Flooding FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for residents and businesses
who have been affected by the recent floods.
Abandoned Cars due to the flood ~ Who do I
contact?
If causing an obstruction contact the Police, however they may
already be aware of the situation. Otherwise contact Client
Services on 01386 565018 or report
online.
Accommodation I can’t return home what can I
do?
Try to stay with friends or family. Contact your insurer, as they
might be able to arrange accommodation. Alternatively the Council
will address priority homeless cases and you can contact 01386
565000 for further advice or by visiting our Homelessness page..
Allotments ~ Will the food I have grown be safe to
eat?
Destroy all food grown contaminated by flooding
Bin collections ~ Are the collections running as
normal?
Collections in all areas are running as normal.
Bulky items and carpets destroyed by floods~ What should
I do?
If you have any flood damaged domestic bulky items such as furniture or white
goods, please check with your insurance company before disposing of
them as it may affect your claim.
You can take domestic items to local household waste sites at:
Hill & Moor/ Throckmorton; Hanbury Wharf, Droitwich Spa or
elsewhere in Worcestershire. If you have a trailer or van you will
need to obtain a
commercial vehicle trailer (CVT) permit.
If you have no means of transporting items to a household waste
site, please check with your insurance company to see if they can
help, as costs of removal may be possible to be added to your
claim. Please look under Waste in the Yellow Pages for
companies. If you are elderly or disabled, please phone 01386
565018 for help and advice.
Business Rates ~ My business has been flooded and
I cannot trade. Can I get any help with my Business
Rates?
You may be able to get help with your business rates but it depends on certain
criteria. Please contact 01386 565130 where we will be able to
advise you.
Clean up~ Does the council supply disinfectant
etc?
No, the council does not supply disinfectant.
Clean walls and floors with a soap solution and disinfect with
bleach solution. Alternatively contact your insurer who may be able
to help with domestic cleaning services.
Counselling ~ I am very distressed who can I
contact?
Contact your GP or Samaritans - 08457
90909090 or use the Yellow Pages or
similar to source suitable assistance.
Contaminated food ~ What should I do with my spoilt
food?
Double bag and throw away all food that has
come into contact with flood water and any food that was frozen
that has been at room temperature for more than an hour. Either
take it to a household waste site or put it out for your normal
collection.
Council Tax ~ My house has been flooded. Can I get
any help with my Council Tax?
It will depend on the extent of the flooding and whether you have
had to vacate your property. You will need to speak with our
Revenues department on 01386 565130 who will advise you about the
help that may be available to you.
Dehumidifiers ~ Do the council supply
dehumidifiers?
No. You can obtain dehumidifiers from
hire centres.
Drains silted up ~ The drain in the road outside my
property is now silted up and there is debris on the road who
should I contact?
You will need to contact
Highways Partnership on 0845 6072005.
Roundabout is a small charity that has furniture and
other household goods available.
Contact 0870 116
3230 or http://www.roundaboutevesham.org.uk/.
Also reconditioned and tested electrical
goods and furniture of all kinds are available from Electrical
Appliance Re-Use Centre at Unit 1 Rickets Close, Firs Industrial
Estate, Kidderminster DY11 7QN Telephone 01562 513399. They are
offering a 20% discount to flood victims on electrical goods and
free delivery anywhere in Worcestershire. To get the discount you
will need a confirmation email or letter from us confirming that
your property has been flooded.
Electrical items ~ Most of my electrical appliances have
been damaged by flood water what should I do?
Make
sure all affected appliances have been fully tested before using
them again. Get specialist advice from electricians.
Food Businesses ~ Can I still operate without having
running water and toilets?
It is unlikely that it
will be safe to do so for more than a few hours. Contact
Environmental Health for advice on 01386 565015,
Health ~ Are there any precautions I should take
regarding the health of my family?
Health risks can
be minimised by taking general hygiene precautions and by the use
of protective clothing (waterproof boots and gloves) whilst
cleaning up.
You should also always wash your hands with soap and clean
water:
- after you go to the toilet,
- when you eat or prepare food,
- after being in contact with flood water, sewage or items that
have been contaminated by flood water, and
- after participating in flood cleanup activities.
Don't allow children to play in floodwater areas and wash
children's hands frequently (always before meals). Wash
floodwater-contaminated toys with hot water and disinfectant before
allowing them to be used again.
Keep any open cuts or sores clean and prevent them being exposed
to flood water. Wear waterproof plasters.
Harmful bacteria may be present in sewage and animal slurry, and
this can pass into flood water, although it is likely to be
extremely diluted. If you or anyone in your family gets symptoms
such as sickness, diarrhoea, or tummy cramps, or if you become ill
after accidentally swallowing mud or contaminated water speak with
your GP, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit the NHS Direct website for
advice.
In inaccessible areas such as under floorboards it may smell but
is not necessarily a health hazard. Get further advice from the
environmental health department if the smell persists or if you are
particularly concerned about it for other reasons.
As your property continues to dry out, vacuum any loose material
and dust on a regular basis.
Very young children should avoid playing directly on timber
floorboards or any damaged tiled floors if possible - be aware of
the risk of injury from sharp edges on tiles or raised nails in the
floorboards until these have been repaired.
Insurance ~ What should I do regarding my insurance
claim?
Contact your insurer as soon as possible .Try
not to move damaged items, as your insurer may need to inspect
them. If possible take photos or video damaged property to give to
your insurer.
Loans - Can I get help to purchase food clothing or
household items?
Interest free crisis loans are
available in some circumstance. Please contact your nearest
Jobcentre Plus
office.
Portaloos ~ Where can we get chemical
toilets?
You can hire chemical toilets from hire
companies and camping and caravan stores.
Pumps ~ Where can I get water displacement pumps
from?
You can hire these from local hire centres. For
more serious flooding the Fire Service will deal with situation if
life threatening.
Rats ~ We have seen rats in the flood water what should
we do?
Make a note of where you have seen the rats
and approximately how many then phone into Environmental Health on
01386 565015.
Road Closures ~ How can I find out what roads are
closed?
You can stay in touch with the local news on
BBC Hereford
and Worcester or Wyvern radio stations.
Sandbags ~ Where can I get sandbags
from?
You can obtain empty sandbags from the Pershore Civic Centre, Droitwich Community Contact Centre and Evesham Community Contact Centre if you have a
need. Sand can be purchased from Builders Merchants or you can fill
them with soil.
Security ~ What can I do about protecting my property
from burglars?
If you have to leave your property
lock all doors and windows providing its safe to do so, and remove
all valuables.
Utilities~ I have no water/gas/electricity what should I
do?
Your utilities may have been switched off for
safety reasons. Do not switch on any utilities until you have
checked with an expert that is safe to do so.
Water supplies ~ Where can I get
water?
For more information visit the Severn Trent Water website.
Further Information
