Preparing for flooding

The British weather is difficult to predict. One day it will feel like we’re in Spain and the next few days it will be pouring down with rain. With the weather not knowing what it’s doing, it’s vital that you are prepared for whatever it decides to through at you.

Stocking up

Stocking up on essentials is vital when preparing for a flood. Check with local weather stations to see how long the flooding is expected for, this will give you a good idea as to how much food and other essentials you will need.

The most significant items you will need to stock up on are food. It is ideal to stock up on food with a long shelf life. It is also a good idea not to buy foods that need to be refrigerated. This is in case the floods ruin your fridge, or you need to turn off all electricity in your home.

Buying bottles of water is another good idea. Your ordinary tap water could be contaminated with flood water, which is not safe to drink. At least with bottled water you’ll know it’s safe to drink.

Self Storage Room

A self storage room can be a good idea to store your valuables in the event there is a flood. There are a number of different sized storage rooms you can rent out, meaning you can store your whole downstairs or just the irreplaceable items.

When the flooding has gone down it can usually take a while for your home to begin to feel like a home again.

Evacuation

Always have an evacuation plan in place just in case you need to be evacuated. Floods can happen incredibly quickly, so you’ll need to be ready to evacuate straight away. Find somewhere you can stay for a few days that is away from the affect areas and is on high-ground. Learn what is the best way to get to this point, find a route that avoids flooded areas. Establishing a meeting point is a good idea so everyone knows where to meet if they are split from the family. Remember to take your pets with you, if possible. If you aren’t able to take your pets with you, make sure they will be somewhere safe with plenty of food. It would also be a good idea to check on them regularly during the flooding to make sure they are safe.

There’s a lot to think about, when you’ve received flood warnings, meaning that you could forget something very vital.

• Know where to turn off electricity and/or gas
• Unplug appliances
• Ensure insurance company provides cover against flood damage
• Have a list of important contacts
  • Local council
  • Emergency services- Flood line (Natural Resources Wales)
  • Insurance company