Top tips for managing the aftermath of the UK floods

With the second major flooding within a month, most of the country has now been affected by extreme weather conditions.

Over 80,000 properties will need help with the clean up operation. As owners of these properties know, when your house floods, the water can wreak havoc on the structure of the house, your personal belongings and your whole life is affected.

Flood waters contain contaminants, especially if there has been a sewage leek, and more mud then you can ever imagine will be left behind in the property.

All your expensive larger items of furniture and electrical items get ruined all at once; even with just an inch of water: carpeting, appliances, and furniture. A few more inches will add to the damage to even more of the property like: heating and boiler, electrics, plasterwork, and in some cases even the foundations.

After a flood, cleaning up is a long and grueling process, which takes time, tears and tenacity before you get your house in order again.

We asked midlands based company Home Stagers, who has been helping clients get their homes back after the aftermath, for their advice. Founder, Tina Jesson, had these top tips to offer to help the recovery process:

First things first: contact your insurance company. You need to check that your insurance covers the damage. Your insurance company will tell you when an adjuster will come out to you. You may be advised that you shouldn’t start clearing up until they have visited the property personally. Make a list of all the damage and take photos or videos as you start to clean up. You won’t be able to see the full extent of the damage until you start. You need complete records for insurance claims and any government help that may be available through your local council. Check to see what is available in your area.

Electricals

Electrics must be shut off at the fuse box and inspected and repaired by a qualified electrician before it can be turned back on. Wiring must be completely dried out- even behind walls. Sockets, switches, light fixtures, and junction boxes all need checking out if they have been submersed in water.
Remember mud will be contaminated, so shovel out as much mud as possible, then use a garden hose to wash away mud from hard surfaces.

Floors

Floor coverings (vinyl, cushion flooring, carpet) must be removed so the flooring boards or concrete floors can dry thoroughly which may take several months. Open windows and doors to expose the boards to as much air as possible.
Wooden floors should be dried gradually. Sudden drying could cause cracking or splitting. Some restoration companies can accelerate drying time by forcing air through the fluted underside of hardwood floorboards. Remove hardwood floor boards to prevent buckling. Remove a board every few feet to reduce buckling caused by swelling. Clean and dry wood before attempting repairs.

Furniture

Take out carpets, rugs and furniture as soon as possible and put on the central heating to a low background heat to help the drying out process once the electrics and heating system has been given the all clear. Open windows to give as much ventilation as possible. Use dehumidifiers to remove remaining moisture and electric fans to circulate air in the house. If mold and mildew have already developed, brush off items outdoors to prevent scattering spores in the house. Vacuum floors, ceilings and walls to remove mildew, then wash with disinfectant. Wear a protective mask to prevent breathing in mold spores.
Upholstered furniture soaks up contaminants from floodwaters and should be cleaned by a professional; wood veneered furniture is usually not worth the cost and effort of repair; solid wood furniture can usually be restored, unless damage is severe; toys and stuffed animals may have to be thrown away if they've been contaminated by floodwaters.
Important paper items

Photographs, books and important papers can be frozen and cleaned later. They should be dried carefully and slowly. Wash the mud off and store the articles in plastic bags and put them in the freezer to protect from mildew and further damage until you have time to thaw and clean them or take them to a professional.

Ceilings and walls

Plasterboard acts like a sponge when wet. If soaked by contaminated floodwater, it can be a permanent health hazard and should be removed. If most of the wallboard was soaked by clean rainwater, consider cutting a 4- to 12-inch-high section from the bottom and top of walls. This creates a "chimney effect" of air movement for faster drying. Get in the professional to advise on the best approach for your property

Clean and disinfect every surface. Scrub surfaces with hot water and a heavy-duty cleaner. Then disinfect with a solution of bleach or disinfectant to kill germs.
The Kitchen

Immerse glass, porcelain, china, plastic dinnerware and enamelware for 10 minutes in a disinfecting solution of hot water. Air-dry dishes. Do not use a towel.

Disinfect silverware, metal utensils, and pots and pans by boiling in water for 10 minutes
Cupboards and work surfaces need to be cleaned and rinsed with bleach solution before storing dishes.

You need to plan for the whole process to take up to 3 months before you can even start to redecorate and start to replace carpets and furniture. Your insurance company will help advise you on what is covered under your policy.

For further information, visit homestagers.co.uk.