How to cope with flooding

With central and western parts of Wales hit by flooding and further floods expected, particularly in South East England, these are worrying times for many householders.

A good first place for up to the minute news and general information is the Environment Agency’s section on flooding. Anybody who is concerned that their homes may be at risk of flooding can register for Environment Agency Floodline Warnings Direct by calling 0845 988 1188.

Lloyds TSB Insurance has also put together some advice for homeowners to help minimise damage to their property and homes. According to their data, flood damage causes an average of £17,000 worth of damage per incident. So, if your home is at risk of flooding:

• Put sandbags outside doors, airbricks, windows and any other holes to reduce how much water can get in
• Turn off mains supplies of water, gas and electricity
• Unplug all electrical items and store them upstairs or as high as possible
• Disconnect pipes to washing machine and dishwashers to avoid damage if appliances move during flooding
• Move as much furniture as possible upstairs and weigh down large items that cannot be lifted with sandbags so that they don’t move and cause damage
• Empty cupboards and drawers and store the contents upstairs or as high as possible
• Move rugs and curtains upstairs or to higher ground
• Keep your home insurer’s policy details and telephone numbers to hand in case you need to make a claim
• Move sentimental items such as photograph albums to a safe place
• Ensure mains supplies of water, electricity and gas have been checked for damage by a qualified engineer before reconnecting
• Dry out appliances that have been affected by water and ensure a qualified electrician or Gas Safe registered engineer inspects them before use
• Open doors and windows to ventilate and dry out the property. Ensure the home has completely dried before redecorating
• Contact your insurer and report any damage caused to buildings and/or contents as soon as possible
• Take photographs of damaged items as it may help your insurer to settle a claim
• Keep any ruined property as insurers may want to inspect it.

In an emergency
• Keep a home emergency kit prepared which could include sandbags, torches, spare bulbs and batteries, your home insurance documents, other emergency contact details, tinned food, warm clothing and blankets
• Listen to the radio for regular updates

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• Paedant

  Put sandbags outside doors, airbricks, widows and any other holes to reduce how much water can get in

  Is it alright if I use widows instead of sandbags?