South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service publishes post-flood safety guidelines for residents, including essential tips and precautions to take:
- Make sure the property is safe before the user enters and starts to clear up.
- Arrange for services, such as gas and electricity, to be turned off. The electricity and gas supplies should remain off until users are sure it is safe to turn them back on.
- Remember, items that have been in contact with floodwater may be contaminated and contain sewage, therefore make sure that anything that has been in contact with the water is safely cleaned.
- Open doors and windows to ventilate the home.
- Be prepared, have a torch at hand when entering the property, and do not use candles.
- Do not go near any exposed wiring, as it may still be live. Do not attempt any electrical repairs or connection of temporary supplies- always use a registered electrician.
- Do not use any mains-powered electrical appliances in the areas affected by the flood until advised that it is safe to do so.
- If safe to use them, make sure heaters are kept well away from soft furnishings to prevent fires.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if diesel or petrol generators are used indoors.
