Что делать, если вас залили соседи или вы затопили их — Российская газета

Одна из самых распространенных бытовых катастроф — потоп. Жертвы здесь все: и виновные, и пострадавшие. Как же разобраться в обстоятельствах случившегося, привлечь виновных к ответу?

Эй, вы там, наверху!

Если вас залили сверху, то пока поверхности не высохли, зафиксируйте все повреждения — сделайте фотографии. Проверьте, что на них видны все нюансы: вздувшиеся полы, отошедшие от стен обои.

Вызовите представителей управляющей компании и составьте акт о затоплении квартиры. Зафиксируйте в нем все повреждения максимально подробно, приложите фото. Если получится определить квартиру, из которой вас залили, укажите ее.

«Как правило, акт с описанием ущерба составляется по прошествии определенного времени, около двух недель, чтобы проявили себя все скрытые повреждения, такие как почерневший от влаги паркет или ламинат, вздувшиеся потолки», — рассказывает заместитель исполнительного директора по правовым вопросам НП «ЖКХ Контроль» Андрей Костянов.

Предварительно оценить ущерб помогут документы, подтверждающие стоимость испорченного имущества. Подойдет все: чеки на отделочные материалы, договоры купли-продажи мебели, подряда на ремонтные работы. Поэтому необходимо хранить их. Чем больше доказательств расходов вы найдете, тем проще оценить ущерб и отстоять эти суммы в споре.

Нашли виновника? Попытайтесь договориться с ним, покажите акт, свои подсчеты сумм на восстановление квартиры. Если удалось достигнуть хоть каких-то договоренностей, зафиксируйте их на бумаге. Мирное урегулирование сэкономит вам деньги на оценку ущерба и суд.

Если вы договорились, что виновник сам ремонтирует вашу квартиру, пропишите в соглашении четкие критерии ремонта, чтобы избежать недопонимания.

Чем больше чеков на мебель и ремонт сохранилось, тем проще взыскать ущерб с соседей

Даже если сосед не согласен возмещать ущерб, опишите все претензии и направьте их по адресу регистрации виновника с описью вложений. Письмо должно быть ценным, для этого оцените претензию в 1 рубль — вам вернут одну опись со штампом почты и выдадут чек. Это понадобится при обращении в суд для подтверждения попытки урегулировать конфликт в досудебном порядке.

Если вас затопило в арендованной квартире, это хороший повод снизить плату. Фото: PHOTOXPRESS

Если договориться не вышло или сосед не спешит выполнять обещания, придется добиваться своего через суд. Но перед этим следует здраво оценить, сможет ли виновник выплатить деньги после суда, так как исполнительный лист не повысит его платежеспособность, а вы уже потратитесь на профессиональную оценку ущерба и судебные платежи. Впрочем, если вам попался зажиточный сосед, то можно рассчитывать на возмещение стоимости всех этих расходов через суд.

Отстаивание интересов в суде займет не меньше 2-3 месяцев, но может затянуться на полгода и больше. Если суд закончился в вашу пользу, то, чтобы ускорить выплату денег, получите исполнительный лист и отнесите его судебным приставам.

Виноват, исправлюсь

Бывает, в потопе виноваты вы сами. Соседи уже стучат в дверь. Постарайтесь найти в себе немного спокойствия и расскажите, что сделали все для устранения неполадок, вода перекрыта и никого больше не заливает.

Если соседи составили акт о затоплении, попросите копию, внимательно ее прочитайте и оцените сумму ущерба. Постарайтесь познакомиться с затопленной квартирой самостоятельно, оценить повреждения, по возможности сделать фото. Возможно, у вас просто вымогают деньги, и вам потребуются доказательства этого.

Если УК еще не вызывали, сделайте это вместе с соседями и вместе составьте акт о затоплении. Проверьте все, что в нем записано, и обсудите моменты, с которыми вы не согласны.

Если вы согласны с тем, что вам предъявляют соседи, составьте соглашение. Пропишите в нем стоимость всех испорченных вещей, размер ущерба. Это обезопасит от изменения сумм. Зафиксируйте все, что вы сделаете для устранения ущерба и укажите сроки. Если вы умеете многое делать своими руками, предложите часть работ сделать самостоятельно.

