Crockery, cutlery, pots and pans should be washed in very hot soapy water and rinsed in hot water. To remove odours from refrigerators or freezers, de-frost and wash all surfaces with water and detergent and then rinse with a solution of water mixed with baking soda (one tablespoon per pint of water). Then rinse again with clean water.

• When cleaning a refrigerator or freezer, ensure the doors are secured to prevent accidental closing by young children or animals.
• If your freezer has stopped working, you can still save the frozen food by keeping the door closed. The freezer should have enough insulation to keep food frozen for several hours.
• If possible, move your food to a neighbour's freezer. Never re-freeze food that has thawed. If in doubt, throw it away.
• If food in jars has been subjected to intense heat, the glass may be cracked or the jar no longer sealed. If this is the case, or if you are worried that the food may be contaminated, discard it immediately.
• To clean the outside of jars and canned goods wash them in detergent and water, remembering to mark the contents if the labels come off. Do not use any canned foods if the can is bulged, dented or rusted. Medicines or cosmetics should also be discarded if you suspect contamination.

If your property cannot be completely secured following a fire or flood and you have to leave it unattended, follow the checklist below:

• Make sure all doors and windows are closed, where possible, as open doors and windows are an open invitation to burglars.
• Get in touch with a boarding up company who will ensure your property is secure. The company will charge a fee for their services, which is usually reclaimable from your insurance policy. As insurance policy cover differs widely, check your policy for details.
• If you are a council tenant and your home needs boarding up or if it is not possible for you to continue living there after the fire or flood, contact your Housing Department for advice.
• Contact your local Police to make them aware your property is empty.
• The Fire Service may have used large waterproof sheets to temporarily protect your property. You are welcome to borrow these for a few days (up to three). During this time you should make arrangements to have them replaced by a builder or from a hire shop.

If water, gas and electricity supplies have been affected, you should not attempt to turn them back on. They may be dangerous and in need of repair.

You should call a plumber if your water supply has been affected. Do not attempt to turn on the supply until a plumber has checked the system. A list of plumbers can be found in the telephone directory.

If your gas installation, meter or appliances have been affected by fire, the Fire Service or the gas supplier will have turned off or disconnected the supply. You should make sure that either the gas supplier or an installer registered with The Council for the Registration of Gas Installers (CORGI) inspects and rectifies any problem in the installation or appliances before any attempt is made to turn on the supply.

Your electricity supply may have been turned off to ensure the safety of firefighters. If your internal electricity supply has been damaged by fire, your regional electricity company will have to reconnect the supply after a qualified electrician has carried out re-wiring and notified them of completion.

During office hours, council tenants are advised to contact their Housing Department or Private Housing Association which will arrange for any repair work necessary to domestic water, gas and electricity supplies.

• Do not attempt to reconnect or turn on power supplies yourself.
• Failure to have electrical wiring and/or appliances checked by a qualified electrician may result in another fire.
• Failure to have your water system checked by a qualified plumber may result in flooding.
• Temporary lighting or heating units can be dangerous, especially if they have been badly stored or not used for some time. You are advised to ensure they are inspected by the manufacturer or a qualified electrician before use.
• Make sure there is adequate ventilation in the room where temporary lighting or heating appliances are being used and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.