Flood help & advice

It's important you react quickly but calmly once you've been warned of an imminent flood. There are a number of simple steps you can take to protect you against floods and reduce potential damage to your property.

• Put plugs into sinks and weigh them down with something heavy.
• Turn off your water, gas and electricity supplies to prevent contamination or fire. 
• Unplug all electrical items and store upstairs or as high up as possible. 
• Disconnect all appliances connected to pipes in case they move during flooding.
• Place sandbags around all doorways, airbricks and windows but make sure you leave adequate room for ventilation.
• Move as much furniture as you can upstairs, alternatively raise them up on bricks or blocks and move them away from the wall – this helps when drying your property later. If some pieces are too large to carry, weigh them down to ensure they don't float around and cause further damage.
• Silicone sealant – open doors and windows, smear a layer of this around the frame, then shut and lock the door/window. 
• Empty the contents of any chests of drawers or cupboards too heavy to move, into boxes and store upstairs.
• Think about permanently moving sentimental items upstairs so you do not forget them in case of a flood. 
• If you can, roll up rugs and carpets and put them upstairs. 
• If there is no time to take down curtains, hang them over the rail so they are kept above the flood water. 
• Leave internal doors open or ideally remove them and store them upstairs. 
• Outside the house, move anything not fixed down to a safer location, barbecue, dustbins or similar.
• Move your car to high ground to avoid damage. 
• Weigh down manhole covers outside the house to prevent them floating away and leaving a hazardous hole. 
• Keep important personal documents in a sealed bag and in a location safe from floodwater. 
• Keep details of your insurance policy somewhere safe.

Useful Links

Met Office  - weather warnings
Environment Agency  - offers a flood warning alert service by telephone and lots of practical advice
CIRIA - advice on what to do if your home is flooded
CILA  - helpful leaflets on flood repair to download
Highways Agency  - latest traffic updates if you are planning to travel through affected areas
Health Protection Agency  - advice on reducing health risks from flooding
Local councils  - search for and contact your local council

Useful Telephone Numbers

Environment Agency Floodline - 0845 988 1188
Highways Agency Information Line -08457 504030
Emergency services – 999

Remember:

• The Police co-ordinate emergency services and help with evacuation from flood areas.
• The Fire Service is responsible for life saving, rescue and recovery. They will also help with pumping out floodwater, for which there may be a charge.

Remember, you can call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0845 988 1188 any time, day or night, for real-time flood warnings and advice.

You might not be able to stop the rain but there are a number of things you can do to aid flood protection and reduce potential damage to your property.

Here are ten tips for guarding against flood and storm damage.

1. Be prepared
   As a homeowner, it's important to know whether your property is at risk of flooding. When sever weather is forecast, it's wise to check with the Environment Agency's Floodline (tel. 0845 988 1188), who will issue warnings and updates on areas likely to flood, giving you time to take action if needed.
2. Have sand at hand
   If flooding is a possibility, you may want to keep a stock of sandbags in the garage or shed to help prevent rising waters entering your house through the doors.
3. Clear the basement
   Homes with cellars or basements are particularly vulnerable to internal damage from flood water. If there is a potential for flooding, you may want to keep any rooms that are below ground free of valuables and soft furnishings.
4. Move upstairs
   As soon as you become aware of an imminent flood, move all valuable items, including any electrical equipment, to an upper floor.
5. Pull the plug
   Unplug any large appliances that can't be moved upstairs, such as washing machines or cookers. In the event of an evacuation following a flood warning, turn off the electricity at the mains to prevent the risk of shock or fire. You may also want to contact your gas supplier to discuss whether your gas need to be turned off during the period your home is at risk.
6. Plan for your pets
   Don't forget to make contingency plans to protect your pets. Move outdoor pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, into your home, and keep dogs and cats safely inside. If you are concerned that you may be flooded, it's a good idea to ask friends or relatives who are not affected to look after your pets.
7. Up on the roof
   Water damage isn't just confined to flooding. High winds can bring rain into your home through poorly maintained roofs. According to research by Halifax Insurance, the roofs of around 1.5 million homes were damaged by high winds in 2008, causing an average £1,600 worth of damage due to rainwater getting into the property. Loose tiles should be fixed firmly in place and any that are broken should be replaced.
8. Clear thinking
   Storms can also overload gutters and downpipes, creating additional water damage. Make sure that rain can't get into your home by keeping gutters clear and making sure that doors and windows fit securely. It is also worth getting downpipes checked to make sure they are not blocked. If they are, they should be cleared to prevent overspill.
9. Get in touch
   If you have been affected by a flood, phone your insurer as soon as possible. Halifax Home Insurance will be able to offer you practical help and support.
10. Put safety first
    Even when flooding subsides, it might not be safe to enter your home because of the effect water has had on the wiring. The Electrical Safety Council (tel. 0870 040 0561, www.esc.org) has a leaflet detailing what action you may need to take after flood has damaged your property. Their advice includes not switching on any mains-connected appliances or lights.