There is also a serious danger posed by carbon monoxide fumes from the indoor use of generators to dry out buildings. Infections arising as a result of floodwaters in this country are rare as harmful microbes in floodwater usually become very diluted. There are, however, a number of precautions that can be taken. See the frequently asked questions and leaflets below for more information,

Health advice leaflets - first published 2008

Mental health and flooding - Advice for frontline responders (PDF, 795 KB) 

Mental health and flooding - Advice for the Public (PDF, 1.4 MB)

Health advice: General information following floods (PDF, 99 KB) 

Health advice - How to clean up safely following floods (PDF, 104 KB)

Health advice: Coping without mains water (PDF, 89 KB)

Flooding and Public Health England

In the event of major floods, Public Health England  works with local agencies, including the NHS, police, local government and Environment Agency to provide expert advice on protecting the health of the local community, particularly from microbiological and chemical hazards. Our local health protection centres, liaising with national colleagues who specialise in environmental hazards, infectious diseases and emergency planning, can provide a focal point for health protection advice to local responders and the public. The Environment Agency has a key role in warning people about the risk of flooding, and in reducing the likelihood of flooding from rivers and the sea.