После того как все суммы будут выплачены или закончены работы, которые вы взяли на себя, подпишите с соседями акт об исполнении обязательств. Не лишним будет брать с них промежуточные расписки о получении сумм или выполнении работ.

Вы получили по почте претензию? Ответьте на нее. Этим вы лишний раз докажете, что не скрывались от ответственности, а лишь не согласны с оценкой ущерба. Отвечать на претензию нужно так же, как и отправлять ее — письменно, по почте, с описью вложений.

Если вы не согласны с требованиями соседей, готовьтесь к суду. Посмотрите, сколько стоят мебель, строительные и отделочные материалы, как у них в квартире. Обзвоните нескольких оценщиков, опишите ситуацию, ознакомьтесь со стоимостью их услуг. Если соседи сделали оценку ущерба у независимого оценщика, а вы с ней не согласны, заявите в суде о необходимости назначить другого эксперта и предложите кандидатуру.

В плохой компании

Иногда жильцы не виноваты, трубу может прорвать в перекрытии или по стоякам. Тогда у вас с соседями общий виновник — управляющая компания. Именно она отвечает за содержание общего имущества, в том числе и за коммуникации до первого запирающего крана в квартире.

Вызовите представителей УК для составления акта о затоплении. Найдите договор с ней и в нем пункты, в которых говорится об ответственности УК за состояние инженерных систем.

«В этом случае всю претензионную работу или работу, связанную с составлением соглашения, вы будете проводить не с соседом «сверху», а с вашей организацией, обслуживающей общее имущество многоквартирного дома (управляющая компания, ТСЖ, ЖСК)», — поясняет Андрей Костянов. Причем в ситуации с УК, скорее всего, дело закончится судом.

Аренда пошла ко дну

Если затопило съемную квартиру, могут ли арендатора заставить возместить ущерб? Да, если он сам виноват в потопе, к примеру, не закрыл кран. А вот если прорвало трубу, то виноват уже собственник, который не уследил за ее состоянием и не заменил вовремя.

Виноват сосед сверху или УК? Тогда помогите хозяину квартиры собрать доказательства их вины — зафиксируйте все повреждения.

Если квартира пострадала несильно и вы готовы жить в ней дальше, можно попросить владельца на время снизить оплату. А вот если оставаться в помещении нет возможности, требуйте возврата страхового депозита в полном объеме и съезжайте.

