22/02/2021
Flooding is not something we like to think about but with today's weather warning,it is better to be prepared.
Check if you are living in a flood risk area. If yes, Prepare yourself for flooding.
Prepare an emergency box and make up your family-flood plan.
BEFORE A FLOOD
̨ Make up an Emergency Box consisting of a torch, some warm and waterproof clothes, a battery radio, rubber gloves, rubber boots, a first aid kit and blankets, any family medication.
̨ Keep a Local Contact list which includes phone numbers for emergency services, your insurance company and other useful contacts.
̨ Make sure you know where the gas and electricity and water supply shut off points are.
̨ Identify a safe place where you can go in case of flood and where you can leave your car.
̨ Research and purchase Flood Protection Products such as sandbags, flood boards, barriers etc.
̨ Ensure that you have adequate flood insurance cover for your home.
̨ Make a list of children’s essentials that you will have to bring with you if you are evacuated.
̨ Make a plan for the safety of any elderly or immobile members of your family.
̨ List your most valuable possessions so that you can identify and move them quickly to safety.
̨ Don’t forget your pets. Ensure you have somewhere safe for them to go.
DURING A FLOOD
Listen to the instructions of the authorities
Inside your house
̨ Move valuables and electric items to safety. Place them above the flood level or upstairs.
̨ Roll up carpets/rugs/curtains and move as much furniture as possible upstairs. If items cannot be carried, then move them away from the walls to speed drying times later.
̨ Remove internal doors if time allows, if not leave them open.
̨ Put sandbags at any openings where the water could gain access.
̨ Turn off gas and electricity & disconnect cookers, washing machines, dishwashers, etc.
Make sure you stay safe during the flood itself.
̨ Don’t try and walk or drive through floodwater – six inches of fast flowing water can knock you off your feet and two feet of water will float your car.
̨ Beware of invisible obstacles such as loose sewer covers under flood water.
̨ Avoid contact with floodwater as it may be contaminated with sewage.
AFTER A FLOOD
̨ Listen to the media.
̨ Follow the instructions given by the authorities.
̨ Take your Emergency Box with you.
̨ Put the sign on your window.
̨ Close doors and windows.
̨ Follow the advised route.
̨ Present yourself at the registration points.
̨ Contact the emergency workers if you need help or have special needs.
IN CASE OF EVACUATION:
Do not re-occupy your house until it has been cleaned, disinfected and dried. You should also have any electric, gas or fuel based service checked by a professional before turning them on. Always take the following precautions:
̨ Take extra care and every precaution when moving in the building.
̨ Remember what water can be contaminated.
̨ Wash your hands with desinfectant if they come into contact with floodwater or silt debris.
Record the damage caused by the flood on a camera or video recorder.
Mark the water levels on the walls for reference and check the ceiling and walls for any cracks or bulges which may cause structural damage.
Check with your insurance company. They will usually pay for any clearing up, cleaning and sanitising following a flood.
Always make sure your insurance company has given approval before any work is carried out.
