Plan ahead and be prepared
Getting ready for a flood demands swift action and a well-thought-out strategy. Given the unpredictability of weather patterns and the rising frequency of flooding events, proper preparation can markedly lessen the potential for damage to your property and safeguard the well-being of your family and pets.
We've compiled a checklist to assist you in preparing for an imminent flood, featuring some of our pioneering flood defence products from Floodshield.
Our 8 point flood checklist:
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Stay Informed:
Always keep an eye on local weather forecasts and sign up for flood alerts. Knowledge is power, and staying updated can give you a significant advantage in preparing effectively.
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Stock Supplies:
Check and restock your flood supplies kit. This should include essential items such as a first aid kit, non-perishable food, clean water, flashlights, batteries, and waterproof clothing.
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Utility Safety:
Turn off all gas, electricity, and water sources to prevent any accidents or further damage during a flood. This simple step can avert potential disasters.
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Protect Your Furniture:
Use sturdy items like tins to elevate and protect furniture from floodwater damage. For larger items that can't be moved, consider wrapping them in waterproof covers.
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Install Flood Barriers:
Install our Floodshield Flood Barrier and Osmo Flood Barriers where needed. These barriers are designed to provide robust protection for doors and entry points against incoming water.
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Elevate Belongings:
Move important items and furniture upstairs or to higher surfaces wherever possible. This includes personal documents, photographs, and electronic devices that can suffer irreparable damage from water.
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Vehicle Safety:
Move vehicles to higher ground or to another safe location if possible. This can prevent them from being swept away or damaged by rising floodwaters.
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Evacuation Plan:
If floodwaters begin to enter your house, prioritise the safety of your family and pets by evacuating to a pre-determined safe location. Remember, no possession is worth more than your life.
Additional Tips:
- Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities and insurance providers, readily accessible.
- Practice installing your flood protection products before the flood season arrives to ensure you can deploy them quickly and efficiently when needed.
- After the flood, document any damage with photographs for insurance claims and conduct a thorough cleanup to prevent mould and further damage.
Remember, preparation can make all the difference. Adhering to this flood readiness checklist and incorporating Floodshield's array of flood defence solutions can greatly reduce the risks to your home and loved ones. Stay safe and stay prepared.
Forgotten floodwater entry points:
In addition to protecting the larger, more obvious, openings in your house from flooding, it is also worth thinking about the other ways water can get in.
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Downstairs toilets
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Overflow pipes
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Tumble dryer vents
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Cable access holes
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Poor condition doorframes
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Un-flat door sills
Unfortunately, it is often not until we are in a flood situation that some of these become apparent. As such, we have assembled a number of products that can help you in these situations.
And no matter how well you protect your home, once the flood has gone, there will be some clean up to do. We offer a range of products to help make this as easy as possible.
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Air Brick Protection:
View FloodbrickOur Airbrick Covers offer a simple yet highly effective solution to protect your home from flood damage by preventing water from entering through ventilation bricks. Designed for ease and quick deployment, these covers are crucial for safeguarding your property's foundation and interior against water intrusion, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth. As part of a comprehensive flood defence strategy, alongside door barriers and sandbag alternatives, Airbrick Covers provide an essential layer of protection, ensuring your home remains secure and dry during flood events.
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Toilet Sealing:
View Toilet StopperOur Toilet Stopper offers a straightforward and effective solution for sealing toilets, preventing contaminated water from entering your home through the plumbing system. This preventive measure is crucial for maintaining hygiene and safety, minimising health risks, and protecting property during floods. Installation of the Toilet Stopper is simple, requiring no professional assistance, and it serves as a critical component of a household's flood defence. By incorporating this tool into your flood readiness kit, you can ensure a more secure and sanitary environment in the face of rising waters.
UK Flood Insurance
We hear a lot of people who are effected by floods and say "we can't get insurance".
In the UK you can! The government set up an organisation to ensure that insurance comapnies don't exclude those who live in flood risk areas - it is called Flood Re.
Head over to thier website to find out more details.
In the USA, FEMA have the National Flood Insurance Program to help people with flood insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should I take immediately upon hearing a flood alert for my area?
As soon as a flood alert is issued, monitor weather forecasts and alerts continuously for updates. Begin by turning off all utilities at the main switches, including gas, electricity, and water to prevent accidents. Check your emergency flood supplies to ensure they are fully stocked and accessible.
How can I minimise flood damage to my property?
Proactively installing our Floodshield Flood Barrier and Osmo flood barriers can significantly reduce the risk of floodwater entering your home. These barriers are designed for quick deployment, offering an effective first line of defence against rising water levels.
Can I safeguard my electrical systems against flood damage?
Yes, by turning off your home's electricity at the main power source, you can protect your electrical systems from damage and prevent potential hazards. This step should be taken as part of your initial flood preparation measures once you receive a flood warning.
What precautions can I take to protect my belongings from floodwater?
Elevating furniture and valuable items off the floor using blocks or tins can help protect them from water damage. If possible, moving these items to an upper floor or a higher elevation within your home can offer additional protection during a flood.
How can I ensure my family's safety during a flood?
If floodwaters begin to enter your home, prioritise evacuating to a safe location. Ensure your family and pets are moved to higher ground away from the floodwaters. Always follow evacuation orders from local authorities and have an emergency plan in place, including a designated meeting point and a packed emergency kit.
Need advice on preparing for a flood?
Chat with our team of flood experts to ensure you are ready for the next downpour
More help with floods...
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Helpful Flood Resources
View resourcesFREE information to help you beware of, prepare for & deal with floods.
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