If your home is susceptible to flooding, consult your local Building Control officer, through the local Planning Department. It maybe possible to install land drains that would divert the water away before it affects your home. These are perforated pipes which are set in the ground with a gradual slope leading to a drainage area.
Ask the local water board if there is a system for flood warnings, and be alert for them.
Keep a supply of sandbags ready (you can make your own by filling plastic bags with sand or soil) and make sure you always have a stock of emergency supplies, including warm clothing, a portable stove, candles and matches, oil or gas lamps, and a signalling device, such as a torch.
Photograph and list all your household belongings; keep this inventory safe.
Flood watch
As soon as you hear of a flood warning, place sandbags outside outer doors to block gaps. If you have none, fill pillowcases or plastic bags or use rolled up carpets or blankets.
Wash baths, sinks and jugs with household bleach, rinse away the bleach and fill with clean water for drinking.
Switch off both the electric power and the gas at the mains.
During the flood
Listen to a portable radio for information and instructions.
Don't leave your home unless your life is in danger there.
If the flood waters rise to window level, sandbag the windowsills. Move your emergency supplies and, if there's time, valuables, to the top floor.
If you are forced out onto the roof, make sure you are wearing warm clothing and take out sheets or rope to tie yourself to the chimney stack. Take your signalling device with you.
Afterwards
Check your home for structural damage.
If you smell gas, open all the doors and windows, leave and report the leak to the gas board.
Throw out all food touched by flood waters - it may be contaminated.
Boil all drinking and cooking water for at least 10 minutes before use.
See also FLOOD DAMAGE