90000 what to do? What if you are flooded by neighbors? 90001 90002 Often there is a situation familiar to all pain. Made repairs in the apartment, wallpaper glued on, a new tile and soul-pleasing laminate. The apartment looks like new, and the mood of the owners is wonderful. But once coming home from work, we see a water-damaged ceiling tile, wet walls and floor. It turns out that everything is trite — the neighbors are pouring from above. What to do in this situation? All this is not only unpleasant, but can also significantly affect the purse, as the cost of repairs can be very large.So, if the neighbors flooded, what to do? Detailed instructions are fully reflected in this article. Below are tips that help solve the problem to both the affected party and the perpetrators. 90003 90004 Why does this happen? 90005 90002 If the neighbors flooded the apartment, what should I do? Often the first desire of most people is to «pour out» their malice on them. However, they may not be to blame for the «flood». Perhaps, the heating system, which has not been repaired for a long time, has broken through.Sometimes neglected plumbers are guilty, who have installed something wrong. 90003 90002 Quite often, responsibility lies with neighbors. Forget to close the tap in the kitchen or in the bathroom or break the plumbing while in a state of intoxication. Similar cases are also far from uncommon. 90003 90004 What if you were flooded, flooded neighbors, where to turn? 90005 90002 In any case, the perpetrator can only determinespecial commission. To find out the reason for the «flood» and identify the person responsible, it is necessary to contact the management company or independent experts.An act will be drawn up where all the damages and the amount of compensation for the damage caused are registered. 90003 90004 If the apartment is flooded after repairs 90005 90002 It is best to first turn to the culprits «Flood» and try to amicably settle the matter. Many prefer to negotiate peacefully. You neighbors pour from above? What to do when it starts to drip from the ceiling? First of all, it is necessary to call emergency service if it is found that water is leaking into the apartment.Specialists will witness leaks, temporarily block the water (until the causes of the accident are eliminated). 90003 90002 After that, you need to apply with a statement to the management company (DEZ, Housing office, TSZH, etc.). A technical commission will be sent from there, which will determine the cause and extent of the damage caused to the housing. 90003 90004 Commission work 90005 90002 If the neighbors flooded from above, what to do, whereTo address? A commission is being called to determine who is right, who is to blame.The damage caused is described in detail: starting with the damage caused by the damage to the technical condition of the apartment and ending with the electrical devices and decor elements that have been put out of order. 90023 90024 It is possible to draw up an act only within three days after the accident. At the end of this period, nothing can be documented. 90003 90002 Why only in the first three days is the act compiled? Because the leak marks are still fresh. The commission must fix in the act the place, time, cause and cause of the accident.In addition, it reflects the degree of damage to housing. 90003 90002 After this, the second act is drawn up. It just reflects the amount of damage (detailed inventory). This is done because not only the ceiling and walls can suffer, but also furniture, household appliances, antiques, clothes, shoes, etc. in the apartment. 90003 90004 How to draw up an act 90005 90002 What if you are flooded with neighbors? First of all, conduct an examination and draw up an act. This is the most important document, which should reflect the date and time of flooding and the detailed transfer of damage caused by water: 90003 90034 90035 Reasons (damage to pipes, negligence of neighbors, etc.). Examination is paid by the culprit of the incident. 90036 90035 A full list of damage to property: damaged furniture, shoes, clothes, carpets, lamps, household appliances, decoration and so on. 90036 90035 The perpetrator of the flood must be present atexamination and at the end to sign the agreement on the refund of the specified amount or refusal to do so. In the latter case, the amount of compensation will be determined by the courts. But in the act the answer of the guilty party should be fixed, if possible.90036 90035 The document may be invalidated if it does not contain the signatures of commission members affected by the flood and the culprit. 90036 90035 It is advisable to attach an estimate that can be compiled by an independent expert. 90036 90045 90004 Where to go with the acts 90005 90002 If neighbors have flooded, what to do next, having everythingthe necessary acts on the hands? In the presence of evidence-damaging documents, it is best to draw up a written claim, which, along with copies of the official papers, is sent to the culprit of the accident.This can be done both personally and by registered mail. The culprits of the accident are not always neighbors. Sometimes it is a management company that did not perform preventive maintenance at certain times. Especially it concerns heating and a waterpipe. 90003 90004 The neighbors poured in. What if they refuse to pay the damage? 90005 90002 In this case it is necessary to apply to the court. There you will need a receipt of the postal order or a claim with the refusal of the neighbors to compensate for the damage after flooding the dwelling.From both documents you need to make copies. 