After a flood
Checked 23 Oct 2026
The days after a flood are hard. Take them one step at a time, and put safety first.
Guides
- After a flood: the first two days, safelyThe first steps after a flood in the UK: going back in safely, gas and electrics, food, cleaning up, photographing damage, and what your insurer needs.
- Drying out a house after a flood: timeline and kitHow drying out a flooded UK home works: how long it takes, heating, dehumidifiers and ventilation, cleaning safely, drying certificates, and when repairs can start.
- Flood-resilient repairs: sockets, floors and plasterRepairs that make the next flood less damaging: sockets, floors, walls and kitchens.Being written
Before you go back in
Check with the emergency services that it's safe to return. Don't turn on your water, gas or electricity: GOV.UK says to get your utilities company or a qualified engineer to check they're safe first.
Electrical Safety First says all electrical equipment affected by a flood must be professionally checked and tested before it's used again.
For your insurer
Take photos of the damage and of the water line on the walls before you clean up, then call your insurer. If you rent, repairs to the building are your landlord's job. If you're not insured, ask your council what help is available.
Building back better
Some insurers offer Flood Re's Build Back Better: up to £10,000 towards flood resilience measures when your home is repaired after a claim. It's only available where your insurer offers it, so ask them or your broker.
Sources
- After a flood (GOV.UK), checked 23 Oct 2026
- Electrical safety after a flood (Electrical Safety First), checked 23 Oct 2026
- Flood Re Build Back Better (Flood Re), checked 23 Oct 2026
- Build Back Better: the most an insurer can add for flood resilience (Flood Re), checked 23 Oct 2026