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Flooding causes millions of pounds worth of damage each year. But beyond the monetary value of ruined carpets and furniture, there's the emotional trauma of seeing a home invaded by flood waters and the potential for irreplaceable personal affects to be spoiled.

Make sure you're adequately insured. You don't have to live beside a river to be flooded. Heavy rain can cause flash floods. Even tiny water courses and storm drains can flood an area if the water can't escape quickly enough.

If your home is flooded there's no quick fix. Depending on the severity of the flood, it can take many months to dry out and repair a house. It takes house bricks about one month per inch to dry out completely.

However, if the worst happens there are some things you can do to help make things run a little more smoothly:

First steps

• Switch off the gas and don't touch the electrics. Water conducts electricity, so you may find your power trips out. Don't try to switch it back on.

• Call your insurance company's emergency help line as soon as possible. They will provide assistance on making a claim and, if necessary, they should also help with alternative emergency accommodation (this is normally covered under a household policy).

• Keep a record of the damage. Ideally take photos or video of the flood damage. If you don't have a camera to hand, take notes of what happened and the damage caused.

• If emergency pumping or repair work is necessary you should have this done. You don't need to go through your insurance company for this, but you should be able to claim the cost back from your policy.

• If you have to leave your house, make sure your insurance company knows where to contact you. If you have a mobile phone, make sure they have the number.

• Flooding can cause structural damage. The roof line is often a good indicator, check for any changes. If you suspect there is a problem, inform your insurer and get the property checked out as soon as possible.

Once the waters have receded the cleanup can begin. Remember that floodwater can be contaminated; take sensible precautions (e.g. using rubber gloves) during the clean up.

Cleaning Up

• Check with your local authority or health authority to find out where you can get help with the clean up. Look under 'Flood Damage' in the Yellow Pages - you will need cleaning materials and equipment to dry out your house.

• Open doors and windows for ventilation. But don't forget security. Ensure your house and valuables are safe. Use a dehumidifier when the windows are closed. Also make sure you clear mud and silt from all airbricks.

• Contact your gas, electricity and water suppliers. Don't switch on power without having everything checked. Make sure you run water for several minutes before using it.

• Throw away any food which could have been in contact with floodwater.

• If you can, switch on your central heating, but keep it on a constant low temperature. Together with ventilation this will help the house dry out. High temperatures could cause further damage.

• Allowing photos and papers to dry out isn't necessarily the best way to save them. Remove excess water and keep tightly together, in the fridge if possible, then take advice from your insurance company.

• Don't throw away furniture and fittings, your insurance company will want to inspect them. Rubber backed carpets should be lifted and left outside. Hessian backed carpets should be left in place until dry. Once dry, lift the carpet to help dry out areas underneath.

• Prepare for the worst: don't think it can't happen again. Even if you're the victim of flash flooding after extreme weather, don't assume the worst is over.

• Most importantly, look after yourself and your family. This is a traumatic time, making sure everyone's OK is more important than moving furniture. If you don't feel you're coping the Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to help or put in contact with someone who can.

The Environment Agency produce a guide to repairing and restoring flood damaged property. This is available from their website (see Related Links) or by calling their Floodline: 0845 988 1188