Flooding has always been a problem in the UK. Living on an island with the Atlantic Ocean as our neighbour, we are in prime position to be hit by frequent bouts of wet and windy weather. At times when the rainfall is prolonged or intense, the ground becomes saturated and cannot soak up any further water. This excess water runs off into storm drains and watercourses, filling them up to bursting point. It is when these conduits are overwhelmed that flooding becomes inevitable, the water collecting in gullies, dips and on low-lying land, an example of the latter being a river's floodplain.
In the summer of 2007, some parts of the UK suffered the worst summer flooding in living memory. The media beamed flood images into our homes, and we saw first-hand the chaos and destruction that an extensive period of rain can cause. What was not so obvious from the media reports were the dangers that residents faced when they returned to their properties after the floods - dangers that could quite easily result in serious injuries or even death.
Be careful with electricity
Water and electricity do not mix - that much I'm sure you are already aware. If the mains electricity was not switched off prior to the flood, there could be live electricity hazards to contend with when returning to the property.
Any room in the property where floodwater is still submerging electrical sockets should be avoided - the floodwater may be energised by the electrical current. Only enter the flooded room when it is safe to do so - i.e. when the power is cut or when the water has subsided.
Even if the mains electricity was turned off, be aware that electrical wiring and appliances could have been damaged by the floodwater. Therefore, before switching back on the supply, you should arrange to have wiring inspected and appliances tested.
In rental properties, landlords are responsible for wiring inspections after a flood. They should employ the services of a qualified person for this task. Appliance testing comes under the remit of the landlord too where appliances in the property were supplied by the landlord for the tenant's use. If the appliances are supplied / owned by the tenant then it is down to the tenant to arrange for those appliances that were affected by the floodwater to be tested.
Sewage and contamination
Floodwater is never clean. If your local authority pumps waste water from toilets through the same storm drain system as run-off rainwater from the street, floodwater entering your property will most likely be contaminated with raw sewage. Pesticide and chemical contaminants may also be present. If they are your local water authority and the Environment Agency will alert your community to this issue. Should the source of flooding be a river or other watercourse, there is a high probability that the water will contain waterborne diseases as well, such as Weil's Disease.
To avoid infection and health issues arising from sewage and other floodwater contaminants, appropriate clothing should be worn. Rubber gloves are recommended for when handling infected items, and if wading through floodwater, goggles should be used to protect the eyes from water splashes.
Notes for landlords
It is your responsibility to ensure that your rental property is assessed as safe for tenants to re-enter after a flood. You should therefore liase with the local authorities and the emergency services for advice on when it is safe to return to the property. You should also arrange for clear-up and drying operations in the property, and for the inspection of electrical and gas installations so they are passed as safe to use again.
Repairs may need to carried out to flood damaged areas. For example, carpets may need replacing, walls may need replastering and redecorating. Depending upon the terms of your agreement with the tenant, you may need to find the tenant alternative temporary accommodation during the clean-up and repair process.
Notes for tenants
Should floodwater threaten your home the best thing you can do is switch off your electricity supply at your fuse box and leave the property. Yes, you can try to stop water coming into your home with sandbags and other barriers - and these do work to some extent. However, floodwater can be unpredictable - it can rise quickly and trap you in your home if you do not make your escape in time.
To limit the damage caused by floodwater consider moving / storing valuable possessions in upstairs rooms. Also keep important documents like your lease agreement and insurance information upstairs in waterproof wallets.
Remember, floodwaters are dangerous. Only re-enter your property when the local authority and emergency services recommend that it is safe to do so.
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