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Flood Risks: How To Deal With Them

Flood risks in your home aren’t something you want to be thinking about.

However, flood risks are an important issue we need to be aware of. So, what can you do if you are in a location where there are flood risks?

What does flood risk mean?

Flood risk is worked out on the back of a flood risk assessment. The risk assessment is used to highlight the likelihood of a flood in an area. For example, low-risk flood areas or flood zone 1 are highly unlikely to flood. Whereas high-risk areas like Flood Zone 3b are very likely to have one.

Understand the flood risks in your area

Flood Risks

It’s important to know the likelihood of a flood in your area you can prepare. Prepare you and your family by signing up to receive flood warnings here and it’s also important to create a personal flood plan. By doing this you are preparing in case of an emergency.

Prepare your home for water for flood risks

Having temporary flood protection equipment available to use is another important step. For example; sandbags and flood boards. You should also disconnect the likes of dishwashers and washing machines or any equipment that uses water.

If you are aware that water is about to enter your home, you should switch off any gas, electricity or water at the mains. If your area often gets flooded using an alternative to carpet floors is a good idea to limit damage in your home. Also, look at your home insurance to make sure your house is covered from flood damage.

Evacuating during a flood

If you are told to evacuate your home during a flood do it immediately. You should only return if you have been told it is safe to. Did you know that two feet of water is enough to move a car and 6 inches of fast-flowing water is enough to knock over an adult?

If you have time move any damageable items or electrical equipment out of reach of the water. If you have time take your pets with you, if not put them in a safe high-level place and give them plenty of food and water.

After a flood

Before entering your home after there has been a flood, you must make sure that it is safe to do so. Get a professional out to check whether there has been any damage.  Get them to check any electrical or gas supplies before turning them back on. You must also avoid any electrical wires you have left exposed.

To avoid contact with contaminated water when you are cleaning up, you should wear rubber gloves, boots and goggles. You should also sanitise all items that came into contact with the flood with one cap full of bleach to a gallon of water.

Top Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun

In case we get some sunshine instead of rain,  make sure you take a look at our top tips that will help to keep you safe in the sun here.

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