What can I do to prepare in advance?
If you know that you live in an area that is liable to flood,
Don't wait until it happens. Prepare, make plans
and discuss with your family what you will do and where to go,
before a flood happens.
You will also find advice on how to prepare for flooding,
including how to put together a family flood plan, and what to
do during and after a flooding incident on the
Suffolk Resilience website (new window).
The Environment Agency publishes a range of practical
advice guides on how to protect your property from flooding and
what to do if you are affected. The guides contain everything you
need to know about flood proofing your property, including simple
measures for minimising floodwater entry and damage and advice on
incorporating flood-proofing measures into home improvement
projects.
Free copies of the guides, information and advice are available
from Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or from the
Environment Agency website (new window).
Checklist
- Contact your insurance company to check whether you are covered
for damage caused by floodwater. If you are flooded, call your
insurance company after the floodwaters have gone. Tell them what’s
happened. Take photographs of the damage or video footage of your
property.
- Prepare a flood checklist including telephone numbers of
friends and family, local council and emergency services.
- Make up a flood box including a torch, blankets,
radio, etc.
- Find out where to turn off your gas, water and electricity
supplies.
- Store valuable and sentimental items upstairs including
important documents.
- Find out how to
protect your home from flooding (new
window).
What to do during a flood
When flooding starts you should stay somewhere safe and be
careful. It is your responsibility to look after yourself and your
family during a flood.
- Don’t leave your home unless you have to.
- Don’t try to walk or drive through floodwater.
- Phone Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for the
latest flooding information in your area.
- Avoid contact with floodwater - it may be contaminated.
- Tune into local TV
and radio for the latest updates.
- Look out for neighbours that may be old or vulnerable, they may
need help.
Flood box - what you need to include
- Bottled water - do not use tap water, it may
be contaminated from flood water.
- Food - crisps, chocolate, bread, dried soup,
tea and coffee. Flasks of hot water to make hot drinks. Electricity
or gas may not be available.
- Torches - no candles, as they may be a fire
risk. Rechargeable torches or lanterns would give up to 12 hours of
light.
- Bucket - do not use toilets, block with towels
or sandbags to prevent sewage from coming back through into the
house. If used with a bin liner a bucket can be used as a
toilet.
- Rubber gloves and disinfectant
wipes - to clean hands and prevent
infection.
- First aid kit - don’t forget any medicines
needed, i.e. inhaler, injections or tablets.
- Clothing - warm clothing (as there may not be
heating) and a coat or foil blanket in case of evacuation.
- Don’t forget pets - food and water may be
needed. Keep pets safe.
- Whistle - ideal for communicating or
attracting attention.
- Charge up mobile phones before you lose
power.
- Useful documents - collect together any
Floodline information needed, emergency services information,
insurance documents and any contact numbers you may need to get in
touch with other family members who are not at home. Store in a
plastic bag in the flood box.
- Valuables - don’t forget to protect photos and
precious items.
- Radio - tune into your local radio stations
and have a spare set of batteries. Contact with the outside is
vital to know what is going on. If the situation is getting worse
or improving you need to know.
- Chewing gum - helps to keep teeth clean.
- Don’t forget babies and young children. Keep a
store of nappies, food, bottles and clothes to keep them warm.
Don’t forget that favourite
toy.