Evacuees of the floods could face more dangers when they return to their homes, fire officers are warning.

The fire service is issuing health and safety tips to anyone going home again, as they face health, hygiene and electrical dangers.

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue spokesman Terry Glover warned residents to take care with their electrical fittings.

"In a home which has been flooded it is best to get them checked by a qualified electrician, and check extension cables to make sure they are free of water damage," he said.

"If using portable heaters, check them properly, use them in well-ventilated rooms, keep them away from flammable materials and do not cover them.

"Turn all gas appliances off before switching mains back on. If in doubt about the condition of any appliance, have it checked by any CORGI-registered engineer.

"If you smell gas, open doors and windows and call the gas board immediately."

Householders are also being urged to draw up a "fire plan" which includes checking whether smoke alarms are still working.

Mr Glover said he could not stress enough the importance of safety advice

"Your home is likely to have been severely disrupted, and so using this advice can make returning there a much safer experience," he said.

Meanwhile, an environmental health spokeswoman has advised residents to take maximum care when returning home as floodwater is likely to be contaminated.

She said: "When cleaning, cover all cuts with waterproof plasters and use rubber gloves.

"Remove all soft furnishings and fittings that are damaged beyond repair, and remove all silt, including any under the floorboards.

"Wash down all hard surfaces until they look clean, using disinfectant, and give all food preparation surfaces a final clean with a foodsafe disinfectant. Afterwards, allow all cleansed areas to dry thoroughly - this helps destroy germs."

The Forestry Commission has urged people to be cautious when visiting woodlands due to the bad weather.

Badly hit areas include Dalby and Cropton Forests, near Pickering, and a number of forests along the edge of the North York Moors.

A spokesman said: "We are asking people to be extra careful and avoid trails that are completely sodden."

Extra advice on making your home safe can be found by telephoning Ryedale District Council on 01653 600666.