Floodline

More than one and a half million homes and businesses are at risk of flooding in England and Wales and one of them could be yours. You have a better chance of reducing the damage if you are prepared. Take these few simple steps:

• Call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for advice and information about flooding
• Check if there are an specific flood warning arrangements for your area
• Find out if your area has been flooded before
• Don't wait for the flood to happen - prepare now
• Make a family flood plan so everyone knows what to do in a flood and how to contact each other
• Make a flood kit ( torch, battery, radio, necessary medication, emergency numbers, rubber gloves, insurance policy ) and keep it in a safe place - upstairs if possible
• Make as many preparations as you can in daylight
• Know where to turn of your gas and power supplies
• Watch what's happening. Is the weather worsening ? What are the other people doing/ Should you do the same?
• Move your car to higher ground. Only two feet of fast flowing water can wash your car away
• Check on neighbours, they may need your help
• Block doors with sandbags or floodboards. If you can't get hold of sandbags improvise with carrier bags or pillow cases filled with sand or earth
• Move people, pets and treasured possessions upstairs or to higher ground
• Try to keep warm and dry. Take warm clothes and blankets upstairs if possible, along with a thermos and food
• Keep watching and listening - keep an eye on the weather and monitor television and local radio for announcements
• Don't touch items that have been in contact with the water - floodwater is likely to be contaminated and could contain sewage
• Don't think it can't happen again