Protecting Yourself From Floods
More than five million residents of England and Wales are at risk for being affected by floods, and understanding how to prepare for a flood is essential for these people.
Floods happen with little or no warning, and advance preparations can mean the difference between handling the situation in an organised manner and being confused and in chaos.
Getting family, friends, or co-workers to safety is the top priority during a flood.
Having a detailed flood plan mapped out before the threat of a flood is essential for protecting lives.
Include all family members when devising your flood plan.
When everyone, including children, has an active part in the preparation scheme, the plan will likely run smoother and there will be less panic and stress during a flood event.
For extensive information about coordinating a good flood plan, ring the Floodline (0845 988 1188) at the Environment Agency.
Do this today so you will have a proper plan for an emergency.
You can prevent floodwaters from entering your home or business by using sandbags, floodboards, and plastic airbrick covers.
Make sure you have a supply of these before the threat of a flood, as these items selling quickly when floods waters are approaching.
Other pre-flood preparations that are more costly and time-consuming include replacing ground floor carpets with rugs, moving large heating and ventilation equipment above ground level, placing non-return valves on drains and incoming water pipes, and moving electrical sockets to heights of at least 1.
5 metres above the ground floor.
Make sure your insurance policy covers all your belongings and property for loss and damage from floods.
Your business or home and property should have ample coverage, and you should have enough coverage for necessary repairs and item replacement.
If you are unsure about any part of your flood coverage, ask your insurance provider for an explanation.
Your familys most valuable possessions are the ones that hold dear memories, such as photographs and heirlooms, and these should be placed above the ground floor whenever possible.
These items may be included in your insurance policy, but you will not be able to replace them.
Learn the locations of the electricity, gas and water supplies that run into your home, as they need to be turned off in the event of a flood.
Your supplier can give you instructions on how to do this, and then you can demonstrate the procedure to everyone in your home or business.
Taps and switches should be marked for quick identification.
Gather items for a flood kit, and include necessities such as a battery radio, non-perishable foods, water, torch with additional batteries, waterproof blankets and clothing, and bottled water, and keep it in a flood-safe location.
A list of telephone numbers for physicians, your insurance company, family members, friends, and your home or business energy suppliers should be kept in the flood kit.
Floods happen with little or no warning, and advance preparations can mean the difference between handling the situation in an organised manner and being confused and in chaos.
Getting family, friends, or co-workers to safety is the top priority during a flood.
Having a detailed flood plan mapped out before the threat of a flood is essential for protecting lives.
Include all family members when devising your flood plan.
When everyone, including children, has an active part in the preparation scheme, the plan will likely run smoother and there will be less panic and stress during a flood event.
For extensive information about coordinating a good flood plan, ring the Floodline (0845 988 1188) at the Environment Agency.
Do this today so you will have a proper plan for an emergency.
You can prevent floodwaters from entering your home or business by using sandbags, floodboards, and plastic airbrick covers.
Make sure you have a supply of these before the threat of a flood, as these items selling quickly when floods waters are approaching.
Other pre-flood preparations that are more costly and time-consuming include replacing ground floor carpets with rugs, moving large heating and ventilation equipment above ground level, placing non-return valves on drains and incoming water pipes, and moving electrical sockets to heights of at least 1.
5 metres above the ground floor.
Make sure your insurance policy covers all your belongings and property for loss and damage from floods.
Your business or home and property should have ample coverage, and you should have enough coverage for necessary repairs and item replacement.
If you are unsure about any part of your flood coverage, ask your insurance provider for an explanation.
Your familys most valuable possessions are the ones that hold dear memories, such as photographs and heirlooms, and these should be placed above the ground floor whenever possible.
These items may be included in your insurance policy, but you will not be able to replace them.
Learn the locations of the electricity, gas and water supplies that run into your home, as they need to be turned off in the event of a flood.
Your supplier can give you instructions on how to do this, and then you can demonstrate the procedure to everyone in your home or business.
Taps and switches should be marked for quick identification.
Gather items for a flood kit, and include necessities such as a battery radio, non-perishable foods, water, torch with additional batteries, waterproof blankets and clothing, and bottled water, and keep it in a flood-safe location.
A list of telephone numbers for physicians, your insurance company, family members, friends, and your home or business energy suppliers should be kept in the flood kit.
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