Flooding: UPDATE Friday 5 January 4.30pm – Flood recovery underway 

As floodwaters gradually recede, Shropshire Council is looking to support individuals, businesses and communities affected by the flooding this week.

Some areas are still affected by standing water, but the recovery operation is already underway. Teams and volunteers across the whole county have been working around the clock to help reopen flooded roads and car parks, and supporting local communities by providing support and essential advice to those worst affected by the floods.

Work continuing on Smithfield Road, Shrewsbury to get ready for reopening

Our community resilience teams have been on hand to help people in the Bridgnorth area and also in Shrewsbury, and we have a dedicated webpage which can help guide people through the administrative and practical steps involved in flood recovery.

Flooding in Shrewsbury receding

Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s deputy Leader, said:-

“This has been a very difficult start to the 2024 for people across the county. We were already dealing with surface water from the rains before Christmas, and then Storm Henk struck bringing very high river levels through the county. I visited Bridgnorth and saw how high the river had come there.

“It is a horrible situation and flooding is devastating for people physically and emotionally, but I have witnessed firsthand how resilient people are in times like this.

“There has been a tremendous response to this week’s events, and I know our own staff and communities have been working tirelessly to provide protection and support in the areas worst affected; I know their efforts will be just as great as we work through the recovery process.

“I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has worked so hard and who continues to do so.”

Flood recovery advice

Anyone affected by flooding will be keen to get their homes or business clean and dry again, but as water levels drop, it is important to be aware of the health hazards left behind that are not so easily visible.

Key health and safety advice for cleaning up after the floods, includes:

• wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves and an apron for cleaning
• wash your hands thoroughly after each clean-up session and keep cuts or sores clean by using waterproof plasters to prevent infection transmission
• wash clothes you wear for clean up in a separate was from your other clothes
• when you wash soft items affected by flood water use a 60 degree cycle with washing detergent.
• 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 When you are drying out your property:
• ensure good ventilation
• never use petrol or diesel generators indoors, as their fumes contain carbon monoxide
• heating, dehumidifiers and good ventilation can help dry out your home. and essential supplies to those affected by the floods.

It is also important to remember that floodwater may have caused structural damage to properties. In almost all cases the insurance company will send a loss adjuster to look at your property. They will confirm what repairs and replacements are needed and covered by your policy. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.

Our partners the National Flood Forum can also help with advice on dealing with insurance companies or reinstating properties.

The National Flood Forum is an independent charity who will take the time to listen to the challenges individuals and communities face and to enable people to take control of their own flooding concerns. They can be contacted via their website https://nationalfloodforum.org.uk/ or call their helpline on 01299 403055.