90003 90002 Before the court makes a decision to bring the apartment inorder is not worth it. Neighbors can begin to challenge the amount that is assigned in the form of compensation. In such cases, the court appoints an additional examination to clarify the amount of monetary compensation to the victim. All costs and legal costs will be paid by the defendant. 90003 90004 If there is no obvious leakage 90005 90002 It happens that the tenants from the bottom complain thatneighbors flooded the apartment.What should they do if there is no obvious leakage on the ceiling and it is dry? In this case, the cause of the «flood» may be the sewage system or the common house system, which is located between the floors of high-rise buildings. And the accident, most likely, arose at the junction. 90003 90002 If neighbors are constantly flooded, what should they do? Learn the apartment and determine the place of leakage. 90023 90024 If the ceilings are all dry, then the neighbors fordamage to property is not incurred and compensation must be paid by the management company.But she admits her guilt reluctantly, and a peaceful resolution of such a conflict is rare. In any case, it is necessary to order an independent examination. The service is paid, but then the guilty party will refund the money. 90003 90004 Constant floods from above 90005 90002 Again, flooded the neighbors … What to do, 90023 90024 if the situation is repeated repeatedly? In this case, you can immediately apply to the management company, and then — to the court. With all the acts on their hands, a complaint is made about the regular violation by neighbors of the rules for using a dwelling.If neighbors are constantly flooded, what should they do? Go to court. He will not only help to repair damages, but will also bring a warning to the culprits. If this happens again, then they will be fined a large sum. 90003 90004 If you flooded the neighbors from the bottom 90005 90002 First of all it is necessary to find andneutralize the leak, even if this requires completely shut off the water in the entrance. This is done by the emergency company, which you need to call immediately if you can not independently shut off the cranes in the apartment.90003 90002 It is better not to touch self-housecommunication, as they will have to pay compensation if they are damaged. Therefore it is more reasonable to wait for the emergency crew. To avoid a shortage, you must immediately turn off the electricity in the apartment. To do this, simply lower the switch. 90003 90004 How to fix the damage caused to neighbors 90005 90002 If you flooded the neighbors from below, what should you do in this case? 90023 90024 The apartment needs to be inspected personally and immediately, To assess the degree of damage inflicted.The ideal option — to shoot everything on the camera or take pictures on the camera. Often, the affected residents try to exaggerate the damage, so you will need proof when setting the compensation amount. 90003 90002 If they do not let in the flooded apartment, it canmean that you will try to demand more money than can require the removal of damage caused to property. Therefore, it is better to call the management company or independent experts independently and go to neighbors with them. If the apartment is not allowed again, then in court it is possible to easily challenge the amount that the victims will require in the form of compensation.Since there are witnesses that the neighbors did not want to admit the commission assessing the damage. 90003 90004 Expertise 90005 90002 If you flooded your neighbors from below, what should you do? First, draw up an act, which will indicate all the damages and the amount of damage. It is better for the guilty to be present at this personally, in order to ascertain the correctness of the document and the amount of damage inflicted by the water. In this case, the nature of the latter is best recorded on video and / or photos, as already noted.90003 90004 Compensation procedure 90005 90002 Transfer of money for causing damage to privateit is necessary to produce at least one witness, and it is better, if there are two of them. However, they should not be residents of a flooded apartment. A receipt must necessarily be taken, stating that the damage to property is compensated, and the victims have no more claims. If everything is not settled peacefully, the issue will have to be resolved in court, where all copies of acts and photographs will be required on the amount of damage caused.90003 90004 How to recover damages 90005 90002 How can you compensate for damage without trial? The easiest way is to pay with money, simply transferring the necessary amount to the neighbors. At the same time, it is necessary to take a receipt where it will be indicated that the victims have no more claims. The second is to make repairs in a flooded apartment on your own. In this case, all construction materials and work are paid for independently, and no monetary compensation to neighbors is not transferred.The third way — you can pay for the repair (on the given checks), if the victims did it themselves. 90003 90002 Of course 90003.90000 What to do: flooded neighbors? 90001 90002 Flooding the neighbors from above is a real headache for many people. Often the neighbors themselves are not to blame, but this does not detract from the question of what to do in such a situation. 90003 90002 In this article, we will consider what to do if the neighbors are flooded, where to go and how to solve this issue in a civilized manner. 