What to do if your home has been flooded

If your home has been affected by the cyclone, when the time comes to clean up and deal with flood-contaminated items, here is what you need to know:

Remember that if you have been evacuated, returning home may not be safe even when the floodwaters have receded. Listen to emergency services and local Civil Defence authorities; don’t return home until they tell you it is safe.

Insurance

- If your home, car, or contents have been damaged, take photos before you remove or repair anything and report it to your insurance company as soon as possible.

- Your insurance company will let you know what to do next and how to claim.

- If you need to make your home safe, sanitary, secure, and weather tight, record the work done, take before and after photos, and keep copies of the bills you paid.

- If you don't have house insurance but do have contents insurance, speak to your insurer about what is covered. Make sure you take lots of photos and keep good records before you throw anything out, where possible.

 If you rent

- If you are the tenant or landlord of a rental property, you can find information on your rights and obligations at https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/ or by phoning 0800 TENANCY (0800 836 262).

 Cleaning up

- It is important to clean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater may contain sewage and other hazardous materials which can contaminate your home.

- If your gas meter has been affected by water or debris, contact your gas supplier.

- Always work safely when cleaning up after a flood by wearing protective clothing and washing hands thoroughly after clean-up and before handling food.

- Keep children and animals away from previously flooded areas until they have been cleaned and made safe.

- Take photos and videos of the damage and anything that needs to be thrown away before starting the clean-up, for insurance purposes.

- Clean up, drain, and dry inside as quickly as possible. Take out everything that is wet and that can be moved – floor coverings, furniture, bedding, clothing, etc, and put them outside to dry when the weather is fine.

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