equipment if you are standing in flood water
  • Do not touch any appliances that have been immersed in flood water
  • Do not touch your gas and electricity supply until it is inspected by a qualified electrician or enginee             
• Avoid contact with flood water. Wash your hands regularly with clean water and soap. Swallowing flood water or mud can cause diarrhoea, fever, or abdominal pain

What to do after a flood

• Read Government guidance on what to do after a flood
• Find out how to cope with the emotional impact of a flood

Further information

Advice for livestock owners

The Animal and Plant Health Agency advises that any Norfolk livestock keeper who is usually unable to move animals due to standstill measures, can move animals to a safer location if they are at risk from floodwater. Livestock keepers will need to phone the Animal Health Regional Office on 01284 778150 to apply for a retrospective movement licence via the duty vet.

Where possible, animals should be moved to a piece of land where there are no other animals. The piece of land the animals are moved to will be subject to standstill measures from the time they arrive.

Rogue trader warning

If you are approached by someone who can repair flood damage to your house, garden or business premises, Trading Standards advise you to be wary of rogue traders.You could be left with shoddy workmanship, end up out of pocket, or even find problems are made worse.

How to ensure repairs are successful:

• Before you organise any repairs, contact your insurance company. Some insurance companies may arrange approved traders to repair damage on your behalf. If you organise your own repairs, check what will be covered
• Avoid any cold callers that may turn up offering to carry out repairs
• Use known reputable traders you have chosen yourself, or a member of our Trusted Trader scheme
• Ask traders to provide you with written contact details. Get at least three written quotes (not estimates) from different traders if possible
• Keep back part of the cost until the repair job has been satisfactorily completed. This will provide an incentive for the trader to complete the job or put right any problems