Getting ready for a flood

 

Secure your home

• Lay sandbags at all external doors. If you don’t have any to hand, a pillowcase or plastic bag filled with garden soil can work just as well.
• Plug all plugholes and weigh them down with something heavy to avoid any sewage water backflowing through your baths and sinks.
• Move your belongings.
• Move furniture, valuables, important documents and anything with sentimental value upstairs.
• Electrical items can become an electrocution risk if they get wet, so avoid touching them if you possibly can.
• Raise heavier items such as fridges and freezers up on bricks.
• Move any vehicles to higher ground.

 

Check in on everyone

Does everyone around you know there’s a flood on the way? Make sure your neighbours and those that live with you are also aware of any warning – especially anyone who might be particularly vulnerable.

 

Don’t take risks

You might be tempted to shift as much upstairs as you can. But it’s important to only move things you can easily move on your own or ask for help if you can’t manage something solo. Getting injured during a flood won’t only be painful, it will risk your ability to protect your home.

Once you have moved your most important items, you’ll need to make sure you have some of the practical essentials close to hand. In these circumstances, we recommend putting together a ‘flood kit’, which should include:

• a torch and batteries
• essential medicines and/or a first aid kit
• important personal documents including your passport and insurance documents
• blankets waterproof clothing

 

During a flood

• Turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies. This can help prevent further damage and hopefully avoid any gas leaks, electrocution or a polluted water supply. If you’re not sure how to do this, ask your supplier and familiarise yourself with the process, so you can do it easily and quickly in an emergency.
• Avoid contaminated water. Remember, flood water may be contaminated with sewage. It’s best to avoid walking or driving through it and make sure you thoroughly wash your hands if you do touch it.
• Listen to the professionals. Above all, listen to the advice of the emergency services. If they tell you to evacuate your home, you should do so immediately.

 

After a flood

• Dry out any damaged belongings. There are many professional businesses that can help with this. Bringing dehumidifiers into your home can also help speed up the process.
• Remember that plugs, sockets and electrical appliances might have been damaged by the water, making them dangerous to use. Wait until a professional tells you they’re okay before you plug back in.

Source: Aviva