First Steps After a Flood
A practical guide to protecting yourself, your home and your future
So your home has been flooded. You’re wet, shaken, tired — and suddenly faced with a mountain of decisions, forms, and uncertainty. While insurers and officials may promise help, make no mistake — you need to look after your own interests. Because everyone else is looking after theirs.
This guide is here to help you act quickly, smartly, and decisively in the immediate aftermath of flooding.
1. Contact your insurance company — IMMEDIATELY
Even if you’re still in shock or knee-deep in water, report the incident ASAP.
Floods rarely affect just one house — so the faster you’re on their radar, the faster you’ll get access to:
- Loss adjusters
- Drying equipment
- Clean-up contractors
- Temporary accommodation
💡Top Tip: There are only so many surveyors and suppliers. If 50 homes are flooded in your area, it’s a race. Be first in line.
2. Take photos of everything
Before you start throwing anything away, document the damage:
- Water lines on walls
- Damaged flooring, furniture, electricals
- Silt, mud, mould
- Contaminated soft furnishings
- Garden or outbuilding impacts
Even if something seems small, photograph it. You may need evidence later when items are questioned or “forgotten”.
3. Understand what’s contaminated — and what’s not
Flood water isn’t just rain. It’s often mixed with:
- Sewage
- Fuel and oil
- Chemicals from garages and roads
- Animal waste
If it’s been submerged, it may not be safe — even if it looks OK.
Be honest in your assessment. If you think something needs replacing, say so. You are not being difficult — you’re protecting your health and safety.
4. Appoint your own independent surveyor
Your insurer will likely offer you a loss adjuster and surveyor. But remember:
They work for the insurance company. Not for you.
To truly protect your interests, appoint your own independent surveyor.
They can help:
- Ensure all damage is properly logged
- Push for full reinstatement
- Represent your side of the conversation
It might feel like an extra cost — but it can save you thousands and months of fighting later.
5. Don’t throw items away without checking
Where possible, don’t dispose of damaged items until you have agreement from your insurer.
If you must clear items for safety or hygiene, take:
- Detailed photos (multiple angles)
- Notes on brand/model/age
- Receipts if available
And keep a list of what’s gone.
6. Keep a flood diary
Start a simple log (paper or digital) of everything:
- Calls made
- People who visit
- What was said
- Decisions taken
- Issues flagged
- Expenses
This diary can become your best friend when you need to challenge delays or decisions later.
7. Push for answers — and chase up everything
Sadly, many people fall through the cracks because they don’t push hard enough.
Follow up. Ask questions. Don’t assume “it’s being handled.”
You are the project manager now. Own it.
8. Take care of your emotional and physical wellbeing
This is more than a clean-up job — it’s a trauma.
You may feel exhausted, snappy, overwhelmed or tearful. That’s normal.
- Ask for help
- Accept offers of support
- Don’t try to do everything in one day
Visit our Mental Health After a Flood page for advice and support links.
9. Think long term — resilience matters
If you’re in a flood risk area, this may happen again.
Start thinking early about:
- Flood barriers
- Air brick covers
- Raising sockets
- Waterproof wall finishes and resilient flooring
If you’re rebuilding, rebuild better. (Check out the Build Back Better Scheme).
10. Join our community and stay informed
At AfterFlood, we’re building a space to:
- Share advice
- Offer step-by-step guidance
- Push for better national support
- Conduct surveys to help win more funding
Final thoughts
Being smart in the first 48 hours makes all the difference.
It’s tempting to wait, to trust, to think “they’ll sort it” — but the reality is, you need to act fast and act smart. No one will advocate for your home, health, and future like you will.