Floods
All flood warnings are serious. Do take the following steps as soon as you hear a warning. Don't wait until the situation gets worse before you do anything. The better prepared you are, the better you will cope with the effects of flooding.
How To Cope With A Flood
- Do watch what's happening. Is the weather getting worse? What are other people doing? Should you be doing the same?
- Do move your car to higher ground. It only takes two feet of fast flowing water to wash your car away.
- Do check on your neighbours. Do they need your help? Someone near you may not be able to escape upstairs. Or they may be unable to move furniture on their own.
- Do as much as you can in daylight. Doing anything in the dark will be a lot harder, especially if the electricity fails.
- Do block doors and airbricks with sandbags or floodboards. If you cannot get hold of sandbags through your local council improvise by filling old pillow cases or carrier bags with earth or sand.
- Remember to ensure that your property has adequate ventilation.
- Do try and keep things warm and dry. A flood can last longer than you think and it can get cold. Take some warm clothes and blankets upstairs to a safe place. Take a thermos and food supplies too.
- Don't leave valuable items where they might be damaged. Pile up furniture if you can and put valuable items like photographs or electrical equipment up high too. Tie up your curtains and roll up your carpets if you can.
- Don't leave power supplies on. Turn off the electricity and gas at the first sign of flooding to your property.
- Don't forget special requirements. If you are taking regular medication make sure you have it with you.
- Don't forget to secure and seal all your rubbish and any chemicals.
- Every year flood damage costs millions of pounds. It will take a long time before you can get your life back to normal following a flood.
Environment Agency Advice
- Do call your insurance company. Tell them what's happened. They'll need to get moving quickly.
- Do check in Yellow Pages under Flood Damage for suppliers of cleaning materials or equipment to dry out your property.
- Do contact the gas, electricity and water companies. You'll need to have your supplies checked before you turn them back on. Find their numbers on the back of a recent bill or in the phone book.
- Do open your doors and windows to ventilate your home. It takes a brick about an inch a month to dry out, so take care to ensure your house is secure. Remember to unblock your airbricks and doorways.
- Do watch out for any broken glass or nails while you're clearing up.
- Do wash taps and run them for a few minutes before use. Mains tap water should not be contaminated but check with your local water company if you're concerned.
- Don't turn any electrical items back on. Make sure they've dried out first.
- Don't trust bogus traders. With so much damage to repair, it's tempting to take the first offer that comes along. Always check references and, if possible, get recommendations.
- Don't panic if you feel you can't cope. The Citizens' Advice Bureau and other organisations may be able to help if you feel under pressure, their numbers can be found in the phone book.
- Don't think it can't happen again. Restock your supplies.