What happens after a flood

What the different organisations may do - and what you can do - in the days, weeks and months after a flood.

Not all these measures will apply to every flood. What happens will depend on the location, severity and type of flood, and how long it lasts.

1 - 3 days after the flood

roads and bridges may be closed due to damage or need to be inspected before they can be reopened
police will increase vigilance to prevent looting of discarded items or empty properties
voluntary organisations like the Red Cross or WRVS may arrive in the area to help the recovery – contact them if you want to offer your support
flood management authorities such as the council and the Environment Agency will map affected areas to record the scale and extent of flooding
the Environment Agency may also send flood support officers to provide advice if you’re affected by floods

loss adjusters may visit properties to assess flooding insurance claims, perhaps earlier if flooding is localised
the Environment Agency and other flood risk management authorities will be inspecting flood defences for damage and prioritising repairs
your local authority may establish a flood fund and manage the raising and allocation of funds and donated goods
your local authority may provide assistance on council tax and other measures if your business is affected by flooding

where there has been serious infrastructure damage, repairs may continue for months or years
you can contact your local council to find out if flood recovery grants are available and how to apply for them
if flood defences have been damaged, your area may be at greater risk of future floods and flood warnings may be issued a lower levels until defences are repaired
your local authority may issue an approved trader list to help homeowners and businesses avoid dishonest traders

your local authority may hold a review, with local meetings and business impact surveys, to capture lessons learned and establish an action plan
there may also be a local authority effort to bring trade back where local economies have been affected by floods

major Infrastructure repairs may still be going on after 12 months if damage has been severe
flood risk management authorities may still be planning or have begun building improved flood defences
the Environment Agency, local authority and community flood action groups may be involved in exercises that test new flood response plans