Flooding..... how can we help!

** Please note that the Emergency contact numbers printed in the Autumn 2009 edition of The Curlew are incorrect, please use the numbers printed below **

Flooding......how we can help

The District Council holds a stock of sandbags for use during a flood - available both for householders and businesses.  And while council staff hope to be able to cater for everyone's demands during an emergency they stress it is the responsibility of the owners of all private and business premises to protect their property.  To access help call the council's street scene team on 01748 829100.  For out of working hours call Ryecare on 01653 690738.  The Environment Agency also produce a series of 'help' leaflets for dealing with flooding - check them out on environment-agency.gov.uk

Some of its suggestions follow:

Before a flood:

• Check insurance cover - ensure it covers flood damage
• Know how to turn off gas, electricity and water mains supplies
• Prepare a flood kit of essential items - a torch and wind up radio, copies of home insurance documents, first aid kit, food, clothing and baby supplies
• Consider where to move your car, pets and livestock to
• Move treasured possessions to a safe place now - photo albums, family videos
• Create a list of important contact numbers – including Floodline 0845 988 1188
• Prepare sandbags
• Charge your mobile phone

In an emergency

• If the flood water hasn't reached you move your car to higher ground and move
• outdoor pets to safety
•  Move food, valuables and important documents to safety
• Get flood protection equipment in place - including plugs in sinks and baths which should be weighed down
• Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if safe to do so - do not do this if standing in water
• Be prepared to evacuate your home
• Listen to local news and weather
• Collect things you need for evacuation - and don't forget medication
• Stay in a high place with a means of escape
• Avoid electricity sources
• Listen to emergency services - refusing to leave on their advice will put you, your family and those trying to help you at risk
• If evacuated to a rest centre try to bring spare clothing, essential medication and babycare items.
• Only return to evacuated buildings if you are told it is safe
• If your property or belongings are damaged, contact your insurance company and ask their advice before starting to clean up

Safety first

• Flooding can kill. Don't try to walk or drive through floodwater - six inches of fast flowing water can knock you over and two feet of water will float your car
• Don't walk on sea defences, riverbanks or cross river bridges - they may collapse in extreme situations or you may be swept off by large waves
• Take care when walking through shallow water - manhole covers may have come off and there may be other underwater hazards
• Avoid contact with floodwater - it may be contaminated with sewage
• Never try to swim through fast flowing water - you may get swept away or struck by
• an object in the water
• Beware of flooding at dips in the roads, bridges and low spots - turn back if the road is flooded
• Beware of pebbles and stones being thrown up by waves - they may hit you, your car or your home

After a flood

• Ask gas, electricity and water companies to check your supplies before turning back on
• Take up sections of damaged floorboards, carpet, wall tiles, wet furnishings - clean off mud and contaminants, wash with disinfectant and leave them to dry outside if possible
• Clean and dry out your property as quickly as possible to minimise damp problems
• Wash your hands with disinfectant and wear rubber gloves
• Water supply companies advise that mains tap water should not be contaminated. Wash taps and run them for a few minutes before use. If in doubt contact your water company
• Do not touch items that have been in contact with floodwater which may be contaminated - such as food
• Check external walls, roofs and drainage systems
• Contact English Heritage for advice on repairs to listed buildings
• Be aware of 'cowboy' tradesmen, only use reputable firms

Contact Your Insurers

• Telephone your insurance company's 24 hour emergency helpline
• If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible
• If you do not have insurance, your local council may be able to provide information on hardship grants or charities that may be able to help you
• Make notes to help your insurer deal with your claim including the time of flood warning; time the floodwater entered your home;
• maximum depth of the flood, how long the flood water was in your home, presence of any contaminants, what damage was done to building and contents
• Photograph the damage

 

 Print page Last updated: 29 January 2010