Flooding - Guidance

• Wait until the water has completely drained away outdoors before starting to pump out the basement. Otherwise there is a risk of permanent damage to the building structure in the form of subsidence or cracks, for example.
• Only enter flooded areas if there is no alternative. The water may be electrically live. Only enter buildings and parts of buildings that have been properly secured. Make sure that your footing is secure and that you have a secure grip. The power must be switched off before you enter flooded rooms.
• Wear protective clothing (e.g. rubber boots, waterproof gloves and safety goggles). Avoid direct contact with water and mud. These can be heavily contaminated and full of germs. Disinfect your hands if you have come into contact with the water.
• Inform the fire brigade if you notice that harmful substances (such as paint, pesticide, lacquer, heating oil) have escaped or if there is a smell of gas.
• Have electrical appliances, heating oil and gas tanks, chimneys, house connections (electricity, gas, telephone) and in special cases also the structural integrity of the building, checked by trained experts. Contact your insurance company, your local authority (usually the building authority, in German: Bauamt) or public utility and waste disposal companies.
• Make sure that the drinking water is safe again before drinking it. Contact your water company or your local authority (usually the authority for water and waste water).
• Dry the rooms as quickly as possible to avoid structural damage and mould. Ensure that the building is well ventilated. Use special drying equipment if necessary.
• Document and report any damage to your insurance company, even if damage caused by heavy rain and flooding is not automatically included in household contents, residential building or liability insurance policies.

• Wear protective clothing (e.g. rubber boots, waterproof gloves and safety goggles). Avoid direct contact with water and mud. These can be heavily contaminated and full of germs. Disinfect your hands if you have come into contact with the water.
• Make sure that your footing is secure and that you have a secure grip before entering flooded areas. Avoid walking near the water's edge. These areas may be washed out or at risk of collapse.

• If it is still possible, move your car away from the flooded areas. If this is no longer possible, abandon the vehicle and call a towing service if your vehicle is up to the top of its wheels in water.
• In the case of electric cars or vehicles with an E licence plate, be aware that electricity may be flowing.

• Help yourself before helping others. Your own safety always takes priority. Then provide first aid.

To check the risks in your area, see the Hazards & Risks section of the Natural Hazards Portal.

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