Preparing for Flooding

Flood Warnings

Insurance

Sandbags 

• Hessian bags - are usually brown and can rot relatively quickly. They are usually sufficient for the duration of a flood event but are unlikely to last once they have been wet. They should be stored dry and empty for best results.
• Treated Hessian bags - are usually green and will rot down at a slower rate than the untreated bags. Again, they are unlikely to be able to be used more than once unless in quick succession and should be stored dry and empty.
• Polypropylene bags - usually white and less susceptible to the rot experienced with hessian bags. They have the ability to be used more than once however, they are affected by sunlight which can degrade them. Polypropylene bags can be stored ready filled as long as they are covered or kept away from sunlight.

Personal property protection measures

Do’s and Don’ts During and After Flooding 

Do

• keep together and safe with your family and those around you. Consider any vulnerable or elderly neighbours and make sure they are aware of the situation
• have an emergency 'grab bag' prepared
• Take all warnings seriously, stay alert, and monitor the ongoing situation
• switch off all electrical and gas appliances at the mains - make sure you know how to do this quickly
• Block downstairs toilets and drains to prevent back flow of sewage - use a sandbag or a strong bin bag filled with soil.
• Move important items to a high and safe place within the home
• Staying safe on the road (AA website) - has advice on driving in in heavy rain, floods and standing water.
• Try to detail how the flood happened. Flood water can rise and recede very quickly so a timeline of events, and photos of the flooding, can help insurers to understand and validate any claim.

Don’t

• Don’t enter flood water. Only six inches of fast flowing water can knock a person over and there may be unseen hazards – uncovered manholes, sharp edges and unstable surfaces may be hidden beneath the surface.
• Don’t drive through flood water. Less than two feet of water can be enough to float a car and beneath the water may be hidden hazards such as sudden drops, debris and fallen power lines.
• Don’t come into contact with flood water – it is often contaminated with sewage and other substances. Wear rubber gloves and boots, and wash thoroughly if you do accidentally come into contact with flood water.
• Don’t ever attempt to swim through flood water. You may be swept away and being a strong swimmer will not protect you from being struck by flowing debris.
• Don’t re-enter a flooded area until you are advised it is safe to do so.
• Don’t enter a property that has been flooded unless you are sure it is structurally safe – if in doubt it should be checked professionally.
• Don’t turn on your electricity or gas supplies until they have been checked by a qualified electrician/engineer. Be aware of gas leaks – do not smoke or use open flames.

After a Flood

Do

• make sure the property is safe before you enter
• switch off the electricity supply at the fuse box, if it is safe to do so. If there is evidence of water inside the fuse box or if there are signs of arcing or overheating, seek professional advice
• unplug damaged electrical appliances and move all portable ones away from the area affected by flooding
• arrange for other services, such as gas, to be switched off. Don't turn on gas or electricity supplies without checks being undertaken by a competent person. Ask your insurer for advice about re-commissioning supplies and checking any appliances which may have been affected.
• Remember to take care of your own wellbeing and don't try to tackle everything at once. Flooding health guidance and advice for the public (Public Health England website) - helps with preventing and recovering from flood. Includes advice on:
  • contaminated flood water
  • the danger posed by carbon monoxide fumes from the indoor use of generators to dry out buildings
  • mental health following flooding
  • mould and health.
• Follow this guidance on cleaning up after a flood and remember to protect yourself and your family. 
• Discard any food that has been in contact with flood water. 
• Contact your insurer and retain damaged goods You may need evidence of the items damaged by the flood. Try to store all items for possible inspection by your insurers, prior to disposal.

Don't

• use candles to guide you when entering the property
• assume the electricity in a flooded property is off
• touch any electrical appliances, cable or equipment if you are standing in flood water or if they are sitting in water
• use any mains powered electrical appliances in areas affected by flooding until advised by a registered electrician that it is safe to do so
• go near any exposed wiring. It may still be live
• start to clean up or carry out repairs until you are sure it is safe to do so

Other useful links

• Flooding
• Find out if your property is at risk of flooding
• Register your home or business for Flood Warnings
• The current flooding situation