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Flooding

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The Environment Agency (EA) specialises in flooding. Their website is a valuable source of information. The following links will take you to selected pages that will be of value.

Two particular information booklets are available to download in pdf format so they can be printed out in booklet form:

In addition to the information contained in these and other documents we also recommend the following (which should be read in conjunction with the above EA booklets):

How do I prepare for this incident?

  • Find out whether your house/area is liable to flooding - check with neighbours, or at the local library, or visit the Environment Agency website and enter your postcode to see a map showing the flood risk to your area. If you are at risk from flooding we recommend you register for the Environment Agency's Floodline Warnings Direct System which provides warnings of flooding direct to peoples homes. You can do this by calling the Floodline on 08459 88 11 88 or by visiting the Environment Agency's website;

  • Check with your insurance company that you have adequate cover. They will also provide you with advice on reducing flood damage;

  • Keep a list of useful numbers (i.e. local council, emergency services, insurance company, Environment Agency Floodline, etc.) somewhere you'll find them easily;

  • Keep a list of numbers of vulnerable people in your neighbourhood so you can check that they are properly prepared as well, and that they are getting the warnings;

  • Find out where and how to turn off your gas and electricity now. Don't leave it until it's too late. (If you are having difficulty ask the person who checks your meter next time they call, or ask your neighbours.) Mark the tap or switch with a sticker to remind you;

  • Do as much as you can in daylight. Doing anything in the dark will be a lot harder, especially if the electricity fails;

  • Flood warnings are displayed on ITV Teletext (page 154) and on BBC Ceefax (page 419);

  • Flood warnings are also displayed on the Environment Agency's website;

  • Check with the Floodline Service on 08459 88 11 88 for localised information and advice;

  • Have emergency provisions ready and put them upstairs if you can;

  • Check and keep outside drains clear to let surface water escape and if possible, direct water flow away from property;
    • and

  • Do not assume everybody in the house knows what to do. Write a Family Flood Plan (see below) and practise it.

If the risk of flooding increases:

  • Watch what's happening. Keep an eye on the weather, and on what other people are doing;

  • Alert your neighbours, especially any vulnerable ones;

  • Move pets to a place of safety;

  • Take your thermos and food upstairs if you can;
    • and

  • Check on your neighbours.

Ensure gas, electricity and water supplies are off.


Family Flood Plan

Write your plan so that the following questions are all answered in it.

  • Do you all understand the Flood Warning system for your area?

  • Do you all know how to find out more?

  • Do you all know how to contact each other?

  • Do you all know where the "Flood Box" is?

  • Do you all know how to turn off the gas and electricity?

  • Do you all know who in the neighbourhood may need your help?

  • Do you all know where you would be evacuated to?
    • and

  • Do your neighbours know your plan?

Make sure the plan outlines the actions you should take to safeguard yourselves and your property.

Practice the plan before you need to use it, i.e. now!

Keep the plan safe, but easy to find by all of you.


What do I do during this incident?

Go in, Stay in, Tune in

Additionally:

  • Co-operate with emergency services and local authorities - you may be evacuated to a rest centre;

  • Do not leave your home unless you have to;

  • Keep alert. Things can change very quickly. Keep an eye on the weather and listen for more information on the radio. If you hear advice or instructions, do exactly what they tell you. Make sure your neighbours know what's going on;

  • Don't walk on sea defences, riverbanks or cross river bridges if possible - they may collapse in extreme situations or you may be swept off by large waves. Beware of stones and pebbles being thrown up by waves;

  • If you are trapped by flooding stay by a window and try to attract attention;

  • If you are evacuated remember medication and essential supplies. You may be away for some time;

  • Do not switch on gas and/or electricity supplies until they have been inspected;
    • and

  • Do not use food which has been in contact with flood water.

What do I do after this incident?

  • The Electrical Safety Council give good advice on their website on electrical safety after flooding. Electrical Safety Council/Flooding

  • Safely throw away food which has been in contact with flood water - it could be contaminated. Contact your local authority Environmental Health department for advice;

  • Open doors and windows to ventilate your home;

  • Call your insurance company's (24 hour) Emergency Helpline as soon as possible. They will be able to provide information on dealing with your claim, and assist in getting things back to normal;

  • Keep a record of the flood damage (especially photographs or video footage), make notes of all phone calls to insurers and what was said, and retain correspondence with insurers after the flood;

  • Commission immediate emergency pumping/repair work, if necessary, to protect your property from further damage. Check with your insurance company beforehand that you can do this without further approval (remember to get receipts);

  • Get advice where detailed, lengthy repairs are needed. Your insurer or loss adjuster can give advice on reputable contractors / tradesmen. Beware of bogus tradesmen and always check references;
    • and

  • Check with your insurer if you have to move into alternative accommodation as the cost is normally covered under a household policy, and make sure your insurance company knows where to contact you if you have to move out of your home.

Cleaning Up

  • Find out where you can get help to clean up. Check with your local authority or health authority in the first instance or look under 'Flood Damage' in Yellow Pages for suppliers of cleaning materials or equipment to dry out your property. It takes a house brick about one month per inch to dry out;

  • Don't attempt to dry out photos or papers - place them in a plastic bag, and if possible store them in the fridge;

  • The Citizens Advice Bureau and other organisations may be able to help if you feel under pressure, their number can be found in the phone book;
    • and

  • Don't think it can't happen again. Restock your supplies!

Remember:

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