90003 90006 How to stop flooding 90007 90002 The first question that arises in every person who got into such a situation is what to do when neighbors fill the apartment.90003 90010 90011 First of all, we must try to neutralizeleakage. Of course, at first you must completely cut off the water supply with the help of valves in your apartment. If this did not work, you should urgently turn to the manager to cut off the water supply in the whole entrance. 90012 90011 After that you must make a call to the emergency service and wait for her arrival. It is advisable to photograph the place of leakage and try to contact the neighbors who flooded you. 90012 90015 90006 Fixing the damage caused 90007 90002 When fixing the damage caused to you in the firstturn should remember that you should not clean the room and clean up.If the damage was serious enough, then you need to first take a picture of the entire room, as well as those places that received the most damage, you can also make video footage. 90003 90002 A document that confirms the fact of floodingyour apartment, is the act of flooding. This document is drawn up in two copies, drawn up by a commission, which includes eyewitnesses and representatives of the management company. One copy should remain with you, and the second is given to the management company.90003 90006 What should be reflected in the act of flooding 90007 90002 After you took the first steps to eliminate the leak, waited for the emergency service and began to compile the flood certificate, you need to walk through all the points and fill them. 90003 90010 90011 First of all, pay attention to the point, inwhich you must reflect the cause of flooding. The cause may be damaged pipes, negligence of neighbors, and also the negligence of the management company. Very often in this case it is necessary to contact an independent expert.90012 90011 Next, you must list the list of damage caused by flooding. Here it is necessary to include all the points connected with the property damage due to flooding. 90012 90011 An important point in drawing up this act is the fact of the presence of your neighbors. If they refuse to attend the drawing up of the act, this must be fixed in the appropriate paragraph. 90012 90011 You must make an estimate in the amount ofcaused damage. This estimate should be made together with an independent expert who is engaged in valuation of property.After drawing up the estimate, you have to go through all the members of the commission to get a signature. Also, do not forget to sign yourself, otherwise the act will be declared invalid. 90012 90015 90006 Applying to the court to recover damages 90007 90002 As a rule, with serious damage, a situation without trial is not possible. When applying to the court to recover damages from your neighbors, you will need the following documents, namely: a copy of the certificate of flooding, a defective act, in which you must indicate the cost of the damaged property, as well as repair costs , a repair estimate and documents that confirm your ownership of the apartment.90003 90002 Note that even if the fact that your neighborsfrom above flooded you, thereby causing damage to property will be established, this does not mean that they will be obliged to pay you the required amount immediately after the adoption of the court decision. Usually, the court gives time to pay the entire amount (from 3 months). 90003 90002 For more information, see the article What to do if you are flooded by neighbors. 90003 .90000 8 Clever Tricks to Drown Out Noisy Neighbors in an Apartment 90001 90002 Shortly after they were married, 90003 Brittany H. 90004 and her husband moved into an apartment in Chicago’s Irving Park neighborhood. With Victorian houses and vintage flats dotting the tree-lined streets, they assumed their new home would be a peaceful spot to build their life together. 90005 90002 But the couple got more than they bargained for. At all hours of the night, they heard strange and very loud sounds coming from the neighbors upstairs.90005 90002 Brittany vividly recalls her first night in the unit: «It was midnight, and the upstairs neighbors sounded like they were dropping bricks on the floor. Our ceiling light fixture rattled from the loud, noisy pounding. » 90005 90002 When their lease was up, the couple promptly moved to the top floor of a different apartment building-and Brittany says she’ll never live anywhere but a top floor again. 90005 90002 As a renter, you have to be ready for some day-to-day noise-that’s just part of living at close quarters with other people.90005 90002 But if your walls are particularly thin or your neighbors are particularly loud (looking at you, upstairs noisy drum guy), are you doomed to a life of permanently wearing earplugs or lodging complaints with the police? 90005 90002 We will not lie: Signing a lease might limit what you can do to fully soundproof your pad. But thankfully, there are several easy tricks to drown out your noisy neighbors-without your landlord freaking out. 90005 90002 Here are some of our favorites for dealing with this issue (so you will not have to call the police).90005 90020 1. Try ceiling clouds and acoustic fixtures 90021 90002 Say what now? Ceiling clouds are acoustic panels that hang from the ceiling and can reduce noise and echoes. (Science!) Take 90023 that 90024, noisy neighbors. 