Flooding
What can you do to minimise the risk from flooding?
If you live in an area that is known to be at
risk or has been flooded in the past, make sure that you know what
to do should it happen again.
Don't Wait for it to Happen Before You Decide on a Plan
Before Flooding
- Being prepared will help you stay calm
when dealing with the situation – It will be far more difficult to
gather belongings and move equipment / pets etc in the dark. Power
supplies are likely to be affected by floods.
- Contact the Environment Agency Floodline
on 0845 988 1188 for advice on current conditions and / or visit
their website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk
- If your home has been prone to flooding
from excessive surface water during particularly heavy downpours
then contact your Highways Agency (www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk if
you live in Bassetlaw) to report any blocked surface water drains
etc when excessive rainfall is forecast.
- Prepare an Emergency Flood Pack (see menu
link to Flood Pack)
- Familiarise yourself with gas and
electricity isolation points.
- Prepare an overnight bag in case you have
to evacuate your home
- Protect low level doorways and vents with
boards and / or sandbags. Remember to remove these before using gas
equipment.
- If possible remove vulnerable furnishings,
valuables, items of sentimental value, important documents and food
supplies etc to an upper floor.
- Check on any elderly or infirm relatives
and neighbours to determine if they might need
assistance
During a Flood:
- Keep calm – If in danger contact
999
- Turn off gas and electricity
supplies
- If trapped remain near a window where you
can be seen
- Follow instructions given by emergency
services
- Be prepared to evacuate to a place of
safety
- Do not wade through flood waters as depth
and currents can be deceiving
After Flooding:
- DO NOT switch gas or electricity supply
back on until it has been checked
- DO NOT use food that has been in contact
with flood water
- ALWAYS assume that flood water contains
sewage
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect all items
soiled by flood water
- Always use waterproof gloves when cleaning
flood soiled items
Contact your insurer.
Last Updated - 30/07/2008