Flooding can cause widespread damage to your home and belongings. Making plans in advance can reduce the chances of flooding your home and may save your life. Learn how to prepare with this information.
Planning ahead to prevent flood damage
The best way to reduce the risk of flooding to your home and protect your property is by having a flood plan. A plan can help you act quickly and make practical decisions in the event of a flood. It should contain useful contact information such as:
Your insurance company
Utility companies
Disaster-response organizations
Flood warnings phone numbers or websites that provide timely information
Protecting your home against flooding
You can prepare your home against the risk of flooding by taking a few practical steps:
Check that your home and buildings insurance covers flooding.
Find out if damaged belongings will be replaced with new ones.
If you rent, contact your landlord to find out about the insurance coverage for your apartment, flat or house.
Make sure you know how to turn off your gas, water or electricity – if you are unsure, ask your supplier for advice.
Keep a kit of essential items – like copies of your insurance documents, a battery-powered torch and radio and a first-aid kit.
Buy special protection flood products like floorboards and airbrick covers to help reduce flood damage.
Check that your flood-protection products have been tested to a recognized safety and compliance standard.
Knowing the different types and sources of floods
There are different types of floods, which can happen anytime and anywhere. Knowing the different types and sources of floods can help you to assess the kind of flood risk facing your home.
What to do if a main river floods
To report flooding from a main river, you should contact your area's environmental agency or disaster-response organization. Many governments have a department devoted to flood preparation or responding to emergency situations.
Flooding from watercourses
If you own land or property next to a river or other watercourse (such as a brook, beck or millstream), you should keep the watercourse clear of any obstruction.
Contact your local government's planning department or the local environmental agency to find out whether you have any rights and responsibilities in regard to the water on your property and for tips on what you can do.
What to do in a flooding emergency
Here's what to do in the event of a flood:
Remember, your and your family's safety is most important, so move them and your pets upstairs with a means of escape.
Turn off your electricity and gas supply – if it is safe to do so – but do not touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water.
Move valuable items upstairs or to a high point in your property.
To stop flood water from entering your home, you should fit flood-protection products like floorboards, airbrick covers, sandbags and toilet bungs.
If you have not fitted non-return valves, you should plug water-inlet pipes with towels or cloths.
Disconnect any equipment that uses water, like washing machines and dishwashers.
You may be evacuated to a rest center. If you think you may need to be evacuated during a flood, remember to pack spare clothing.
Source: DirectGov National Web Archives
