Flooding

The majority of insurance companies cover flooding.  If you are uninsured you will most likely be responsible for covering all costs of flood damage. Remember to keep records of flood damage (for example, photos, and photograph any goods or furniture before disposing of them). 

It is worth speaking to a number of insurers and checking what cover they can offer. It may be worth checking out Flood Re, a joint initiative between the Government and insurers. The aim is to make the flood cover part of household insurance policies more affordable.

If you need an emergency prescription outside your GP practice’s normal opening hours you should complete an emergency medicine request through NHS111 online or call 111 to discuss options.
If you require antibiotics or controlled drugs you will need to contact your practice.

If you need any support after a flooding incident, volunteers at The British Red Cross can provide (where possible) free confidential emotional support and signposting to local services.  Call 0808 196 3651. 

British Red Cross support is available Monday to Friday.  If you need help at the weekend contact the Samaritans

In partnership with the NHS, Vita Health Group provide Talking Therapies services to adults 16 years and over who live and are registered with a GP in Leicestershire.

For more localised information and support on flooding, we encourage you to explore Blaby District Council's flooding page at www.blaby.gov.uk/flooding. 

• Dispose of any food that has been covered by or come into contact with flood water
• All surfaces and utensils that food will come into contact with should be cleaned with food-safe disinfectants. If work tops and other areas show signs of damage, avoid food contact with these areas
• If your fridge has been affected by flood water, make sure it is also cleaned and disinfected thoroughly
• All crockery, pots and pans should be thoroughly washed and rinsed with hot soapy water before using. You could use a food safe disinfectant to sanitise them after cleaning
• Frozen food that has been at ambient temperature for a few hours should be disposed of. Check with insurers before disposal
• Don't eat garden or allotment vegetables that have been covered by sewerage or flood water
• Don't be tempted to try and salvage damaged food. This includes any food in tins as they may be contaminated with sewage and chemicals left from the flood water

You can also find more advice on the Food Standards Agency website, see the link at the bottom of the page.

• Dehumidifiers can be used to collect moisture from the air and can aid in drying out a property. Water is collected in the dehumidifier and can be disposed of down regular water drains and sinks
• Ventilate your house as much as you can after flooding - less damp is less damage
  Put on protective clothing before starting any clean-up
• Remove all soft furnishings and fittings that are damaged beyond repair from the property
• Remove dirty water and silt from the property including the space under the ground floor if you have wooden floors
• Wash down all hard surfaces with hot soapy water and a domestic disinfectant to wash over all hard surfaces after cleaning
• Any clothing, bedding and other soft/fabric articles including you want to keep should be washed the highest temperature possible
• Other soft furnishings that have been contaminated and cannot be put in a washing machine will have to be professionally cleaned or if you want to keep them
• Your local District Council’s Environmental Health Team can give you advice on clearing up if you have any doubts about it
• Seek professional advice from a structural engineer if your property is damaged
• Be aware of scammers – use registered tradespersons and contact your district council if you need help with removal of bulky items. Do not use people who are not registered waste carriers

Contact Severn Trent Water online, see link at bottom of page or call 0800 783 4444. To assist them please have your postcode ready and record the incident number given to you. This may enable you to track your enquiry. You may experience difficulty reaching them during significant flood events.

Contact Leicestershire County Council's Highways Drainage service or report an issue using their online Report it form or phone 0116 305 0001 if you believe that flooding is being caused by a blocked gully. The problem may be drainage-related or influenced by the capacity of Severn Trent Water Limited’s sewers serving the highway drains.

(For example, the Soar, Whetstone Brook, Sence, and others.)

Contact the Environment Agency Floodline using the link at the bottom of the page. Warnings of flooding from main rivers can be provided by email or text message by registering with the Environment Agency using the Floodline number 0845 988 1188.

It is the riparian owner's (for example the landowner's) responsibility to make sure that a watercourse is not obstructed. If you live on the edge of any watercourse you have a responsibility to ensure that it does not become obstructed.