Gloucestershire'semergency services have issued important health and safety advice for the next one to two weeks.

Gold Command is advising all residents to follow its advice on tap water, flood water, electricity, gas, telephones and cleaning-up.

Water

When water supply returns through taps

- Do NOT drink the water even after boiling it

- Do NOT use the water for food preparation or washing dishes

- Do NOT use the water for ice making

- Do NOT use for cleaning your teeth

- Do NOT use for making baby feeds

- It CAN be used for flushing toilets, bathing and showering.

- Bottled water or boiled bowser water are the only safe sources of drinking water until further notice.

- Make sure that ALL taps are turned off ? to help fill the network more quickly

- Tap water may be intermittent & may be discoloured

- You will be informed when the tap water is safe to drink

Electricity

Your supply may need checking if you have been flooded. Call the Central Networks emergency help line on 0800 096 1194

Do NOT use any mains powered electrical appliances that have been in contact with water until a registered electrician has checked them.

Do NOT go near exposed wiring. It may still be live.

Do NOT attempt electrical repairs or connection of temporary supplies yourself - always use a registered electrician.

Advise your electric supplier if the meter has been affected. They will arrange an inspection separately

To find a registered electrician or to obtain information on testing electrical equipment, call the Electrical Safety Council on 0870 040 0561 or visit www.esc.org.uk

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