Information following Storm Babet 

Derbyshire County Council is the authority that takes charge during flooding emergencies.

Clean up and waste removal

Erewash Borough Council provided free of charge bulky waste collections for households affected by flooding. This helped residents who had furniture and possessions ruined by flood water following Storm Babet. 

Food banks

Head to our food banks page for food banks in Erewash to assist people who have no food and are in need of emergency supplies.

Insurance

If you have home or business insurance, we have advised people over the weekend that they should contact their insurer directly before any cleaning works. They will need details of the damage but can also offer additional help and support.

For future insurance, Gov.uk have a useful web page on preparing for a flood at www.gov.uk/get-insurance

Utilities

You should not attempt to reconnect the electricity or gas supply to your home following flooding until it has been checked by an engineer. Staff from National Grid are currently visiting affected areas to reconnect the electricity supply. You can contact the relevant agencies on the below numbers:

National Grid - 0800 6783 405
Cadent (gas) - 0800 389 8000
Severn Trent Water - 03457 500 500 / 0800 783 4444

Affected Businesses

Help is available from Erewash Partnership if you, or a business you are aware of, have been affected by the recent floods in the area. Get in touch via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The partnership are expecting grants to become available. Further information to follow in due course.

Mental health support:

Once you’ve dealt with the practical issues and are getting back on your feet after flooding, it's only natural to feel lots of emotions. Significant events such as flooding can affect us emotionally and psychologically.

If you’re finding it difficult to cope, or you’re feeling more low or anxious than you might expect, help is available for you, your family and your loved ones.

Contact your doctor, NHS 111, Talking Mental Health Derbyshire or head to at the Derbyshire County Council website or the Public Health England guide to mental wellbeing after a flood.

  • It is normal to feel upset, anxious, tired and have difficulty sleeping when our lives are significantly disrupted through events like flooding.
  • Reach out to friends and family for support as it can take a long time for life to return to normal.
  • There are many places you can go to for support:
  • Call the Derbyshire Mental Health Support Line on 0800 028 0077 (24 hours per day, 7 days per week)
  • Call the free Samaritans 24-hour support service on 116 123 or contact Samaritans online.

Staying safe around water

Please take care when you're out and about. While flood water is receding in places, many rivers and streams will remain very full and fast-flowing for several days. Keep away from riverbanks and paths close to rivers - the paths may have become unstable and slippery.

Never enter the water to rescue anyone, or an animal in difficulty in the water. Call 999 immediately and tell them to float on their back.

Dog-walkers are advised to keep their furry friends on leads close to water to help keep them safe. Dogs running free risk struggling to slow themselves on slippery banks and paths and end up in deep or fast-flowing water.

Read water safety advice from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Clearing up after flooding at home or a business:

  • infection problems arising from floods in this country are rare but wherever possible, try to avoid coming into direct contact with floodwater
  • if you have to go into the water, wear waterproof gloves and be aware of hidden hazards. Wash your hands frequently - this is the most important way to get rid of harmful bugs
  • cover open cuts and wounds on exposed skin with a waterproof plaster
  • remove all soft furnishings and fittings that are damaged beyond repair
  • do not turn on gas or electrics if they may have been exposed to floodwater. To protect against electric shock, get them checked by qualified technicians
  • remove all dirty water and silt from the property as much as possible, including out of the space under downstairs floorboards if you have these - this may require pumping out
  • wash down all hard surfaces with hot soapy water several times until visually clean
  • use a domestic disinfectant, following manufacturer's directions as to concentrations, to wash over all hard surfaces after cleaning - food preparation surfaces and storage cupboards, refrigerators should be washed down with food safe disinfectant
  • do not eat any food that has been in contact with floodwater
  • allow to thoroughly dry - this will also help to destroy any germs left behind
  • heating and good ventilation will help with the drying process
  • if using portable indoor heating appliances to dry out indoor spaces ensure good ventilation
  • do not use fuel-powered appliances indoors as the exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide which can kill
  • Clothing, bedding and other fabric articles, including children's toys, should be washed on a hot wash (60C) to destroy any germs.
  • Other soft furnishings which have been damaged and cannot be put in a washing machine will have to be professionally cleaned or disposed of.

Support is also available for anyone whose home has been affected by flooding from: