Things to do if flooding is expected

Flooding Action Plan

• Keep torch battery-operated radio, camera, mobile phone, first aid kit  warm clothing/footwear in permanent safe waterproof base
• Position sandbags, or plywood/or metal sheeting flood boards, on the outside of doors, window frames and airbricks
• Weigh down any inspection/manhole covers with sandbag or heavy object
• Roll up carpets/rugs and put them in safe position
• Empty furniture and take contents to safe position
• Silicone sealant makes doors and windows more resistant to floodwater
• In a waterproof container, keep all personal documents, cash and credit cards sentimental items and your insurance documents upstairs at a permanent safe base.
• Place plugs into sinks and baths weighing them down with sandbags or heavy object. Place a sandbag in the toilet bowl
• Disconnect cookers, washing machines, dishwasher etc serviced by rigid pipes to prevent damage to the pipes if appliances float/move
• Unplug all electrical items and store upstairs or above water level
• Outlets from washing machines and dishwasher should be disconnected : plugging outlets/ drains with towel/cloth
• Install anti-backflow valves to private drains and sewers
• Store foodstuffs, paints, garden pesticides and household cleaning products at a high-up permanent base.

What are the likely hazards to me and my family?

• Stomach upsets - Human and animal faeces can contain a variety of harmful organisms.
• Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease)- following flooding in the UK it has not been commonly detected.
• Electrocution - Your local Electricity Board will be checking main supplies.