Flooding

Below is some advice and guidance on clearing up after a flood. Further information can also be found on the Environment Agency's website www.environment-agency.gov.uk Flood Recovery Centre Residents and local businesses can also attend the borough's Flood Recovery Centre being held at the Elmbridge Community Hub, 72 High Street, Walton, KT12 1BU, to discuss issues relating to clearing up after a flood. You can drop in anytime between 9am and 5pm on Wednesday, 19 February to Friday, 21 February. House Insurance Residents whose insurance policies cover flooding should contact their insurers at the earliest possible opportunity. Cleaning up - safety first If you are cleaning up after suffering flood damage, please take sensible precautions to avoid any risks to your health. Any flood water should be regarded as potentially contaminated and precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of infections. Further information and guidance is available on the Public Health England website www.hpa.org.uk Getting rid of damaged furniture In addition to the local arrangements that will be put in place, furniture damaged by flooding can be taken to one of Surrey's Community Recycling Centres to be disposed of or recycled free of charge.  The nearest centre is Charlton Lane, Shepperton, TW17 8QA Tel: 01932 782 792. Elmbridge is working with Surrey to provide skips to those areas most affected by flooding to help resident's clear debris and throw away rubbish.  Please also check with your insurance company as they will normally cover the cost of removal of damaged goods - depending on your policy. Replacement bins Elmbridge will replace refuse bins free of charge for those residents who are in need of replacements as a result of the flooding. Disposing of sandbags If you are ready, willing and able to get rid of your sandbags you can dispose of them for free at Surrey's recycling centre in Shepperton.  When moving sandbags ensure you wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling.  Do not split sandbags open.  If you would like to store unused sandbags for future use, please do so.  Sandbags might retain contaminants such as sewage and oils after contact with floodwater.  Do not place full sandbags or the sand in your household waste.  Do not allow children to play with the sand or place in sand pits due to the risks from possible contamination. If you need to have your sandbags collected, this can be arranged for you.  Further details on collection arrangements will be available on Elmbridge's website in due course or alternatively telephone 01372 474474 and they will keep a record of your request.  If in doubt, please contact Elmbridge for advice on the safe disposal of your sandbags on 01372 474474. Food safety If the contents of your kitchen have been contaminated, then we recommend you follow the advice of the Food Standards Agency www.food.gov.uk Electricity safety If your home has been flooded, please contact UK Power Networks on 0800 783 8866 or 01243 508 866 from mobiles for advice.  Do not turn on gas or electrics if they have got wet.  Only turn them on when they have been checked by a qualified gas engineer or electrician. Housing advice If you need housing advice, please telephone the borough's housing options team on 01372 474590. Council Tax If you are an Elmbridge tax payer and had to evacuate your home because of flooding, please check with your insurers in the first instance as most will meet the cost of council tax on your uninhabitable property. In the event of your insurer not being able to pay the tax, please contact the Local Taxation Team on 01372 474030 who will be able to give you advice. Hardship Fund The borough is making a hardship fund available for residents and local businesses that have been affected by the recent floods. Home owners and local businesses without insurance cover who have suffered damage can apply to the borough for help. Eligibility for this fund will be looked at on a case by case basis. Please contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01372 474625 for further information. Vulnerable residents Please keep in contact with vulnerable neighbours and residents to ensure they have all the additional support they require during this time. We will be paying particular attention to vulnerable residents who need assistance in clearing up after a flood. If you have concerns about a vulnerable resident, please can you contact the borough's community support team on 01372 474552. Sewer flooding For sewer-related matters, call the Thames Water 24-hour customer service team on 0845 9200 800.