Managing the Risk of Flooding

Managing the Risk of Flooding

With the risk of flooding ever more prevalent in the colder months, we’ve got some top tips and advice to help you stay safe and manage the risk of flooding the best you can. 

Managing the risk of flooding:

• Make sure that you have the correct insurance cover and take detailed photos of your property and contents; these will be useful in the unfortunate event of a claim and may speed up the process

• Ensure you know how to turn off gas, electricity and water supplies

• Keep a small collection of blocks, crates or bricks aside to help you to raise furniture off of the ground

• Make an action plan to use in the event of a flood. (The Environment Agency website also provides advice on preparing a flood plan)

• Work out what needs to be moved upstairs

• Make sure you have the means to keep warm, food, flasks, etc.

• Most things can be replaced, family photographs, however, often cannot - move them to safety in good time

• Move your car to higher ground but only if it is safe to do so.

• If you know that your property is at high risk of flooding; ensure that you have the right equipment to block possible water entry points and slow down the rate of water entering your property; sandbags, flood boards, air brick covers etc.

When flooding is imminent:

If you are at serious risk of flooding it is important not to panic, the following advice will help to prepare you and your home for an imminent flood (Courtesy of the National Flood Forum):

• Ensure gas, water and electricity supplies are turned off

• Move all pets, vehicles and valuables to safety and alert your neighbours (particularly the elderly or infirm)

• Make sure you take measures to prevent or slow the water entering your property

• Place bin bags or plastic vases over table legs to prevent the water from damaging the wood

Stay safe during a flood:

• Always follow any instructions given by the emergency services during a flood

• Avoid walking, swimming or driving through floodwater; it is highly likely to contain dangerous contaminants such as sewage and debris and will hide potential hazards such as holes in the road or other obstacles

• Ensure that you have a supply of bottled water; drinking contaminated water can be hazardous, especially to young children. If you are provided with water from a bowser tank, ensure that it is boiled first and allowed to cool for no longer than 30 minutes

• Wear rubber boots and gloves in and around the affected property and avoid contact with floodwater as far as possible - if contact occurs wash hands quickly

When flooding subsides:

• Before attempting any clean-up ensure that you have adequate protective clothing, floodwater contains hazardous pollutants, use goggles and a face mask in addition to boots and gloves.

• Do not turn on any electrics or gas that might have got wet unless checked by a qualified technician.

• Ensure good ventilation if using portable indoor heating appliances, do not use petrol/diesel generators as they produce toxic fumes.

• Check with your local council if water is safe to drink and wash in.

• Place rubbish in hard bins or rubbish bags, dispose of dead animals (eg. Rats) inside a plastic bag.

We're here to help:

In the unfortunate event that you need to make a claim, please give us a call on 0330 058 9861 to speak to one of our friendly Customer Service team who will be more than happy to help you. Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays). Alternatively, please email us via customerservice@mortonmichel.com