What to do in the event of a flood?

WHAT TO DO IF A FLOOD ALERT IS ISSUED?

If you do receive a weather alert and your home is at risk of flooding, here is a check list for the final precautions you can take.

INTERNAL CHECKLIST

• Take detailed photos
  

  of your property and contents to help with any potential claim.

• Airbricks 
  

  Close the covers on your airbricks or use airbrick covers to stop flood water from entering.

• Floodsacks
  

  These should be placed on both sides of your door.

• Drape curtains over their poles
  

  unless you have time to remove them.

• Move valuables higher
  

  Move what you can upstairs or to a higher level.

• Sinks
  

  Put plugs in sinks and weigh them down to stop backflow in toilets.

• Electricals 

  Unplug and move electricals.

• Protect large valuables

  Get your large sealable bags to wrap up large items, e.g. electrical goods, sofas that may be too hard to move. Tip: Use wellies or buckets for table legs to reduce damage.

• Essential supplies

  Get your emergency grab bag and essential supplies.

EXTERNAL CHECKLIST

• Vehicles

  Try to move vehicles to higher ground as soon as possible!

• Floodsacks

  These should be placed on both sides of your door

• Mains supplies

  Turn off your mains water, gas and electricity if it’s safe to do so.
  
  

WHAT NOT TO DO

• Don’t use sandbags

  use flood bags or sacks, as these are much more effective than sandbags.

• Try not to walk in the water

  as it could be contaminated with sewage.

• Avoid driving

  on flooded roads.

• Don’t stop the car

  in standing water, and drive through the highest section of the road slowly.

Lastly, 

• Sign up for flood alerts if you haven't already, by phone, email or text.
• Check your home insurance to make sure you are covered for flood damage
• Keep yourself, your family and any pets safe
• Consider how you could help vulnerable friends or neighbours.