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15 — Aftercare, insurance & flood recovery

Scope: GOV.UK after-flood; ABI; Flood Re Build Back Better; mental health signposting.
Last researched: 27 Sep 2026 (Europe/London).

ESSENTIAL — Immediately after a flood (GOV.UK)

Confirm with emergency services it is safe to return
Do not turn water/gas/electricity back on until utility or qualified engineer confirms safe
Re-check flood warnings; stay signed up
Contact insurer to open claim before major disposal/repairs
Photograph / video all damage; mark flood water line on walls
Do not throw items until insurer agrees (Prepare / GOV.UK)
Flood water may contain sewage and hide hazards — clear-up safely guidance on GOV.UK
Contaminated items: council environmental health / hazardous waste advice
Sandbag disposal: ask Cumberland Council rules

Landlord responsible for repairing flood damage to the home — Citizens Advice / Shelter guidance linked from GOV.UK

Local council for emergency housing / homelessness duties; ask about grants/charities

ABI advice pages for flood claims process / temporary accommodation
Flood Re: scheme to improve availability/affordability of flood cover for eligible homes — see floodre.co.uk
Build Back Better (Flood Re): participating insurers may fund up to £10,000 of property flood resilience measures as part of post-flood repairs (flood doors, pumps, membranes, non-return valves, etc.). Ask broker/insurer before buying/renewing whether BBB is included — offerings differ.

Floodline 0345 988 1188 for advice
Mental health: NHS urgent mental health; Samaritans; GP (GOV.UK after-flood)
Financial support schemes sometimes via local councils after major events — ask Cumberland Council
Property resilience for next time: GOV.UK prepare-for-flooding measures
Document serial numbers / photos of valuables before any incident (household action)

Carlisle/Eden catchments have repeated flood history — BBB and resilience upgrades are especially relevant if claiming.
Keep insurer 24h claims number on the paper plan (Ch. 01).
Rural clean-up logistics (skip hire, drying equipment) — book early after regional floods.

Source	URL
GOV.UK – What to do after a flood	https://www.gov.uk/after-flood
Prepare – flooding aftercare	https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/be-informed-about-hazards/flooding/
Flood Re Build Back Better	https://www.floodre.co.uk/buildbackbetter/
ABI (flood / storm claims advice)	https://www.abi.org.uk/
Prepare for flooding (insurance)	https://www.gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding
Shelter / Citizens Advice (via GOV.UK after-flood links)	https://www.gov.uk/after-flood

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