Rain. Us Brits are rather familiar with the typically wet weather we encounter – but that doesn’t mean we’ll ever become accustomed to it! So now we’re fully immersed into the autumn season, we are sure to expect many more rainy days to come. But for all you homeowners out there, you need to be sure that you are prepared for potential flash floods and storms this year, to avoid any unwanted damage to your property and belongings, as we saw in 2013!
Preparation before the flood
- If it is suspected that there may be flooding in or around your area, make sure you keep tuned into local radio stations, news channels, check online and call Floodline if in doubt.
- Start to get together your emergency kit. This should include; insurance policy, emergency phone numbers, money, torch, first aid kit and bottles of water.
- Pack a bag of essentials such as; toiletries, medication, mobile phone charges and clothes.
- Move vehicles to higher ground if possible.
- Demand for sandbags may rise if there is a flood, so purchase empty sandbags from builders’ in advance.
- Empty refrigerators and freezers, leaving the doors open.
- Turn off the mains supply and water.
- Place sandbags down the toilet to avoid sewage back-ups.
During the flood
- Never underestimate the strength of water. Just six inches can knock you down and two feet can float a car. So always be careful and stay safe!
- Never walk on riverbanks.
- Keep children and pets away from the floodwater.
- Floodwater can be contaminated with sewage, so if you are exposed to it, make sure you thoroughly clean yourself and your clothes afterwards.
- In the event of having to completely evacuate your home during a flood, the council will find your a temporary, safe residence in the meantime, until you can return to your home. If you cannot return home, a more permanent residence will be allocated to you.
After the flood
- Dispose of any food that may have come into contact with the floodwater.
- Do not use gas or electric appliances until they have been safely checked. So if you want a cup of tea, make sure you boil tap water until the all clear is given.
- Send any used sandbags to your local recycling site. Any that have been contaminated by sewage must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
- If your home is damaged, structurally, then contact the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA)
For any further help or advice with clearing up after a flood, please contact your local council. If you need emotional support, as it can be a very stressful experience, call NHS Direct on 111.
Are you at risk?
Depending on your proximity to surrounding water, whether that be rivers, reservoirs or seas, depends on your risk of flooding. Please visit Gov.uk to assess your risk.
Wildon UK
Wildon UK are the specialists in providing excellent drainage solutions, so if you’ve been affected by floods and need to clear away excess flood water quickly and efficiently, then please get in touch with us today.
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