What do I need to do if my business has flooded?
A flooded business is very stressful. Even after the flood has ended, there can still be dangers. Always remember that:
- Floodwater may be contaminated, especially by untreated sewage. Even after the water is gone, these contaminants remain.
- Make sure you wear rubber boots and gloves in and around the affected property.
- Floodwater can damage buildings, especially if it's been flowing quickly, is over 1m deep or has been in the property for a long time.
- Don’t turn on your electricity until it's been checked.
Read the National Flood Forum's advice on the dangers of floodwater.
Working with your insurance company
You'll need to contact your insurance company, who will help you through the process of dealing with any damage caused by flooding. They'll guide you through:
- Contacting loss adjustors.
- Restoring your business to allow you to return.
- Taking a photo of the tide mark on the wall where the flood water reached.
- Taking photos of everything that is damaged – furniture, carpets, curtains, stock, external damage.
- Providing skips to remove damaged items.
The National Flood Forum provide a step by step guide on what you need to do after a flood.