90005 90002 You’ve probably seen them before in auditoriums, atriums, and restaurants. But they can do wonders for cutting down noise in your home, too. 90005 90002 Just make sure to check with your landlord before installing, since they need to be securely mounted to the ceiling.90005 90002 If your landlord is not on board, there are other less invasive approaches to dissipate sound, including acoustic light fixtures (such as the BuzziLight from BuzziSpace) that claim to absorb sound. 90005 90002 But watch the price tag-such fixtures can range in price from around $ 700 to $ 1,175. 90005 90020 2. Rearrange your furniture 90021 90002 Have you ever lived next to a neighbor who plays the piano (or worse, an amped-up electric guitar) well past bedtime? 90005 90002 If the neighbor will not knock it off, you do not have to move (or file a complaint with the landlord or police).Just put some stuff between you and the pandemonium next door. 90005 90002 Start by placing bookcases or other heavy furniture against the dividing wall, covering as much of the wall as possible. 90005 90002 «The more mass between you and the neighbor, the less sound that will come through,» says 90003 Zach Ziskin 90004, a recording engineer in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 90005 90002 Then, rearrange fabric-covered sofas or chairs so that they ‘re close to windows and doors. And for more quiet, use lots of decorative pillows and throws.90005 90002 «The heavier and denser the textile, the greater the absorption,» says 90003 Heather Humphrey 90004, owner of the interior design firm Alder & Tweed, in Park City, UT. 90005 90020 3. Fill up your bathroom 90021 90002 If you can hear your neighbors flush the toilet, they can probably hear you, right? That’s because open spaces with tile and hard surfaces, such as a bathroom, amplify sound. 90005 90002 To give your privacy an upgrade, take a cue from tip No. 2 and bring in a small linen closet to place against the wall, Humphrey suggests.90005 90002 Short on space? Fill the bathroom with wall coverings and soft goods such as rugs and towels, which is a pretty easy way of dealing with noisy neighbors and their sounds. 90005 90002 «The same principle goes,» she says. «The more you cover your walls, the greater the barrier to sound created.» 90005 90020 4. Seal the windows 90021 90002 Sometimes, the outside noise you hear in your apartment can be just as irritating as noise from your neighbors. And closing your windows is not always a cure-all-those sounds can trickle in regardless.90005 90002 One way to dial it down? Make sure the window casings and frames are fully caulked and sealed. (You’ll want to call your landlord about this one.) Or use a window insert to make the seal more airtight, Ziskin says. 90005 90002 Even easier? Just hang some heavy curtains, which will help muffle any noise from outside. 90005 90020 5. Seal the doors 90021 90002 You’d be surprised by how much noise can seep in through the cracks around your door and ruin your quiet. Your best soundproofing efforts will be futile unless you address them.90005 90002 Make sure there’s high-quality weatherstripping between the door and door frame to create a seal when closed, Ziskin says. 90005 90002 Likewise, if there’s an air gap between the bottom of the door and the floor, attach a heavy-duty door sweep or draft blocker to create a seal. 90005 90020 6. Hang wall art and tapestries 90021 90002 Because wall hangings and tapestries are porous, they can absorb sound and excessive noise. 90005 90002 If you’re conjuring up images of your college dorm room, do not worry-there are tons of options these days that are beautifully on trend.90005 90002 For instance, the heavy knotting in macramé makes it perfect for buffering noise and giving your place stylish flair. 90005 90002 Canvas wall art can also help absorb sound; consider adding a layer of foam to the hollow inside for extra buffer. Or try sound-absorbing felt panels-you can even use one to make a DIY bulletin board. 90005 90002 «It will add a decorative touch and keep you organized, while reducing noise levels,» says 90003 Dayna Hairston 90004, interior designer at Dayziner in Cary, NC.90005 90020 7. Add thick rugs with rubber backing 90021 90002 If you have wood floors, do yourself and your neighbor a favor, and throw down some area rugs. (Heck, if you have carpet, go ahead and do this, too-the more padding, the better.) 90005 90002 When buying a rug, seek out thick pile material or something with a rubber backing to muffle sound, Humphrey suggests. 90005 90020 8. Know your neighbors 90021 90002 Of course, it just is not always possible to completely soundproof your apartment.If you’re still fighting the urge to grab a broom and bang on the ceiling, it’s probably time to talk to the neighbors. 90005 90002 «If all else fails, invest in high-quality earplugs or a white noise machine,» Ziskin says. 90005 .90000 What to do if a flood happens 90001 90002 To report flooding, telephone 0300 2000 100. This number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You might be eligible for an emergency payment from the local council if heavy rainfall caused flooding in your home. 90003 90004 If there is a heavy rain warning 90005 90002 If heavy rain is forecast in your area, you can expect flooding of low lying land and roads. You should check local news, weather forecasts and be aware of water levels in water courses near you.90003 90002 Be prepared to follow any plans you have made to deal with flooding in your area such as: 90003 90010 90011 moving cars, pets, food, valuables and important documents to safety 90012 90011 putting flood protection equipment in place 90012 90011 turning off gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so 90012 90011 evacuating your home 90012 90019 90002 To stop water entering your home: 90003 90010 90011 use sandbags and floodboards to prevent water entering through doors and windows 90012 90011 seal airbricks with plastic covers, cloths or towels 90012 90011 put plugs in sinks and baths and weighing them down with a sandbag, pillowcase or a plastic bag filled with garden soil, or a heavy object 90012 90011 block toilets with towels or bed sheets and weigh down lids 90012 90019 90002 If you do not have valves fitted which allow flow of water in one direction (non-return valves) you should: 90003 90010 90011 plug water inlet pipes with towels or cloths 90012 90011 turn off any equipment that uses water (like washing machines and dishwashers) 90012 90011 collect the things you need for evacuation 90012 90011 stay in a high place with a means of escape 90012 90011 avoid electricity sources 90012 90011 avoid walking or driving through flood water 90012 90011 call 999 immediately if you are in danger 90048 90012 90011 Household flood plan 90012 90019 90004 Evacuation 90005 90002 If the emergency services tell you to evacuate your home, you should leave.Refusing to leave on their advice puts you, your family and people trying to help you at risk. 90003 90002 When flooding becomes less, you should: 90003 90010 90011 listen to weather reports and only return to evacuated buildings if you are told it’s safe 90012 90011 beware of sharp objects and pollution in flood water 90012 90011 contact your insurance company immediately and ask their advice before starting to clean up if your property or belongings are damaged 90012 90019 90002 The insurance company might give advice about replacing or clearing away damaged items.90003 90004 Health precautions around flooding 90005 90002 Flooding can contain pollutants which can affect your health and well being. There are also risks such as missing manhole covers on roads and pavements and people falling into fast flowing water. Do not eat any food that was in flood water. 90003 90002 If there was a flood in your home, you should: 90003 90010 90011 wash your hands after contact with flood water, sewage or anything these have contaminated 90012 90011 cover cuts or open sores 90012 90011 wash children’s hands regularly 90012 90011 keep children and pets out of contaminated areas 90012 90011 use rubber gloves when cleaning up 90012 90011 use disinfectant to clean surfaces and tables where you want to put food 90012 90011 contact your GP is you or a relative has a stomach upset after flooding 90012 90011 decontaminate footwear by washing and treating with a mild disinfectant 90012 90011 clean toys with disinfectant 90012 90019 90004 Contamination caused by sewage in flood water 90005 90002 Where sewage is clearly visible in flood waters, or in material deposited by flood waters, decontamination should involve: 90003 90010 90011 removing excess liquid (pumping / sweeping) 90012 90011 a thorough clean up to remove any debris or faecal contamination 90012 90011 leaving the contaminated areas to dry 90012 90011 applying a mild disinfectant 90012 90019 90002 Disinfectants should remove all traces of bacteria within 24 to 48 hours.90003 90004 Electricity 90005 90002 If any electrical wiring has come into contact with flood water, a qualified electrician will need to check the safety of the system, and the safety of appliances. 90003 90002 Householders can contact Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) 24 hours a day for advice: 90003 90004 Insurance 90005 90002 Contact your home insurance company as soon as possible. They may offer advice about replacement or cleansing damaged items. 90003 90004 External flooding 90005 90002 If there was flooding to gardens, paved areas and other external areas: 90003 90010 90011 you can clean and disinfect patios and driveways but keep off these areas for three hours after disinfection 90012 90011 it is not usual to disinfect cultivated areas as this can kill plants, if you do, use a very mild disinfectant 90012 90011 do not hose the garden as this will saturate the ground and prolong the life of the bacteria 90012 90011 do not dig or rake the affected area as this will spread contamination further into the soil where lack of light will prolong the life of bacteria 90012 90011 it is best to let nature take its course as ultra violet radiation in sunlight is very effective in killing bacteria 90012 90019 90004 Compensation claims 90005 90002 For compensation claims about water or sewerage, ask NI Water for a claim form: 90003 90004 Emergency financial payments 90005 90002 If your home is flooded due to heavy rainfall, you can contact the local council and ask about their emergency payments scheme.90003 90002 A householder could receive £ 1, 000. The payment is to make a home fit to live in as quickly as possible. It is not compensation. 90003 90147 Inspecting your property 90148 90002 The council will inspect your property. If your claim is eligible, you will receive your payment within days. 90003 90004 Rating exclusions on flooded homes 90005 90002 If your home was affected by flooding, you might be eligible for exclusion from rates. 90003 90004 Help from the council after flooding 90005 90002 If your home was flooded, the council can give you practical help and guidance, including: 90003 90010 90011 collection, retention and disposal of damaged household contents 90012 90011 help with arrangements to clean up your home and garden 90012 90019 90004 More useful links 90005 .