After a flood

Recovering from a flood can be daunting, and it is not always clear what steps to take once the water has receded. As well as the physical damage to homes and belongings, flooding can have lasting emotional, financial, and practical impacts on individuals and families.

The information below is designed to help you stay safe, protect your health, and begin the recovery process with confidence. It focuses on practical actions you can take in the hours and days after flooding, while recognising that everyone’s situation is different and recovery takes time.

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You do not have to face recovery alone. The National Flood Forum is here to support people and communities affected by flooding, helping you understand your options and work with the relevant authorities and organisations as you move forward.

Important things to consider in the days following a flood

Every flood is different, and while this list is not exhaustive, it highlights some of the key things you may need to think about in the days immediately after flooding. The aim is to help you stay organised, protect your safety, and support any insurance or recovery process.

	Notepad and pen Keep a notepad and pen handy. In the coming days and weeks, you are likely to speak to many people, including insurance companies, loss adjusters, builders, and local authorities.Recording names, contact details, dates, and what was discussed can be extremely helpful.
	Electricity Do not turn your electricity supply back on until it has been checked and confirmed safe by a qualified electrician or your utility company.
	Photographs Take clear photographs of all damage, including: Furniture, carpets, curtains, and personal belongings Internal walls, floors, and fittings External damage to your property Photographs provide important evidence for insurance claims and recovery support.
	Don't throw items away too soon Before disposing of damaged items, check with your insurer. Be mindful not to put everything straight into a skip before a loss adjuster has inspected the damage. Loss adjusters need to: Assess the financial loss Identify the work needed to reinstate the property Record damaged contents Disposing of items too early may affect your claim.
	Insurance Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and write down your policy and claim reference number. Keep this information easily accessible.
	Meter readings Take an electricity meter reading.Much of the electricity used during recovery—such as for dehumidifiers (often called driers) and building works—may be covered by your insurance policy.
	Tide marks Take photographs of the highest point the floodwater reached on your walls. This can help demonstrate the depth and extent of flooding.
	Skips If you are insured, skips are usually provided by your insurance company as part of the reinstatement process. If you are uninsured, skips may be provided by your local council, although this is usually at their discretion.

Where will I live after my home has been flooded?

This is a common and understandably worrying question after flooding. Support may be available through insurance, local authorities, or other organisations, depending on your circumstances.

The National Flood Forum has teamed up with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to provide a clear, step‑by‑step guide explaining what you can expect as you move through the process of recovering your home after a flood.

The guide outlines each stage of the insurance and reinstatement process, helping you understand what may happen, what decisions you may need to make, and where support is available.

Please click the link below to access the guide.