WITH Somerset facing back to back weekends of storms, some are left wondering where to start when flood water dies down.

The Electrical Safety Council has assembled a list of do's and do not's to help memebrs of the public facing damage from storms Ciara and Dennis.

For immediate action once the flood water has subsided, do:

  • make sure the property is safe before you enter
  • try to avoid direct contact with any flood water which remains, as it may be contaminated
  • be prepared, have a torch at hand when entering the property and do not use candles
  • switch off the electricity supply at the fuse box, if it is safe to do so
  • arrange for other services, such as gas, to be turned off. The electricity and gas supplies should remain off untill you are sure it is safe to turn them back on
  • contact your insurance company and, if applicable, your landlord, to tell them what has happened and to get advice and take instruction.

Don't:

  • use candles to guide you when entering the property
  • use any mains powered electrical appliances in the areas affected by the flood until advised that it is safe to do so
  • go near any exposed wiring, as it may still be live
  • start to clean up or undertake repairs until you are sure it is safe to do so.

The Electrical Safety Council has also issued advice for clean up, repair, electrical safety advice, and useful contact numbers.

These include seeking professional advice about the restoration of your property, before clean up commences.

Also, for insurance purposes take as many photos of the damage before you try to clean up and/or do any repair work and keep records.

Contact your other service providers, such as, telephone, cable TV, and intruder alarm companies if applicable.

To find a registered electrician or to obtain information on testing your electrical equipment, call the Electrical Safety Council on 0870 040 0561.

The Environment Agency emergency hotline number is 0800 807060.

For more information and for the full list of advice and tips, visit esc.org.uk.