Cornwall’s multi agency group continues to provide help and support to communities affected by flooding

Last updated: 27/11/2012 Add to My Bookmarks Subscribe

Members of the multi agency group set up to lead the clean up operation in Cornwall are continuing to work with the local communities affected by the flooding.

The recovery group, which was set up by Cornwall Council on Monday 26 November, includes representatives of the Council’s Emergency Management, Adult Care and Support, Fire and Rescue, Public Health and Protection, Localism and Highways services, as well as health partners, the environment agency, the major utility companies and Devon and Cornwall Police.

With around 100 properties flooded across Cornwall over the weekend, the Council has organised drop-in centres for this evening, where specialist teams will be on hand with advice and support.

Drop-in centres will be taking place between 5pm and 7pm tonight at:

Orchard Room, The Trinity Hall, Chywoon Hill, Newlyn
Scout Hall, Fore Street, Millbrook
Polperro Village Hall, The Coombes, Polperro
Jubilee Hall, Mevagissey

It is likely that there will be further community drop-in centres tomorrow evening – more information will be available tomorrow.

A special fund has also been launched by the Cornwall Community Foundation for people wanting to donate money to help the victims of the flood. Visit and if you want to offer help and support to flood-hit communities, contact Volunteer Cornwall or 01872 265307

Advice for residents who have been affected by flooding includes:

Get an approved service engineer to check your property utilities (gas, electricity and water) before turning back on to ensure that all electrical circuits are fully dried.
Contact your insurance company before throwing anything away. Make a list of all damaged goods, including food. Take photos/videos if possible. Further information on insurance is available from the Association of British Insurers,
Don't switch on electrical appliances that have been in contact with the flood water until a competent electrician has checked them.
Cover open cuts and wounds on exposed skin with a waterproof plaster. Wear strong rubber gloves whilst cleaning up.
Remove as much dirty water and silt from the property as possible including cupboards, under cupboards and the space under stairs and 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, storage cupboards and refrigerators should be washed down with food safe disinfectants such as Milton, Dettox or similar.
Clothing, bedding and other soft/fabric articles including children's' toys etc should be laundered on a hot wash (60°C and above, but check washing instructions first) which will destroy any germs that may be present.