AFTER
Once an emergency and any risk to people, property and/or the environment have been dealt with the recovery phase will begin for you, your family and your community.
Actions for Consideration
If the all clear has been given, and you have remained in your property, check externally for any damage and, if any is identified, contact your insurer (or landlord if you live in rented property).
If there is structural damage contact your local authority for advice on safety of your building and any action required.
If you have evacuated during the emergency carry out an external visual inspection around the house before entering the property. Only if there is no obvious structural damage should you enter the property to look for any internal damage or effects from the emergency.
When entering the property open windows to provide some fresh air before reconnecting gas and water supplies.
Do not turn on your electricity, including lights and electrical equipment, until it has been checked.
Do not have any naked lights until you are satisfied there is no smell of gas (if used in the property).
If there is internal damage again contact your insurer (or landlord) and do not carry out any remedial work until they have given their authorisation.
Consider if there are any elderly or vulnerable neighbours who might need your assistance.
Flooding presents a number of risks to health, drowning being the most obvious. Serious injury can be caused by falling into fast flowing water or from hidden dangers under the water, such as missing manhole covers. The stress and strain of being flooded and cleaning up can have a notable impact on mental health and wellbeing.
Please Remember - Your Local Authority, emergency services and/or utility providers may still be dealing with the aftermath and people and property affected by the emergency so services may not be available as quickly as normally provided - please be patient!
Coping After An Emergency
If you have been involved in a major incident or event, you may find this section helpful.
It describes how you might feel in the days and months after the incident and has information about how to obtain help if you need it.
Often major events make us feel that that life is unfair and unsafe. But looking back afterwards and despite our feelings and problems at the time, it is clear that most people do cope well and recover without long-term problems.
What you have seen and heard is likely to have an effect on you, even if you have not been injured. Coping can be difficult. Everyone is different and each person has his or her own feelings afterwards and what has happened can cause strong feelings, but, usually, they settle in time.
If you have been involved in, or affected by, a traumatic incident you may find it helpful to download the NHS leaflet 'Coping with stress following a major incident'. It provides information on how you may expect to feel in the days and months ahead, and to help you understand and have more control over your experience.
Major events are shocking and some of them can be overwhelming. After any major event, it is not unusual to have feelings and other experiences that may continue for some weeks.
People who are directly involved or who lose loved ones are the people who are likely to be most affected. However, witnesses, friends and relatives may have reactions too.
Children and young people are as likely to be affected as adults and they may have similar experiences. Often they become unsettled, more aggressive or fearful. Parents can help their children by providing reassurance. Like adults, children cope surprisingly well in the longer-term.
Most people who have encountered a major incident find that they get better over time. However, if you are still having difficulties after a month, you might need some help.
The same advice applies to your children; they, too, may benefit from help if their feelings and behaviour are a worry to you a month after the event. It is helpful to seek advice if this is the case. Going to school may be very helpful to children and young people because it re-establishes routines and brings the contact with friends.
Advice, help and treatment aimed to enable adults, young people and children to come to terms is available, by talking about their feelings and learning to cope better.
Sometimes, medication is helpful.
Speak to your family doctor or contact the NHS 111 Service by dialling 111 or go to www.nhs.uk/111
There are support groups and caring organisations you may find helpful, including The Samaritans and Cruse Bereavement.