How to Deal With the Aftermath of Flooding

Flooding can leave a trail of destruction behind, ruined possessions, emotional stress, and the daunting task of restoring your home or business to its former state. It’s not just the immediate mess that’s the issue; the recovery process can take weeks or even months. But with the right actions taken at the right time, you can speed up the process and lessen the impact.

At Polygon, we’ve helped countless homeowners and businesses navigate the chaos that follows a flood. We know better than most: when it comes to flood recovery, time is everything. Acting quickly, both before and after a flood, can dramatically reduce the level of damage and help you bounce back faster.

Preparing Before a Flood

If you live in a flood-prone area, being prepared makes all the difference. Flood-proofing your property, having sandbags or barriers ready, and staying informed via weather and flood warnings are essential steps. It’s also crucial to keep all emergency telephone numbers close by. This includes your home insurance provider, the Environment Agency, local authorities, a reliable plumber, and a qualified electrician. Taking these simple precautions now can save you serious time and stress later on.

How Do I Know If I'm At Risk Of Flooding?

The Immediate Aftermath: What to Do

The aftermath of a flood can feel overwhelming, but staying organised and acting swiftly will help you regain control. Always make a note of everything you throw away, as this is vital for your insurance claim. Take photos of damaged items and keep a detailed list.

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible so that the drying and decontamination process can begin without delay. If your home is uninhabitable, your insurance may cover the cost of alternative accommodation, but it’s worth checking this in advance so there are no surprises when you need help the most.

Re-Entering Your Property Safely

Before moving back into your property, wait until a professional has given the all-clear, especially when it comes to gas and electrical systems. Only once it’s safe should you remove any temporary flood defences you’ve put in place. As you continue assessing the damage, keep taking photos and updating your insurer to ensure your claim is accurate and complete.

Understand That Recovery Takes Time

It’s important to remember that properties affected by flooding won’t recover overnight. Recovery can be a lengthy and complex process, often requiring specialist attention and support to return the building to its original condition. This is why having the right insurance coverage is essential, particularly if you live in a high-risk area. Not all insurers include flood protection as standard, so it’s crucial to read the small print and fully understand what is and isn’t covered.

Why does it take so long to reinstate a property?

Restoring What Matters Most

At Polygon, we don’t just focus on structural drying and repairs. We also offer support in restoring special belongings that hold sentimental or practical value. These include important documents, X-rays, photographs, fabrics, jewellery, artwork, and furniture. We understand that some items are irreplaceable, and our team works carefully to bring these possessions back to life wherever possible.

Contents and Documents Restoration

You’re Not Alone in This

Floods can be devastating. They disrupt your life, damage your home, and leave you facing a long and often emotional journey back to normality. But by acting quickly and taking the right steps, you can ease the process and minimise the long-term effects. You don’t have to face it alone; expert help is available, and with support from teams like Polygon, you’ll be back on your feet sooner than you might think.

For more information, contact us on: 01480 442327