Developing a Flood Plan for the Home
Flooding can strike suddenly and the effects can be devastating. Apart from the damage caused to home and belongings, getting things back to normal can take a lot of time, money and effort. That is why you should have a flood plan in place.
Developing a home flood plan can be quick and easy and will help to minimise the damage caused by flooding.
Planning for a flood should begin long before the rain does. Start by checking your home and contents insurance. If you are not covered for flood damage, make sure you change your insurance plan to one that does.
Many insurers will expect you to take reasonable steps to protect your home in the event of a flood. You should ensure that valuables are kept upstairs and we recommend investing in sandbags or Hydrosacks. Keep them handy to protect doors and openings to your home if flooding is expected. Sandbags and Hydrosacks can hold back water in the event of a flood and prevent serious damage to your home.
You should also ensure that you keep your insurance documents in a watertight folder, along with emergency contacts and other important documents.
Make sure that you know how to switch off the electricity and gas in your home. You may want to place instructions near the mains switches so you know how to do this in an emergency.
You should also decide what to do if you need to evacuate. You may want to find out if there is an evacuation centre nearby, or whether you will travel to a friend or relative. However, if travelling could be dangerous, you should remain in your home with your flood kit.
Your flood kit could be all you have to rely on during a particularly bad flood. During this time, you could be stuck in your home for several hours without power. So, your flood kit should contain:
- a torch with spare batteries
- waterproof clothing
- blankets
- a basic first aid kit
- bottled water
- a radio
- a mobile phone.
This will allow you to stay up to date with what is happening and, if necessary, contact the emergency services.
You should also ensure that your flood kit is within easy reach. You may need to find it in the dark.
Preparing for a flood can dramatically reduce the damage caused and will help you get back to normal much faster.
For more help and advice with preparing your flood plan for your home you might like to visit:
GOV.UK – Make a Flood Plan
Floodline Scotland
National Flood Forum
Scottish Flood Forum