Flood Safety

5 February 2021

There are 3 levels of flood warning:

Flood alert – which means to Prepare
prepare a bag that includes medicines and insurance documents
check flood warnings

Flood warning – which means you need to Act

turn off gas, water and electricity
move things upstairs or to safety
move family, pets and car to safety

Severe flood warning – which means you need to Survive

call 999 if in immediate danger
follow advice from emergency services
keep yourself and your family safe

Flood Safety Advice – Prepare a bag

Your bag of essential items to take with you if you have to leave home in a hurry should be kept in a safe place. Things to pack might include spare medication, glasses, clothing, important documents and contact details such as the number of your insurance company.

Flood Safety Advice – Turn off gas, water and electricity

Find out in advance how to turn off the gas, water and electricity at your home.

The gas shut-off valve is usually beside the meter.
The mains electricity cut-off is usually a big red switch on your fuse box. Do not attempt to turn off electrics if standing in water.
If you can’t find your water stopcock, ask someone with practical experience or a plumber to help you.

Check your insurance

It is important to make sure you have insurance to protect your home – check that you have insurance in place and that flood damage is included.

Protect your property

Simple maintenance like keeping drains and gullies clear of debris will also help to protect your property. Also, think about what you can do in your home to help you get back to normal more quickly after a flood. Steps that you can take include laying tiles instead of carpets, moving electrical sockets higher up the wall and fitting non-return valves to stop floodwater entering your property through the drains. You may want to move certain important things upstairs or to safety

Safety during flooding

Flood Water Has Many Hidden Dangers – Fast flowing water can sweep you off your feet. It can contain items that could hit you and cause cuts and bruising. Water may hide uncovered drains, holes and submerged items that could cause an injury. Water may be contaminated by sewage and other water-borne diseases. You should avoid eating, drinking or smoking near floodwater. Do not follow your pet into floodwater, as you may put yourself at risk.

Do not be tempted to use inside appliances which are not designed to be used inside the home – this includes LPG / gas cylinders often used with BBQs, camping stoves and lights, portable pumps, etc. They may pose the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, highly toxic gas which poses a serious risk to health and can kill – click here for more information about the risks.

If using pumps to pump water out, it is important to remember that engines and exhausts can become extremely hot. When the pump needs to be refilled, you should take care and allow it to cool before adding more fuel.

Driving a vehicle in to flood water is very dangerous – water levels can increase quickly and easily sweep away or submerge a vehicle. It is far safer to take a different route where necessary and never to ignore a road closed sign.

How can we help you?